The Mirror’s TeamDogs ambassador Shirley Ballas shared her own dog’s devastating story before she met him.
Strictly Come Dancing’s judge has had her Lhasa Apso rescue Charlie for four years now.
But before they met, Shirley told how her pooch was almost euthanised after being abandoned at a shelter.
The Strictly star said it was her son who had first come across the little dog with the broken hip at the shelter on his dog walk.
Determined to save him, Shirley gave her now BFF dog Charlie a home and the rest is history.
During Steph’s Packed Lunch, she said: “It was actually my son he used to dog walk on a Saturday to the shelter. He saw this little fella, with a broken hip, and he was about to be euthanised.
(Image: Channel 4)
“He said you will love this dog. He’s turned out to be my best friend for sure.
“Well one in five dog owners admit to puppy regret. We have a website. TeamDogs.co.uk. We talk everything about dogs. You can get expert advice, connecting all people together, share with each other what are the best things to do.
“Do try to keep your pet if you can. He is just adorable.”
(Image: Channel 4)
Shirley has previously lifted the lid on the joys of having a dog but she admitted at first it can be “really hard”.
She told Wales Online : “The highs of having a dog totally outweigh the lows but bringing a new dog home can be a really hard transition for everyone.
“I remember when I first brought Charlie home, he used to do wee on the carpet! I was filled with guilt until I spoke to fellow dog owners at the park. I didn’t realise that was so ‘normal’ for a puppy.
(Image: Channel 4)
“I’m so thankful I was able to get that insight from other dog owners and hope all of the new puppy parents are able to find similar support.”
Team Dogs features the best walks, food, chews, groomers and toys loved by dogs belonging to The Mirror’s journalists.
The website offers recommendations like dog owners would extend to their own friends.
There won’t be anything featured with less than a two-star rating.
*Steph’s Packed Lunch is on Channel 4 at lunchtime 12:30
Originally from https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/teamdogs-shirley-ballas-tells-dogs-23906153