For The Love of Dogs’ new host Alison Hammond says she has very good reasons for not owning a pup herself but some viewers have noticed she doesn’t even like stroking them

For the Love of Dogs watching the latest episode of the show couldn’t help but say they aren’t totally on board with new host Alison Hammond confessing she doesn’t own one herself.

The presenter has told of her reasons for not having a dog, while legend Paul O’Grady had three, with two of them were rescued from the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. Her explanation didn’t stop some viewers saying the fact she doesn’t have a pup at home takes something away from the show.

Some also noticed that Alison doesn’t like to stroke the dogs, with tragic Paul all over the animals every episode. One fan said on X: “I like Alison but there’s no way she should be on for the love of dogs, reading off a script, scared to even stroke the dogs! Gone from being a loving program to something I can’t even watch any more!”

A second added: “Alison Hammond frighten to touch the dogs sorry cannot watch it switched off.” Other viewers had their views, saying: “Alison is totally not suited. Hardly touches dogs. She has no intention of breaking one of those ridiculous nails” but one did add: “Alison is brilliant she is perfect for the show.”

For The Love Of Dogs viewers were saying the same thing about Alison Hammond following the backlash

Paul loved the animals so much he set aside £125,000 in his will to ensure each of his five pooches were well taken care of. Alison has outlined the reasons why she isn’t a dog owner after some questioned the decision to give her the gig. Speaking to GB News, the doting mum-of-one stood by her decision, explaining: “I’ve already come up with my strategy. I mean, I started off saying ‘I’m going to get a dog.’

“But as time went on, I realised how much actually goes into having a dog and to be a responsible owner is to recognise your own circumstances and see that maybe this isn’t the time to have a dog, however, you know, there’s always the future. I like the ones who are not perfect.

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“Because I’m not perfect myself. I have an affinity for the dogs where there’s something wrong with them or they might be a bit chubby or they’ve got one eye or one leg. I used to watch For the Love of Dogs when Paul O’Grady did it. He was incredible and I absolutely fell in love with all the stories and always wanted to know what was going to happen to the dogs.”

Fans knew Paul O’Grady was a dog lover through and through (
Image:
Getty Images)
She went on: “I didn’t have a dog growing up because my family was a Caribbean family and they just didn’t want to have a dog around the house, but I always loved dogs and used to go and play with them at my mates’ houses.

“So, when I got this opportunity, I was so flattered to be asked to follow in Paul’s footsteps and I really wanted to help the charity, get stuck into knowing the dogs and let people know about all the amazing work that goes on at Battersea.”

The Mirror has reached out to Alison’s representatives for comment on this story.