Alison Hammond has made her debut presenting ITV show For The Love of Dogs after former longtime host Paul O’Grady died in March last year aged 67.
The This Morning presenter, 49, took to the show with her characteristic gusto, and has urged followers to donate to help the dogs living in Battersea Dogs & Cats Home via her social media.
In her debut episode, Alison met an abandoned puppy called Oscar who she helped nurse all the way to a new home, and she followed nine-year-old spaniel Nelly as she went through eye-removal surgery.
Fans praised Alison for taking to the role so naturally, particularly under the difficult circumstances of O’Grady’s death. He had fronted the ITV series since it debuted back in 2012 and was an ambassador for the charity.
‘Fair play to @AlisonHammond can’t have been easy taking this programme over whilst being respectful to Paul. So glad the programme is still being made and all the great work for @Battersea_ is continuing,’ wrote @kelly_xm_ on X.
Meanwhile, @WoodstockLex wrote: ‘For the Love of Dogs! You are absolutely Smashing it, girl. Danny (our rescue greyhound) & I knew you would.’
On Instagram, @traa_dy_looar said: ‘I’ve watched love of Dogs since it was very first aired. You did it Bab, you captured it’s all about the dogs. Love your care of the little old spaniel. Paul would be very proud I am sure.’
‘Amazing Alison, you were wonderful and the dogs clearly connected with you,’ added @kelly-hines.kh.
While the show was airing, Alison took to social media and shared an Instagram story urging people to donate money to help the South West London charity, as she posted a £1,000 target.
She also shared a touching drawing of her walking alongside O’Grady on a book, with lots of dogs and cats by their side.
Text on the artwork wrote: ‘To follow in your steps, is to help every pet find their happily ever after.’
O’Grady left behind an incredible £500,000 to Battersea Cats & Dogs Home in his will.
His will also included £125,000 set aside specially for his own five pooches – Nancy, Arfur, Conchita, Eddie, and Sausage.
His will stated that he was leaving ‘£25,000 in respect of each animal’ and that it should be used ‘for the upkeep and maintenance’ of each until its death.
Pet-owners lined the streets on the day of O’Grady’s funeral with their four-legged friends to pay tribute to the presenter, who devoted much of his life to dogs.
When Alison was announced as the new presenter of the series, some took umbrage with her lack of pets.
Unlike O’Grady, who owned several pets, Alison does not have a dog due to the responsibility involved and that clashing with her life as a working single mum.
‘It’s a massive responsibility. I’ve always wanted a dog but you have to take it seriously,’ Alison explained.
Many others, including O’Grady’s friend Julian Clary, backed Alison for the role.
She told co-host Dermot O’Leary that the 64-year-old comedian messaged to say: ‘Paul actually thought a lot of you. He would be so happy you got the job, as am I.’
O’Grady died ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’ at his home in Kent, with later reports confirming his cause of death as sudden cardiac arrhythmia.
In total, £775,000 of O’Grady’s will was set aside for causes and organisations close to his heart.
He also made a £50,000 donation to various elephant and orangutan charities and gave £50,000 to the Salvation Army, which helped him while growing up in Liverpool
Explaining the significance behind O’Grady’s generosity, a close friend explained how it came as no surprise to them.
‘This is typical of Paul as he put his money where his mouth was by leaving cash to charities that had special meaning to him,’ they told The Sun.
‘And though £125,000 seems like a lot of money to spend on his dogs, they also meant the world to him and he wanted to ensure they always receive the best love and care.’
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