After the sad news of his death aged 67, Paul O'Grady will be hugely missed by family, friends and fans across the nation - including his brood of beloved animals at home.
The comedian-turned-presenter, also known as drag queen Lily Savage, was famous for his love of dogs, and he dedicated much of his professional and personal life to rescuing and rehoming pups in need.
As well as welcoming his pets onto The Paul O'Grady Show and presenting ITV's For the Love of Dogs, Paul was an ambassador for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and a patron for Orangutan Appeal UK and Wildlife SOS.
The legendary TV star helped find dozens of animals new families - and there were many occasions when he couldn't resist taking them home himself.
How many dogs did Paul O'Grady have?
At the time of his passing, it is believed Paul and his husband Andre Portasio had five rescue dogs living in their Kent home, called Nancy, Arfur, Conchita, Eddie and Sausage.
Both Nancy and Sausage were rescued from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home during filming for the hit television show - breaking a promise Paul had kept to himself.
The star once said that "under no circumstances" was he allowed to go home with any more animals - but last February, Paul revealed that he'd fallen in love with Sausage.
The wire-haired dachshund, also known as Soz, ended up in Battersea's centre in London after being found as a stray in Poland.
"I took this hairy little monster home. She's called Sausage, which isn't very original but it doesn't matter as she can't understand a word of English except 'biscuit'," Paul told his Instagram followers.
Two years prior, Paul announced the arrival of Nancy on social media, explaining that he'd been asked by the rescue charity if he'd like to foster a dog during filming.
"I'd grown quite fond of this little pup so I took her home. Of course I fully intended to keep her from the start and I've called her Nancy," he said.
Arfur, Conchita and Eddie all featured on Paul's profiles often, playing at home, cosying up with him on the sofa and causing mischief.
The couple also shared their land with chickens, pigs, sheep, goats and alpacas - though Paul sadly lost one of his dear pet pigs just before his death.
His hog, Tom Tom, had been diagnosed with a tumour and had to be put to sleep while Paul was away from home, performing in a production of Annie.
Heartbreaking decision
In May 2022, Paul had to make the difficult decision to return his latest foster dog Tulip after things got too much.
While filming For the Love of Dogs: What Happened Next, Paul fell in love with an American bulldog and couldn't resist fostering her.
But as soon as she arrived home, Tulip started acting out and disturbing the broadcaster and his other dogs - turning his home into a stressful environment for all.
Her sudden outbursts left his other dogs shaking, so to restore the harmony in his home, Paul had to make a difficult decision.
With a heavy heart, he returned her to the rescue centre but has been cheered up knowing she has already been placed into another home and is getting on well with her new owner's other dog.
Final goodbyes
Paul was forced to say goodbye to a number of animals throughout the years - with one being the iconic Buster who died of cancer aged 14.
The shih tzu bichon frise cross became a familiar furry face after taking up a regular spot alongside the star on Channel 4's The Paul O'Grady Show.
He was put down by vets in 2009 after being diagnosed with the disease and appearing to be in considerable pain, leaving the broadcaster "absolutely gutted".
A page devoted to Buster on Channel 4's website read: "Having grown up on the Big Breakfast Show and Lily Live, he's happiest on television.
"The only downside to being on the show is all the baths he's made to have, as he's happiest rolling around in the dirt on Paul's farm."
Just four years later, Paul revealed how his beloved Olga, a cairn terrier cross, had also been diagnosed with cancer.
He signed her up to an intensive course of chemotherapy veterinary treatment at a cost of about £8,000 to try and pro-long her life.
The precious pooch managed to live another four years before taking her final breath at aged 14.
After having her put down in his garden, he said: "I'm really sad but there was no choice but for Olga to be put to sleep.
"She was ready to go. At least I will have a good night's sleep now. I have been up with her for two nights on the sofa. She's been up in the night vomming and things.
"It's the hardest thing to do but it’s the only thing to do. I knew it wasn't Olga any more, she was a state.
"I shed my tears earlier on in the week. It's heartbreaking. but she had a great life. She loved television studios."
Double tragedy
Sadly, Paul was struck with a double tragedy after his two dogs, Bullseye and Boycie died a year apart during the pandemic.
Bullseye sadly passed away in 2019, and Paul told Radio 2: "I can't handle it, it's what I always say - invite an animal into your life, inevitably you invite heartache."
When breaking the news about Boycie a year later, the television star said he had to "say goodbye" and shared one last photo of them cuddling on the bed.
