Paul O’Grady, who has died at the age of 67, is known for his TV career and his passion for pooches.
The star famously launched his show, For The Love Of Dogs, in 2012 and would regularly visit staff and canines at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home as he shared each pooch’s story on-screen.
READ MORE: Paul O’Grady dies ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’ aged 67 as tributes flood in for TV icon
At his own home, Paul was the proud owner of five dogs – and plenty more in the past – alongside chickens, sheep, pigs, alpacas and goats.
The TV star would often welcome rescue dogs into his home, all living on the farm with him and his husband Andre Portasio.
(Image: paulogrady/Instagram)
Paul and Andre moved in together when the coronavirus pandemic hit in 2020, despite tying the knot in 2017 as they said living apart “worked” for them.
After moving in together three years later they had a huge flock of animals to care for on the farm.
The dogs currently living there include Nancy, Arfur, Conchita, Eddie and Sausage – and it’s likely his husband will continue to look after them in the wake of Paul’s death.
(Image: Can Nguyen/REX/Shutterstock)
Paul was the proud owner of five dogs including a wire-haired Dachshund, Maltese, Jack Russell-Papillon, Chihuahua-Jack Russell and a Jack Russell.
The TV star also once had a dog called Tulip after falling in love with an American bulldog while filming his TV show, but she started acting out and disturbed the other dogs, reportedly leaving his pooches “shaking”, so he returned her to the rescue.
Luckily shortly after her return Paul discovered she had been placed into another home and was getting along with the new owner and their dog.
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Prior to his passing, Paul made countless decisions to bring dogs into his home – and he broke his contract for one special pooch.
One canine, a wire-haired dachshund called Sausage, won the heart of Paul so quickly that he was forced to break a clause in his TV contract to adopt him.
It was claimed that Paul had put the clause in himself in order to stop him from taking home more dogs – but he couldn’t help himself with Sausage.
(Image: paulogrady/Instagram)
The contract prohibited him from taking home any animals from Battersea while filming and previously said that “under no circumstances” was he allowed to go home with any more animals from the shelter.
Aside from his dogs, Paul had six pigs, three goats, lots of chickens, eight barn owls, three sheep and six alpacas.
Paul previously stated of his pets: “I’m always chatting to them all. I’m sure they understand, especially the alpacas.”
Prior to Paul’s death, he was reportedly with his friend Malcolm Prince, who said Paul was “surrounded by his beloved dogs” and “full of life” the day before his death.
(Image: Instagram/paulogrady)
Malcolm said: “Surrounded by his beloved dogs, he was laughing, smiling, and full of life. He was so proud of ‘Annie’, so happy to be back on Boom Radio, and he was looking forward to so many new projects.”
Paul’s death was confirmed by his husband after he died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening.
Andre said of his husband: “He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.
“I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
