Dog lovers and fans of Paul O'Grady have been left in floods of tears after the first episode of the final series of the much-loved presenter's canine-centred ITV show, For The Love Of Dogs, which aired on Thursday, April 13, just weeks after it was announced Paul had died unexpectedly at the age of just 67.
The show follows Paul, who was beloved for his affinity with pooches, as he volunteered at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in London, shadowing the work of those who care for, treat, train and rehome dogs who have been abandoned.
On tonight's episode, Paul met Peggy - a stray two-year-old Newfoundland dog who needed life-changing surgery on her two back legs after some ligaments had broken - Grace, who had an obsession with water, and eight-year-old bichon-frise Katie, who was found wandering in the woods and was "struggling to face anything or anything... she's terrified of everything," said Paul.
After witnessing Paul who was also know back in the day as his alter ego Lily Savage, treated the animals with so much love, tenderness and care, that viewers couldn't contain their sobs - with many taking to Twitter to say how much of a "difficult watch" it was, despite being such a heart-warming show.
Viewer @MattZeeMiller wrote: #POGDOGS so strange watching tonight knowing #paulogrady is no longer here. Such a heart warming show but with sadness feel this series .. #paulogradyrip gone but never ever forgotten."
@babynewt_ also said: "Paul- what are we going to do without Paul helping these dogs. I'm crying #POGDOGS," while @mandi_mandib commented: "I knew this would make me cry, Paul was a special person with all the animals he has come across and I don’t think we will ever get someone like that #POGDOGS".
@RaeCX added: "So hard watching #POGDOGS tonight. Not sure if my tears are for @RealPOGDogs or the dogs," while @SuzieCoxo said: "In floods of tears over all the dogs and the beautiful soul of Paul."
"That was the most heart breaking episode of them all. A huge loss to the nation, what a lovely man #POGDOGS," penned another @victoriaauty.
Speaking in a previous interview, Paul called Battersea his "second home" and said: "It's always such a joy to be back at Battersea. It really is my second home and I’m part of the furniture now. There are some smashing dogs in the new series, they really are lovely. But some sad stories as well and of course there is a dog that I fall in love with too. There always is.
“When we first made this programme, I certainly didn't expect to stay this long but here I am, 12 years later. It's such a simple little show really. No special effects, no shiny floor. Just the dogs, the incredible people who work with the dogs, and me. But the reaction it still gets is really lovely.”
Paul O'Grady's For The Love Of Dog's continues next Thursday on ITV1 at 8.30pm.
READ NEXT:
- Stars film in Swansea for new ITV crime drama Delia Balmer about serial killer John Sweeney
- Reunion Hotel: The emotional moment a Welsh former heroin addict reunites after 16 years with man who helped him get clean
- I'm A Celebrity South Africa start date, line-up and what we know so far about the all star series
- The One Show's Alex Jones says she was a 'wreck' before husband Charlie as she shares sweet insight into marriage
- Antiques Roadshow expert dies, aged 71
