Spoilt Collie finds time at Battersea hard after life of toast and crumpets

Before coming to Battersea, pedigree Rough Collie Luke had lived the life of Riley, eating toast and crumpets, being wrapped up in warm towels and sleeping in a human bed. But when his owner became ill and couldn't look after Luke anymore, he brought the one-and-a-half year old to the charity where the poor spoilt pooch had a bit of a shock.

Luke's dog bed and kennel wasn't quite the soft feather bed he was used to, and his poor tummy proved rather sensitive to the dog food served up by Battersea staff.

Rob Young, Head of Rehoming at Battersea, said: "Luke lived a rarefied life before coming to Battersea and it proved quite a shock. He became withdrawn and frightened in kennels and the food upset his sensitive stomach. Battersea isn't the Ritz and it can be a stressful environment for sensitive dogs, but we have a dedicated team of staff and volunteers on hand to keep dogs as calm and comfortable as possible."

Despite Luke's nerves, the Edward-Jones family from Seaford were delighted to meet him and knew that he would make a great addition to their family.

Hugh Edward-Jones said: "As soon as I saw Luke, I couldn't resist. He is so lovely natured and attractive. My daughter actually wanted a great big hound, but when we saw Luke, I knew he was the perfect size and temperament for our family. I have to admit he's still quite spoilt. He does seem to think he's entitled to his spot on the bed, and looks at you indignantly when you tell him otherwise. Whenever you're eating, he'll give you a gentle prod on the arm as if to say 'How about it?' He's such a lovely dog – I can't thank Battersea enough for bringing Luke into our lives."

Viewers of ITV's Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs will see Luke meet Paul on ITV on Thursday 13 November at 8.30pm.

If, like Hugh, you would like to fall in love with an incredible rescue dog, please call Battersea on 0843 509 4444 or visit www.battersea.org.uk.

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For more information on Battersea, or any of the other dogs waiting to find a new home, please email press@battersea.org.uk or call 020 7627 9265.

Notes to editors

• Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs has been filmed across Battersea's three sites in London, Old Windsor in Berkshire and Brands Hatch in Kent
• For further information on Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs visit the ITV Press Centre at www.itv.com/presscentre
• You can find more information on all of the dogs and people from all three series at www.battersea.org.uk/pogdogs
• Established in 1860, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home aims never to turn away a dog or cat in need of our help. We reunite lost dogs and cats with their owners through our Lost Dogs & Cats Line or care for them until new homes can be found for them, giving them shelter and the highest standards of kennelling and veterinary care.
• Since it was founded, Battersea has rescued, reunited and rehomed over 3.1 million dogs and cats.
• In 2013, the Home cared for 5,421 dogs and 3,120 cats.
• For further information on Battersea Dogs & Cats Home please visit www.battersea.org.uk

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