Strictly stars Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez had the pawfect day meeting celebrity pup Pickle.
Pickle has become an instant hit at Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary, in Lancashire, where Gemma is president, after he was brought in earlier this year.
The Chihuahua cross Jack Russell was bought on Gumtree but his new owners found he couldn’t walk.
When he arrived at the sanctuary, he was the size of a hairbrush, weighing just 400 grammes, and it was touch and go.
He now faces a life-saving operation to lead a happy and healthy life.
Gorka Marquez kisses Gemma Atkinson's pregnant bump as they gear up for birth
Gemma and Gorka, who are expecting their first baby in a few weeks, met him for the first time and were immediately won over at Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary’s Open Day.
"I fell in love with Pickle and hope, once he has had his operation, he will lead a healthy and happy life,” said Gemma, who has two dogs Ollie and Norman.
"Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary is a superb charity and Pickle is in the best hands, like all the animals at Bleakholt are."
Bleakholt’s operation manager Karen Weed, who has looked after Pickle since he came in, explained: “Pickle has a spinal condition which is causing his vertebrae to press on his spine.
"The good news is he can have surgery but the bad news is he does have a higher risk with anaesthetic.
“Should the operation be successful he should have a good quality of life without the need for further treatment.
“Without surgery he will be unable to walk and it would be unfair to continue.
“Due to his size and complex condition it is a spinal specialist operation which requires equipment to be made especially for him and so the cost does run into thousands of pounds.”
Donations can be made to Bleakholt via www.bleakholt.org and click the donate button on the website.
