Viewers found themselves "in tears” on Thursday, April 13 as Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs returned for its final series. The new series airs on ITV1 following the tragic death of host Paul last month aged 67 - read more about that here.
Minutes into the first episode, we were introduced to two-year-old Newfoundland Peggy, who arrived at Battersea Dogs Home as a stray. When meeting Peggy, Paul learned that she was prone to medical issues and had issues with her back legs.
Peggy underwent a four-hour operation at the Royal Veterinary College in the hope of repairing her back legs. Paul supported her during her recovery, which lasted around eight weeks, and included physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and assisted walks in a supported harness.
It was later revealed that following her recovery, Peggy was able to be rehomed and, although Paul expressed interest in adopting her, he said in a voiceover that he wasn’t able to.
There were several powerful, emotional, and of course, funny moments in the first episode of For the Love of Dog's new series as Paul bonded with the dogs and got into a few scrapes along the way.
Paul nearly gets taken out by an excitable mixed breed
Elsewhere in the episode, Paul met a hyperactive mixed breed called Grace. Jumping up to introduce herself, Grace nearly knocked him to the floor.
Battersea Dogs Home staff described how Grace kept flooding her kennel by knocking over her water bowl. In a bid to calm the excitable dog down, Paul let her off her lead outside so she could enjoy time in a paddling pool.
Timid dog finally allows Paul to pet her
Later on, Paul was introduced to an incredibly timid Bichon Frisé called Katie. At the slightest touch, she flinched.
Upon spending time with another dog, Katie did come out of her shell. By the end of the episode, she responded well to Paul petting her.
Paul's 'hard' goodbye to Peggy
Upon saying goodbye to Peggy at the end of the episode, Paul 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."
In Memory of Paul O'Grady
The episode was dedicated to Paul's memory. A title card at the end of the programme showed a photo of Paul, accompanied with the words: 'Paul O'Grady MBE 1955-2023'.
Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs continues on ITV1 and ITVX on Thursday, April 20 at 8.30pm. For the latest TV and showbiz news sign up to our newsletter here.
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