For The Love Of Dogs viewers have expressed mixed feelings towards new host Alison Hammond, who does not own a dog herself. Some viewers feel that her lack of ownership takes away from the show, especially since previous host Paul O’Grady had three dogs, two of which were rescued from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. Additionally, some viewers have noticed that Alison doesn’t seem to enjoy stroking the dogs like Paul used to, which further added to the criticism. Despite the backlash, there are some viewers who appreciate Alison’s presence on the show, saying that she is perfect for the role.
Alison has defended her decision not to own a dog by explaining that she recognizes the responsibilities of being a dog owner and that she doesn’t feel like she is in the right circumstances to have a dog at the moment. She shared that she has a soft spot for dogs that have imperfections or special needs, as she sees them as relatable to herself. She expressed her admiration for Paul O’Grady’s work on the show and how it inspired her to want to be a part of it, despite not having a dog while growing up in a household that didn’t have them.
Alison’s upbringing in a Caribbean family that didn’t want dogs around the house led to her not having a dog as a child. However, she always had a love for dogs and would often play with them at her friends’ houses. She sees her role on For The Love Of Dogs as an opportunity to follow in Paul O’Grady’s footsteps and help raise awareness about the work done at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. Despite not having personal dog ownership experience, Alison is dedicated to learning about the stories of the dogs featured on the show and showcasing the charity’s efforts.
Paul O’Grady’s deep love for dogs was apparent to fans during his time as the host of For The Love Of Dogs. He even left a substantial sum of money in his will to ensure the well-being of his five dogs. Alison has big shoes to fill, as fans remember Paul’s affection for the animals and the genuine connections he formed with them. While some viewers may miss Paul’s presence on the show, others are willing to give Alison a chance and appreciate her efforts to contribute positively to the show and the charity it supports.
In addition to the response from viewers, Alison’s representatives have been contacted for comment on the backlash towards her on the show. It remains to be seen how Alison will continue to navigate her role as the host of For The Love Of Dogs and whether she will continue to grow and connect with the audience and the dogs featured on the show. Despite the initial criticism, Alison’s dedication to promoting the work of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and her admiration for the animals suggest that she is committed to making a positive impact in her role as host.
