Fans of Paul O’Grady were devastated when they saw For the Love of Dogs on Thursday night.
This week, O’Grady returned to his favourite Battersea Dog Home series posthumously to accompany viewers as a young Lurcher was nursed back to health and a beautiful Yorkshire Terrier was rehomed.
The renowned host, who died ‘unexpectedly but quietly’ in March at the age of 67, also spent time with a terrified Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
While watching the ITV broadcast, supporters took to Twitter to express their sadness and bewilderment that O’Grady was no longer alive.
One person was even reduced to tears, writing on Twitter: ‘As expected, I’m crying all the tears at #PogDogs! What absolutely incredible work all at @Battersea_ do. I still find it hard to believe that Paul O’Grady is no longer with us.’
Another person added: ‘#POGDOGS really miss Paul it just feels so strange without him never really gotten over it tbh. R.I.P Paul you were so loved in life and in death so missed by everyone!’
Someone else said: ‘Watching #pogdogs and just can’t help but feel Paul is still with us.’
‘Just noticed For the Love of Dogs is on awww so heartbreaking. God miss Paul what a legend,’ added another Twitter user.
Another tweet read: ‘I still can’t believe this wonderful, caring, warm human being Paul O’Grady is no longer with us. He’s so good with all the dogs. It’s so sad that he’s gone…I miss him beyond words [heartbroken emoji].’
We're over the moon to have won 'best factual TV program' at this year's @OfficialNTAs! Thank you to everyone who voted and the biggest thank you to Paul for shining a light on rescue dogs and cats. #POGDOGS will always hold a very special place in our hearts at Battersea 💙 pic.twitter.com/Pw509EMNpe
— Battersea (@Battersea_) September 5, 2023
O’Grady, a strong supporter for canine safety and security, launched the ITV documentary series in 2012, centred at the London animal care facility.
Kevin Lygo, ITV’s managing director of media and entertainment, remarked following O’Grady’s death, ‘We are lucky to have had a long affiliation with Paul at ITV. He was a big, incomparable talent who delighted our viewers with his humour and entertainment with a warmth, humour, and pleasure that audiences of all ages could identify to and connect with.
‘He had a profound passion for animals too, which resonated with so many viewers, and For the Love of Dogs remains one of our best-loved series, and a really special programme for so many.
‘All those who worked with Paul are shocked and deeply saddened at his passing and the thoughts of everyone at ITV are with Paul’s loved ones.’
Source My Celebrity Life.
