Paul O'Grady's beloved dogs from Battersea's Dogs & Cats Home formed a guard of honour at his funeral as dogs lined the streets to witness the procession. The much-loved comedian and presenter was an ambassador for the charity before his death last month.
The 67-year-old died at his home on March 28 "unexpectedly but peacefully" according to his husband Andre Portasio. It was later confirmed the Lily Savage star died from sudden cardiac arrhythmia. A private funeral took place on Thursday but local residents were invited to watch as the funeral procession travels to the icon's final resting place with people encouraged to bring their pets.
See more: The touching photos as icon Paul O'Grady is laid to rest
The star rehomed five dogs from the home while he filmed his award-winning programme Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. More than £270,000 has been raised for the London-based charity since O’Grady’s death. The guard of honour by Battersea Dogs & Cats Home was a special nod to Paul’s work with the animal charity of which he became an ambassador in 2012.
Hundreds of people lined the streets with their pets to watch the procession. Lisa Porter, from Battersea Dogs Home told ITV: "We always wanted to come and pay our respects to Paul. Luckily enough we were able to come and do that.
"Obviously we were able to do some filming with Paul over the years, we've all met him, and it was something we all wanted to do. If he could have he would have taken every dog home."
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