ITV's latest instalment of For The Love of Dogs reduced viewers to tears as the late Paul O'Grady met an abundance of beautiful pets in search of a new home.
While the star passed away aged 67 last month, he had prior filmed the new season at the renowned Battersea Dogs& Cats home - with producers at ITV airing the final string of shows in tribute to the incredibly caring and charitable presenter.
And last night's episode saw Paul come face to face with Murphy - an adorable spaniel which had been left in a state of permanent fear through a tirade of abuse and subsequent abandonment by previous owners.
Read more: Paul O'Grady's Instagram breaks fans' hearts as sad post appears weeks after his death
Paul met with a dog behaviour expert, who in-turn gave Paul a trust-building exercise to try out with the canine - who had been left incredibly weary of people through past experiences. In which, Paul would transfer dog treats from a cup and into a bowl to keep Murphy's attention.
Paul was eventually able to give Murphy a stroke, showing signs that trust was slowly but steadily building between the pet and the TV personality. And at the end of the episode, it was revealed that the spaniel was eventually adopted - after improving social skills and trust in people.
Viewers of the programme wasted no time in taking to social media to announce how their emotions were running high - as they watched Paul interact with the dog throughout, with a number of fans admitting they were reduced to tears by the tear-jerking segment.
One, wrote: "#pogdogs Murphy has got me in tears. @Battersea_Xxx," while another, added: "Poor Murphy stole my heart and Paul was right I did cry I also cried when he ran around with the other spaniel #pogdogs."
A third, penned: "#pogdogs emotional journey but fabulous tribute. Florence (and our) favourite show. We miss you Paul. x," while a fourth, went on: "Couldn’t hold back the tears when I seen Murphy the spaniel, don’t know how anyone could leave him like that. So glad he found a happy home or I would of had him #pogdogs."
A fifth, added: "Watched #pogdogs with a frog in my throat still. Still can’t believe he has passed away. Bless him Xx," while a sixth, chimed in: "How happy is Murphy now. Warm feel good tv #POGDOGS @ITV please continue a @Battersea_ type show in future keep focus on pets in need."
Another, said: "Murphy is breaking my heart :0( #pogdogs how Paul is with him too heartbreaking @Battersea_."
Paul tragically passed away 'unexpectedly but peacefully' from sudden cardiac arrhythmia at his home in Kent, March 28. Reports say that the instance was linked to ischemic heart disease, with Paul suffering three heart attacks by 2021.
Did you watch For The Love of Dogs last night? Let us know in the comments.
Read next:
- Paul O'Grady's cause of death confirmed weeks after TV star died age 67
- Paul O'Grady funeral date and details confirmed, as invites to mourn are sent
- Paul O'Grady: A life in pictures
- Paul O'Grady: For The Love of Dogs final series start date confirmed by ITV after star's death
- ITV's Paul O'Grady left 'emotional' in heart-wrenching For The Love of Dogs return
