Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake is a series I’ve been desperate to do for a decade

As a film enthusiast with a profound affection for canine companions, I find myself deeply moved by Pete Wicks’ journey and commitment towards rescue dogs. Having spent a considerable part of my life surrounded by four-legged friends, I can attest to their transformative power on one’s life.

As I prepared to boogie down on Strictly Come Dancing (a sentence that still feels surreal), my dear mum graciously took care of Eric and Peggy, our beloved French bulldogs with a unique charm – one-eyed Peggy being the star among them. Even though their playful antics were missed, I knew they’d be doting on my mum like there’s no tomorrow. To top it off, she even plonked them in front of the telly to witness my “fatherly” dance moves. Let me tell you, I was more likely to receive a 10 from those pooches than from the infamous Craig Revel Horwood!

While it might seem blunt, it’s accurate – I find dogs more appealing than people. You may not fully grasp this until you own one yourself. Dogs have made a profound positive impact on my life and I’m dedicated to giving them the best care I can.

The deep-seated affection, or one might say an unwavering fascination, for rescue dogs of mine started when I turned ten. After persistently urging my mother, she eventually relented, and we welcomed Arnie into our home. Our connection was immediate – I gained an instant friend, and he found in me a source of love, trust, and consistency. We journeyed through life side by side.

In 2016, I saved Eric from the Dogs Trust facility in Basildon. Back then, Lisa, the center’s manager, helped me find Eric. It’s truly meaningful to document her remarkable work, which I’ve been observing for all these years, in my latest four-part documentary titled “Pete Wicks: For the Love of Dogs.

It’s a series I’ve been desperate to do for a decade. Why? Well, it’s estimated that there are around 100,000 dogs in UK rescue centres. But only one in five people who get a dog, get a rescue. I hope this film encourages more people to see dog rescue as a viable option. Even the dogs in the most wonderful centres, with the very best teams (all absolute unsung heroes in my eyes), need a home of their own.

Filming the series was a privilege, but also emotionally difficult. I don’t mind saying that.

On numerous occasions, tears welled up as I bore witness to a dog’s difficult beginning in life. The sorrow in their eyes was palpable. However, with tender care, their unique character gradually blossomed. It can be an arduous journey to help older dogs who have endured years of mistreatment regain trust, but the payoff – witnessing their transformation into loving companions – is immeasurably heartwarming and enchanting.

It’s often assumed that rescue dogs and puppies encounter more challenges than those purchased from breeders. However, it’s essential to remember that all dogs have unique histories and behavioral patterns. While it’s true that difficulties can arise with any dog, it’s important to note that puppies from irresponsible breeders may face numerous issues, such as severe health problems requiring immediate veterinary attention, which in some cases could potentially be fatal.

Additionally, social media contributes significantly to an unhealthy trend of valuing “designer” dog breeds as fashion items. However, the true experience of caring for these animals is far removed from this superficial perception. As I discuss in my book ‘For the Love of Frenchies’, treating dogs as desirable accessories instead of loving, sentient beings has exacerbated the issue of unscrupulous breeders who prioritize profit over the well-being of their animals. These parents are frequently mistreated and callously discarded once their breeding life ends.

This is something I’ve spent a decade trying to raise awareness about, as well as volunteering – I’ve even helped to rescue dogs from meat farms in South Korea. But I hope this series draws more attention to the problems on our doorstep.

We’re a nation of dog lovers – there are around 12 million of them in the UK. But not everyone should have a dog. It’s a massive responsibility. If you can enrich a dog’s life and give them what they need, then do it. If you have any doubt about your ability to do that, don’t. As much as we want every dog to be re-homed, just one negative experience is the minute they go back ten steps and further trauma is created. What they all deserve is commitment, stability and love.

2024-12-23 18:35

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