Fans of the late Paul O’Grady were devastated after seeing him meet a mistreated dog named Murphy in the newest episode of his cherished programme For The Love Of Dogs.
O’Grady, 67, died ‘unexpectedly yet quietly’ at home on March 28.
He was put to rest last week after a private burial at St Rumwold’s Church in the Bonnington hamlet.
In Thursday’s episode of For The Love Of Dogs, O’Grady met Murphy, a two-year-old Spaniel suffering from a painful skin condition and described as one of Battersea’s most withdrawn dogs.
Murphy was soon discovered abandoned, and it became evident that he’d been abused by his prior owners, leaving him cautious of strangers.
When O’Grady first saw the dog, he said, ‘Look at the state of him. This is a crime. There are no excuses, none at all. He must be in excruciating pain.’
O’Grady worked closely with a behavioural specialist to assist the dog overcome his phobia of human connection, and he was soon able to touch him.
After forming a close relationship with the dog and showering him with love and care, the television star was able to offer him a pet.
‘If you’ve ever felt like crying it’s now,’ he remarked.
While watching the episode, viewers were left in tears and rushed to share their feelings on Twitter.
One said: ‘Half crying for Murphy and half for Paul O’Grady – can’t believe this wonderful caring person is no more.’
Another wrote: ‘Bawling!! Paul O’Grady with Murphy. He was just the most amazing human being – dogs know who they can trust!! Breaking my heart.’
@RealPOGDogs just watching the last series crying at poor Murphy the spaniel and crying for Paul O’Grady. 😢😢
— Rainbow (@murrychris1) April 27, 2023
@Battersea_ gosh I don’t think I’ve felt this emotional for a long time…dear little #murphy #pogdogs made all the more sad at how much Murphy affected Paul. I want to fast forward to the Murphy bits! 💙
— Linda Grainge (@lindakimou) April 27, 2023
Couldn’t hold back the tears when I seen Murphy the spaniel, don’t know how anyone could leave him like that. So glad he found a happy home or I would of had him #pogdogs
— Jennifer ⎕ (@CoombesyJ) April 27, 2023
Poor Murphy stole my heart and Paul was right I did cry I also cried when he ran around with the other spaniel #pogdogs â¤ï¸
— Sara Crystal (@SaraChibble) April 27, 2023
Bawling!! Paul O Grady with Murphy. He was just the most amazing human being – dogs know who they can trust!! Breaking my heart ♥ï¸ðŸ¾ #pogdogs
— Sinéady 💕🎯⚽ï¸ðŸ‡®ðŸ‡ª (@sineadmcanenny) April 27, 2023
I’m not crying, you’re crying 😥 #pogdogs Poor Murphy. It breaks my heart that Paul is no longer here – the way the dogs are with him ðŸ˜ðŸ’”
— peggy carter 💜💙â¤ï¸; (@MegWarr09285908) April 27, 2023
‘I’m not crying, you’re crying 😥 #pogdogs Poor Murphy,’ a third posted. ‘It breaks my heart that Paul is no longer here – the way the dogs are with him 😍💔’
Mourners gathered to honour O’Grady during his burial last week, with the ceremony featuring a succession of personal tributes to the performer, including a bronze statue of his beloved late dog Buster on a leopard-print blanket.
Famous figures in attendance included Julian Clary, actress Dame Sheila Hancock, and the late Dame Barbara Windsor’s husband Scott Mitchell, as well as Rolling Stones musician Ronnie Wood and comedian Alan Carr.
The Salvation Army Band performed songs from the musical Annie, in which O’Grady was performing in a touring production at the time of his death.
Source My Celebrity Life.