More heartbreaking cases for ‘The Dog Rescuers’

Tuesday: The Dog Rescuers with Alan Davies; (C5, 7pm)
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

You have to admire Alan Davies First the Essex-born stand-up had us rolling in the aisles with his witty stand-up (winning the 1994 Edinburgh Festival Critics Award for Comedy, no less), both on stage and then on the radio.

Spool forward to 1997 and he blew us away with his performance in the lighthearted crime drama series Jonathan Creek, playing the eponymous role as the creator of magical illusions who turned his intellect to solving fiendish, seemingly impossible crimes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It won a BAFTA for Best Drama and ran for an impressive seven years.

Alan returned to his comedy roots when he became a regular panellist on brain-busting quiz QI, sitting at the right hand of erudite original host Stephen Fry, before going on to amuse current presenter Sandi Toksvig and delight fans of the show with his daft banter, amusing antics and almost innate ability to sound the klaxon. Blue whale, anyone?

For most celebrities, no matter which furrow they ploughed, that would be more than enough to create a CV they would be proud of.

But among all these achievements, and nestled among several other projects too, Alan Davies has also carved out a niche as the presenter of this heart-tugging, eye-opening documentary series.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It follows the work of RSPCA inspectors as they find and rescue an array of dogs from a wide variety of situations.

In some cases, their owners are too elderly or ill to be able to look after them properly. Sometimes the inspectors also stumble on stomach-churning cases of cruelty or neglect that can leave us viewers shaking with rage.

From matted and filthy dogs that have been abandoned by callous owners to malnourished or abused animals, the cameras have brought it all into our living rooms.

This week’s episode features an injured saluki, which is found with a fractured leg so badly damaged it has to be removed. Meanwhile, Alan meets a staffie cross suffering from a skin condition that needs some careful attention. Of course with such darkness comes light, and the series doesn’t focus for too long on the negative: it also spotlights lots of inspirational rehabilitations and heart-warming rehomings, not to mention showcasing the many canine heroes who work on humans’ behalf.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It offers advice on everything from new ways to bond with man’s best friend to highlighting how you can foster a dog, and has followed the life of a rescue puppy from birth all the way through to adulthood.

While falling in love with hundreds of puppy-dog eyes over the series, we’ve also come to understand the challenges the inspectors face, and the amazing emotional rewards they can reap. Sitting at home in the comfort of our living room means we’re very far removed from the smells and sounds the RSPCA inspectors experience, but there’s no getting away from their courage and dedication.

It is as inspiring as it is uplifting and, just like seeing Alan Davies on the telly, the world could do with a lot more of it.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Thank you