Staffie stars of 'Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs'

Sparkle’s story touched the heart of the nation. She was found dumped in a suitcase in a London park, severely emaciated and desperately neglected. During her time in our clinic, she gradually put on weight and recovered from her ordeal. Despite being treated so cruelly at the hands of the humans who left her to die, Sparkle’s affectionate and friendly nature won over all who met her.

This lovely girl, who is now called Amy, is enjoying life with her new family, Paula and Mark Oliver from Clacton-on-Sea.

Mrs Oliver said: “Amy is just such a beautiful dog, we couldn’t have asked for anything more. Her eyes say so much – there is still some sadness about what she has gone through in her short life but also there is so much love for what her life is now.”

Older chap Marcel was a firm favourite when he came into Battersea as a stray. His comedic manner and cheeky personality earned the nickname Steptoe after rag and bone man Albert Steptoe from BBC sitcom Steptoe and Son.

He’s got many celebrity admirers including Hulk Hogan, Alan Titchmarsh and Paul O’Grady, as you will see in our ITV1 series. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when John Rooke from east London took Marcel home to start a new life.

John said: “Marcel has the life of luxury, he can frequently be found snoring away in any cosy corner he finds or in the warm weather sunbathing on a bench. He’s very much loved, he’s a wonderful affectionate character and he’s part of the family.”

Marcel’s adventures are now charted on Twitter marcel_thedog

Comet came into our care as a sorry-looking stray and found life in our kennels quite stressful. He gained many admirers due to his affectionate and playful character and his love for human companionship. As you will see in the ITV1 series, he was given a type of therapy called Tellington Touch, which aims to reduce an animal’s anxiety through specific massaging techniques. The treatment was given by Sarah Fisher, who has pioneered the American practice in the UK. She also gave Paul some lessons on how to use the technique.

This was just what the doctor ordered for Comet and he soon left the kennels behind when he was taken home by Gina Beston, who renamed him Hugo. She said: “We feel so lucky to have welcomed Hugo into our home. He’s incredibly gentle and loving – everyone who meets him comments on how kind and well behaved he is. We would urge anyone looking for a new pet to visit Battersea and meet some of their wonderful Staffies, as they really do complete your family.”

You can keep up to date with all Comet's adventures on his Facebook page here

Frank has long been a Battersea celebrity. Since being rehomed by Rachel Mailley from Essex when he was six months old, this six-year-old boy has stopped at nothing to show that Staffies are super.

He is an agility champion - as viewers of our ITV1 series ‘Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs’ will have seen, a singing sensation who is well known for his trademark howl, he regularly wins fancy dress competitions and, along with his friend English Bull Terrier Roxy, visits children living with cerebral palsy to help them relax.

Rachel said: “I’m so proud of Frank, he is a real crowd pleaser. Frank does attract admirers wherever he goes, he’s such a wonderful dog and proof that Staffies are softer than people may think.”