Interview: Matt Baker
Matt Baker talks about what appealed to him about the series.
We caught up with the former Blue Peter presenter to talk about the show, his top tips for a happy dog and to see how Meg is doing.
Can you tell us about the series?
The series is basically everything you need to know about the life of rescued dogs and cats. We go behind the scenes at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
We're also going to be doing these Pet Matches whereby where anyone who is really serious about getting themselves a rescued dog or cat can apply to Battersea and our experts go out and assess their lifestyle and then, from there, there will be two possible matches. They'll then come down and see what match works best for them.
We'll also have vets on, so if anyone has any pet problems they can get in contact.
What appealed to you about presenting Animal Rescue Live?
Well, I've grown up with dogs. I did Blue Peter for 7« years and had my dog Meg with me at the time. I've trained sheep dogs since I was a little boy and without doubt they are my favourite animal. When I was asked if I was interested in doing it, I leapt at the chance. I can't think of a better way of spending the morning by being surrounded by hundreds of dogs. We'll be doing what we can for them and giving them the lives that they deserve.
What advice would you give to would-be pet owners?
I think you have to be realistic about what a huge responsibility it is. You're taking on the life of another creature and you have to be prepared to put the time in. You should look into all the things you need to do to be a responsible pet owner - if there's a single doubt in your mind, I wouldn't even go there, because it's not fair on the animal. At the end of the day it doesn't want to end up back in the rescue centre where it came from.
What's your top tip for keeping a pet dog?
Stimulation, without doubt. It doesn't have to a fifteen mile walk every day, you keep your pet stimulated even if you're just sat down in the lounge. Sit down and give it something to do to keep it occupied because boredom is the worst thing a dog can have.
You also trained Meg's pups Monty and Henna - is it something you enjoy doing?
It's brilliant. There's nothing better for me. It's about getting into a dog's mind. It's not about saying 'sit, walk on, move here, move there' because every dog is different. If you can get into their mind, you can work out how they tick and you can train them with what works for them... that's what I find fascinating.
I love animals: they're a great companion if you get it right. To go out on a hillside and to work them and to bring down a load of sheep when you're controlling it - it's just phenomenal, the two of you working together.
Can you tell us about your first pet?
The first dog that I remember was a St Bernard. I used to walk underneath it, it was that big. Cromwell, we called it, and we used him to pull us along in the snow. Cromwell used to get so excited when the snow came because he knew the sledge was coming out.
Do you think we still are a nation of dog lovers?
I think we are a nation of dog lovers but I think that some people need to be more responsible. Some dogs have become fashion statements but their owners need to realise what a huge responsibility it is. I think we are a nation of dog lovers and think this programme be a huge success because of that. When I worked on Blue Peter, Meg would get more fan mail than me!
How's Meg doing?
Meg is fantastic. She's enjoying her retirement, doing lots of sheepdog work and enjoying a more laid-back lifestyle.
