Alison Hammond, the presenter of This Morning, recently faced backlash from critics after taking over hosting duties on ITV’s For The Love Of Dogs following the death of original host Paul O’Grady. The show’s ratings experienced a dip, but Alison responded to the criticism on social media by retweeting supportive messages from fans. She expressed gratitude for the positive feedback and defended her role on the show, emphasizing her love for dogs and her desire to help the charity. Despite the initial mixed reception, Alison’s return to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home for another episode drew in a substantial audience of over 1.8 million viewers.
Alison has addressed the negative comments about her not owning a dog, explaining that she does not currently have a pet due to her circumstances but has always loved dogs. She shared her admiration for dogs with unique qualities, expressing her interest in helping them find loving homes. Despite not having a dog growing up, Alison grew up in a Caribbean family that did not keep pets, but she always enjoyed playing with dogs at her friends’ houses. She was flattered to be asked to host the show and follow in Paul O’Grady’s footsteps, showcasing her dedication to promoting the work done at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
The presenter clarified her decision not to get a dog in the near future, acknowledging the responsibility that comes with pet ownership. Alison expressed her preference for dogs with imperfections, as she finds beauty in their differences, similar to her own imperfections. She highlighted her affinity for helping dogs that need extra care, such as those who are overweight, have disabilities, or have unique features. Alison’s humility and compassion towards dogs have resonated with fans who appreciate her commitment to supporting the charity and raising awareness about animal welfare.
Alison encouraged trolls to refrain from watching the show if they did not support her role, emphasizing that the focus should be on helping Battersea Dogs and Cats Home rather than criticizing her hosting abilities. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the show and showcase the heartwarming stories of the dogs looking for forever homes. Despite the initial backlash, Alison’s return to For The Love Of Dogs attracted a significant viewership, demonstrating her ability to engage audiences and continue the legacy of the late Paul O’Grady.
Reflecting on the extensive reaction she received for joining the show, Alison shared her surprise at the negative feedback and defended her passion for dogs. She compared the criticism to questioning someone’s love for children if they do not have kids. By sharing her personal connection to dogs and her desire to support the charity, Alison aimed to shift the focus from her hosting role to the heartwarming stories of the dogs featured on the show. Her dedication to promoting animal welfare and helping dogs find loving homes resonates with viewers who appreciate her genuine care and compassion for animals.
Alison’s response to the backlash demonstrates her resilience in the face of criticism and her commitment to raising awareness about animal rescue. By leveraging her platform as a presenter, she continues to advocate for the well-being of pets and support charities like Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. Despite the challenges she faced as a new host of For The Love Of Dogs, Alison’s heartfelt approach to storytelling and her genuine love for dogs have endeared her to fans and highlighted the importance of promoting animal welfare on television.
