Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs viewers were emotional during the closing scenes of tonight's episode when Paul O'Grady said goodbye to a rescue dog that he had formed a bond with.
The ITV show - which debuted in 2012 - returned for the first episode of its final series tonight, which aired just two weeks after it was announced that Paul had died.
The episode introduced fans to dogs at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home's rescue centre in London, including a two-year-old Newfoundland named Peggy who had only just arrived as a stray.
Paul ended up "completely in love" with the four-legged resident, who underwent a four hour operation at the Royal Veterinary College to repair her back legs.
He supported Peggy during her recovery, which lasted for around eight weeks and had included physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and assisted walks in a supported harness.
It was later revealed that following her recovery she was able to be rehomed and, although Paul expressed interest in adopting her, he said in a voiceover that he wasn't able to.
Paul - who was an ambassador for the charity - has adopted several dogs from the rescue centre over the years, including Sausage, Nancy, Arfur, Eddie and Conchita - who had been his most recent canine companions.
He commented during the episode this evening: "Oh dear, I wish I was ready for you, Peggy, but I am afraid I can't do it this time, there's just no room at the inn."
Paul was seen saying goodbye to Peggy at the end of the episode, ahead of her being rehomed by her new family. He told her: "It's been a real privilege knowing you.
"It's not every day you get to meet a special dog like you. You're very beautiful. I've got to go now, alright sweetie. It's been lovely knowing you. Good luck. Take it easy, Peggy."
As he prepared to leave, Peggy seemed to whine for him, which prompted him to say: "Don't Peggy, please." He added in a voiceover: "It's too hard to say goodbye."
Viewers found his farewell emotional following his own death last month, with them taking to Twitter earlier this evening to share their thoughts on the episode.
One person wrote: "Felt quite emotional watching him with Peggy and having to say goodbye." Another said on the platform: "Paul saying goodbye to Peggy is just too much".
"I'm bawling now just felt he was saying goodbye to everyone never mind to Peggy," wrote a third. Whilst another said: "It's too hard to say goodbye… you were right Paul".
Another wrote: "Paul saying bye to Peggy. Sounding like he was saying bye to everyone". Alongside a crying emoji, one viewer tweeted: "Paul saying goodbye to Peggy".
"That goodbye was a bit poignant," wrote another. Another quoted the late presenter, writing: "Paul saying to Peggy 'I've got to go now'. I choked up when he said that".
One viewer said: "Paul saying goodbye to Peggy I can't". Another tweeted alongside a crying emoji: "'But I've got to go now' hits in a very different way now".
For the Love of Dogs continues next Thursday (April 20) on ITV and ITVX. You can catch up on previous episodes of the show through streaming platform ITV now.
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