Paul O’Grady’s dog Boycie has died.
The 64-year-old star’s radio producer pal Malcolm Prince shared the sad news on social media, as he confirmed the passing of Paul’s pet pooch.Sharing a snap of the ‘For the Love of Dogs’ host and his beloved canine on Twitter, he wrote: "A message from Paul… Sadly, he had to say goodbye to Boycie today.
"He asked me to share this photo #TeamPOG #paulogrady #FarewellBoycie. (sic)"
Boycie reminded the radio presenter of his former dog Bullseye, and he was left heartbroken when his pooch died in February last year.
He said: "I can’t handle it, it’s what I always say – invite an animal into your life, inevitably you invite heartache."
Reflecting on Bullseye – who was epileptic – at the time, he added: "He was such a lovely dog, he had a thing about doorways, you had to coax him through them and he wouldn’t go upstairs. It was part of his condition I think, he was a sweet little dog and sadly missed."
Boycie’s passing comes after animal lover Paul urged people not to rush into adopting a dog themselves during the coronavirus lockdown.
While he admitted he sympathises with people wanting a companion at home, he insisted people need to be aware of the responsibility they’re taking on.
He explained: "I think you should be really cautious about getting a dog at this time because this isn’t forever you know. I know the sentiment and where it is coming from. I really do sympathise.
"What happens when all this is over and the owner goes back to work? The dog who is used to having people round all the time might find itself on it’s own. I understand and I can talk.
"I just pick a dog up and get on with it. Say you worked in an office or something the dog will be alone and might get separation anxiety."