Episode 13 Dick 'N' Dom Go Wild

This show features professionals

working with potentially dangerous animals.

So, do not, I repeat, do not try this at home.

Did you know that there are people all around the country

who work their socks off

to help wounded wildlife and poorly pets?

And we've got VIP passes for some willing helpers

who will get stuck in

at vets, wildlife sanctuaries and rescue centres.

On today's show, James and Isaac get in a flap with a bald eagle,

and give a dog's teeth a polish at the doggie dentist.

Chelsie and Kayla fawn over a fawn,

get badgered by a badger

and set free a fox.

And we give a fishy treat to a pup in need of plumping up.

-OK, let go.

-Yes.

-Yay!

It's tough and dirty work.

But someone's got to do it.

In this series we've been to forests, farms and freezing beaches,

but animals don't just live in the countryside,

so I'm going to an inner city vet's practice in Newcastle upon Tyne.

'Joining me are two chaps who are always up for fun and games.

'Meet Isaac and James from West Yorkshire.

'Let's not pull any punches, Isaac isn't into animals.'

I just really don't like them at all.

OK, that's fair enough, I suppose.

Are there any animals you really aren't potty about?

I can't stand a dog.

Thankfully, loads of animals are a real hit with James.

I like dogs, I like hamsters, guinea pigs, spiders.

My favourite animal is a monkey because they swing from trees,

they're cheeky and they like bananas.

So, one who's anti-animals and the other who's positive about pets.

These two are going to drive me up the wall.

I could have a fight on my hands bringing Isaac to James's thinking.

Boys, drop everything

and get yourselves along to the vet's practice.

Yes, madam, we'll have your snake's legs fixed in no time.

And the same to you.

Ah, Isaac, James, how are you?

So, Isaac, basically you don't really like animals.

No, beside rats. They're cool.

You're the only person I've met that likes rats.

-Right, and James, you like animals?

-Yeah.

-We've got to get him round to your way of thinking.

-Yeah.

So, to become vet's assistants put these on.

So, get them on and let's get started.

'Yes, what better place to come than a practice full

'of weird and wonderful creatures in need of a hand?

'Not to mention Isaac's least favourite animals.

'It's on with the outfits as they become vet's assistants for a day.

'Looking good!

'Let's get down to business, helping Rachel on reception.'

Next, please!

'What do you know?

'Their first patient is Isaac's least favourite animal.'

-Hi.

-Morning.

-This is Pixie, is it?

-This is Pixie.

-Is she in for a dental today?

-Yes.

'Pixie is a 12-year-old dog who was found wandering the streets.

'Her owners didn't want her,

'but she now has someone who looks after her.'

-That's lovely, thanks very much.

-Bye.

'The boys' first job is to check Pixie to see she's healthy.'

OK, so the first thing we do is to weigh Pixie.

-What does that read, Isaac?

-Nine kilograms.

OK, that's a healthy weight, now we'll get her checked by a vet.

Let's go this way.

And there's loads more work for the lads

later down at the doggie dentist.

But first, let's see what Dom's team are doing in Surrey.

I'm at the Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue Centre which looks after

British wildlife in peril, whether fun and furry or scaly and scary.

Luckily, we've got two helpers.

Meet Kayla and Chelsie, two girls from the West Country

who do not get into a spin about wildlife.

Chelsie may be an expert in karate

but she's not a black belt in beasts.

All they do is look at you, stare and then eat

and then they stare and then they go to sleep and sometimes they poo.

Yeah, it smells.

'Kayla thinks animals are boring.'

They're not really that exciting. They can't talk.

That's why I don't like animals, if they could talk I'd like them

cos you could have a conversation with them. They're boring.

'These girls don't make a song and dance about animals.

'Jump to it, you two, and we'll see what we can do to change your mind.'

Girls, girls, girls, hello.

-Hello.

-Hello.

-All right?

-Yep.

Kayla, you are bored by badgers, daunted by dogs,

-frightened by foxes, yeah?

-Yep.

-What are you doing here?

-I don't know.

-OK. And Chelsie, you think animals stink of?

-Poo!

They do sometimes, I suppose. We're going to have a great day.

I've got someone that wants to meet you.

'This place looks after more than 1,000 wild animals every year.

'Today it's got a two more helpers.

'First up, the girls will report to the boss.'

This is Anne, she'll be guiding you today. What will they be doing?

They'll be meeting different types of wildlife that you don't see normally.

At the end of the day you'll love them all.

'Surely a baby deer will get these two girls whooping about wildlife.

'This two month old fawn is called Lafiki.

'Lafiki was found when he was two weeks old, crying for his mum,

'and so hungry that he couldn't stand up by himself.

'The team have been nursing him back to health

'and they'll look after him until he can survive back in the wild.'

-Kayla, have you ever seen a fawn before?

-No.

-Never touched one?

-No.

-OK.

-Are you interested in meeting one?

-A little bit.

-Anne, they're not very enthusiastic.

-We'll change that.

-Yeah?

Yeah, we'll lift their spirits. I think the animals will do that.

'Because Lafiki doesn't have a mum, he's bottle-fed his milk.

'So, that'll be the girls' first job.

'How will they fare when they try to feed the very hungry baby deer?'

James and Isaac are helping Jason the vet

check Pixie is ready for the dentist.

Because she's quite old, we're going to check her heart.

I'll let you listen.

Do you want to make the noise you can hear?

Da-dum, da-dum, da-dum.

'Pixie's heartbeat is strong. She'll be safe to undergo an anaesthetic.

'And while she's under it looks like she needs a good polish.'

Look at those. Can you see that plaque?

She might need some teeth out. A good reason to clean your teeth, eh?

So what's going to happen to Pixie today, then?

She'll get her teeth scaled and polished,

and if any teeth need removed, we'll pull those out.

'Before that can happen, Pixie needs an ID tag

'so she doesn't get mixed up with any of the other dogs

'visiting the vets today.'

You're going for orange, nice.

OK, so could James please write Pixie's name on here?

'Pixie is a member of the Oldies Club, an organisation

'that looks after elderly and unwanted dogs.'

If she's at the Oldies Club, does that mean she has no owner?

She used to have an owner but they didn't want her any more,

so yeah, someone looks after her for the time being,

then someone hopefully will have her full-time.

'So, it's on with Pixie's ID collar.

'And just for good measure, one on her lead, too.'

Excellent. Now, shall we find her a comfortable kennel?

-Good plan.

-Lovely.

'Dog-lover James leads Pixie and Isaac is also getting into

'the swing of this canine game.

'We'll catch up with them later to see how the dentist's goes.

'Let's hope it goes down better than her breath.'

It's smells like sausages.

I don't know what sausages you've been eating.

'Chelsie and Kayla aren't wild about wildlife

'but they're about to feed a fawn in an animal rescue centre.'

Here we have Lafiki. Now, who's going to feed him?

You are? You were the least keen in the first place, weren't you?

So how are you feeling about it now? Nervous?

-Yeah.

-You'll be all right.

There you are.

Thankfully, Lafiki doesn't really care who feeds him.

He just wants his breakfast.

He's desperate for a drink.

Hold the milk up at an angle.

Hold it high up here. Have you got it now?

Cos if it was his mum he'd be stretching up to drink the milk.

'Lafiki is a fallow deer. When he grows up he will be huge.'

When he's fully grown he's going to be enormous with big antlers.

You're only a baby, aren't you?

He's a mammal,

so he'd have lots of attention and grooming from his parents.

He likes being touched and he needs attention cos he's only young.

'It's time for Chelsie's milk duty.'

-I'll give it a shot.

-Yeah?

And Lafiki's enjoying breakfast so much he doesn't even stop

when nature calls.

It's in one end and out the other. just the same as babies.

Well done, Chelsie.

Once brekky's gone, Lafiki hunts for more, anywhere he can.

He tries Chelsea's trainers.

-Lafiki, no.

-"Me?!"

And even our film crew.

He's eating the director's trousers.

'Don't worry about it, Lafiki gets well fed here,

'but it's time for us to go.'

So, girls, have you enjoyed the experience?

Yep, I enjoyed it.

You enjoyed it? It was nice? Chelsie, what about you?

It's OK, but I need more convincing.

-So you need some more work to do?

-Yeah.

-OK.

-We've got just the thing for you later.

-Yeah? Let's go.

How will the girls do later when they feed some bitier beasts?

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get this close.

BADGER SNORTS

Ha, ha, ha, yes.

First, it's time to get someone's flippers in a flap.

Ah, this is the life...

Deck chair, relaxation,

Rich out to work, the beautiful scenery of...

Oh. Ah, yes, hello, Lindsay.

Look at him, he's like a coiled spring.

He can't wait to help out with anything animal related,

so what have you got for him?

Lindsay, I'm here to help.

Excellent, well I've got a nice job for you. Our friend is a seal,

so you need to put a little earring in his flipper so we know who he is.

So when he goes for his last bit of rehab with the big resident seals

we know who he is by what number of tag he is.

I'll put a stretcher over him. You'll jump on him, keep him still.

-What do you mean "jump on him"?

-Dom'll put his earring in.

Hang on a minute, I'm reading about da facts.

I'm not going to pierce no flipper.

'Well, it's time to do our bit for conservation.'

OK, Rich, you need to sit around.

'David, the seal, needs an individual ID tag

'so the conservationists can check on how he's doing in the wild.'

Quick, put your knees down. You want to get his left flipper out.

'This won't hurt a bit.'

-About there?

-Yeah. 1, 2, 3, go! That's it, pull it.

'That's not so bad, is it?'

A Little spray so it doesn't get infected.

'There's just time for a fishy treat.'

Down a little bit for him.

OK, let go.

-Yay!

-In she goes.

I just want to cuddle David, to be honest.

He looks so lovable and gorgeous with those big puppy dog eyes.

But I shouldn't, should I?

No! He looks cute and cuddly,

and they're described as having teddy bear faces,

but they have a nasty bite.

He is a wild animal and this is the way we want to keep him,

so we don't want him to get used to us and we don't want him to kiss us.

Well done, boys. You did a great job. David's tagged and fed,

so job's a good'un.

A big round of applause for David.

That's the sea lion, boys, not a seal.

I've never felt so foolish.

'James, who loves animals,

'and Isaac, who doesn't, are on the move at a vet's in Newcastle.

'They're assisting vet Emma in a bit of doggy dentistry.

'While Isaac isn't struck on animals, he does like the strangest things.'

Do you like going to the dentist?

Yeah. I look forward to going.

-What?! You like going to the dentist?!

-Yeah.

-I love it. I love the smell.

-The smell?! What's wrong with you?!

I don't know.

Well, let's see if Pixie likes it.

'Let the procedure begin.'

Dr Dick is ready!

'Enough messing around, time to sort Pixie's teeth.

'Pixie was given an anaesthetic so she doesn't feel pain.

'Now vet Emma can get to work.'

Can you see all the tartar that's been building up?

I'm going to crack it off and the teeth are underneath.

-Oh, it stinks.

-That's the tartar that smells really bad.

It's like plaque on our teeth, isn't it?

It is, yeah.

-It smells like sausages!

-I don't know what sausages you eat!

DRILL WHIZZES

That's an awful sound.

Like when you're having a filling and they get the drill.

I thought you liked the dentist?

That's a dog dentist, it's different.

'Just like humans, dogs lose their first set of teeth

'when they're young, before growing their adult set of 42 teeth,

'10 more than a human.

'If Pixie does need some teeth taking out, she'll cope just fine.

'But Emma would rather just give them a good clean-up.'

-Do dogs have fillings?

-They can if there's a broken tooth

and the pulp is exposed,

which is where the nerves and blood supply are.

We can drill that all out and fill it with a filler.

So they keep the tooth but they don't feel pain or get infections.

Do any teeth need removing?

I don't think so.

There's a hole, but it's just a gap between two teeth,

so I'm just going to leave them.

'So, there'll been no visit from the tooth fairy,

'but, if you ask me, James and Isaac could earn

'some cash by signing up as vet's assistants.

'We've awoken Isaac's interest in animals.

'And speaking of waking up...'

-So she's coming round now. How are you feeling, guys?

-Good.

-Enjoyed it?

-Yeah.

We'll just let her recover a little bit further

and then we'll put her in a kennel and check later.

-So, she's ok?

-She's all fine. Clean teeth, clean bill of health.

'But how will the boys do when they have to wing it with a raptor?

This is probably the most impressive birds you'll meet.

Yeah, it's amazing.

'Chelsea and Kayla don't care much for animals, so we've taken them

'to a wildlife rescue centre to meet some furry friends.'

-What have you spotted?

-Badger.

This one's going back into the wild soon, is that right?

Yeah, he is, yeah.

'Bill the badger was taken in by the team here

'when he was just a tiny cub after his mum was killed by a car.

'They're planning to release him, but they need to check his health.'

Hello, Bill, look.

What's wrong?

-Scared!

-Why, what do you think Bill's going to do?

-Bite me.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get this close.

BADGER SNORTS

"Ha, ha, ha, yeah, it is."

'Bill is only this friendly because he's been hand-reared.

'You lot should not go near a badger.

'They only usually come out at night.

'And talking of things that only come out at night,

'meet Brian May, the 1970s rock legend.

'He was lead guitarist with a band called Queen.

'They sold over 300 million albums worldwide.

'If you're wondering why he's here,

'legendary rocker Brian is an animal lover.'

I love these creatures.

All animals deserve a break and every animal matters.

I don't know what you think about him, do you like him?

He's all right.

He's not doing anybody any harm, is he? He's a lovely little boy.

Are you a little bit more interested than when you first arrived?

-Yeah.

-Brian, I think that's a bit of a start.

'It looks like Brian's affection

'for Bill is starting to win the girls over.'

-How can you not love him?

-He's cute.

But before he can go into the woods, he needs to be checked for illness.

Vet nurse Hazel is testing him for a disease called TB,

which causes breathing difficulty and is very infectious.

If I can get one of you to hold that for me.

That's the blood tube.

If Bill does have TB, he certainly won't be released.

How are you feeling about this at the moment?

It's a bit nerve-wracking, isn't it?

Yeah, a bit tense.

'We're about to find out the results of Billy's blood test.'

I'll be sad if it it's like...

If he has to be put down.

'A result of negative would be good news,

because it would mean that Bill doesn't have TB.'

-So, what do you think Billy is?

-Negative?

Yeah, I reckon he's negative!

So that means Billy's all right!

'So, it's a belting result for Bill and Brian.'

-Girls, happy?

-Yeah.

-Happy about that news?

-Yeah.

And most of all, Billy, how are you feeling about it?

You happy? You going to go back into the woods?

'But will Chelsea and Kayla manage to get some foxes

'on the road to freedom later?'

Disgusting.

First, it's time to meet a miniscule mouse.

I just can't see anything.

-They are Britain's smallest rodents, the harvest mouse.

-Oh!

Heads or tails?

-Tails.

-Tails it is, yes.

These mice have prehensile tails, which means it's like a monkey.

They can swing on things.

Which is a good as they build their nests above ground level.

-Heads or tails?

-Would it help you if I said heads?

Heads, it is! And they, of course, have heads with very big ears,

because they've got very good hearing and very good eyesight, as well.

-Heads or tails?

-What's this one for?

This is to spruce up the trees and the hairy bits?

You mean to clean out the poo?

-Yes! Heads or tails?

-Tails?

Yes, you lose! So, there you are. Be careful cos they only weigh

as much as this 20p piece,

which I'm going to use to buy a cup of tea.

Yes, umm...

Oh.

Earlier, we met James and Isaac, who isn't bothered about beasts.

Well, if there's one animal that might turn his head,

it's this great big bird.

It's not the kind of thing you're likely to see in Britain.

In fact, Akorah is from a bird centre,

and he's here today to see if he needs an identity chip fitted.

Time to introduce him to James and Isaac.

All right, boys?

This gentleman has bought a very special bird in.

Any clues what sort of bird it is?

-An Eagle?

-Very good. What sort of eagle?

-Bald eagle.

Well spotted. He wears that hood in new places

so he doesn't get frightened.

Why have they got, you know, the bumpy things on their feet?

These are scales, to protect the feet. Nice and hard.

Are their feet dangerous?

Yes, they kill animals, they kill salmon, they kill rabbits with them.

They hold them with the front three toes, and the long one at the back,

is the one that kills. It goes in like a knife.

'Rare birds like these can be very valuable, so it's important

'they can be traced. So vet Jason's going to fit a microchip.'

We know it hasn't got a microchip,

so we'll get our glamorous assistant through.

'As well as having super-sharp claws,

'the wingspan of bald eagles can reach two and a half metres.

'So, probably not the best pet material.

'All right, there's no need to get in a flap.'

So Gerry's now going to put a blanket over its wings.

He can put it on to its side.

'With Akorah settled down,

'Jason can insert the chip that will show anyone who he belongs to.'

And the reason we put it there

is so that unscrupulous people don't remove it.

'James double checks the chip,

'and it's time to let Akorah spread his wings.

'Before the boys get some hands-on experience

'with one of nature's most majestic birds of prey.'

How does it feel, boys?

A bit like a normal feather, but a bit smoother.

-This morning you weren't interested in animals, were you, Isaac?

-No.

But now you're standing by a bald eagle.

Not many people get to do this.

This is one of the most impressive birds you'll meet.

-It's amazing!

-You don't just like rats any more?

Well, I still like rats, but every other animal, I like.

I think we've done our job. There's one last thing to do.

'To round off a pretty perfect day, Pixie is now wide awake

'and ready to be reunited with her canine carer.'

James has a present for you.

Pixie the dog, the new star, all in good health.

-You can take her home.

-Excellent. Thank you very much.

-No problem.

'Tatty-bye, Pixie, the pooch with a pearly white smile.'

'Back in Surrey, Chelsea and Kayla weren't bothered about animals.'

Come on, then, girls. Come in here.

'This is a den of fox cubs who are just five months old.'

They were this big when they came in, and very cute. She's a lady now.

'That one is Cynthia, the boss fox.

'All the foxes here were taken in as orphan cubs by Anne and her team.

She came in with some tummy injuries.

The people that found her didn't actually know it was a fox cub.

They phoned a cattery first, thinking it was a kitten.

Kayla, you were, not anti-fox beforehand,

but you weren't overly keen on foxes, were you?

What do you think now you've got one rummaging by your feet?

It's all right. It's not as scary as I thought it would be.

'Today is a big day for this fox and her friends.

'They're being soft released.

'They'll be able to come back to this pen,

'but they can go out into the world for the first time.'

Girls, the stage is yours.

'The girls put dog food in a line to lead the foxes to the doorway

'and into the open space.'

Disgusting.

'Cynthia looks keen.

'But don't forget, these aren't pets,

'so don't try feeding foxes yourself!'

It looks like Cynthia's kind of following the trail.

She keeps going back, having a little buffet

and then going back to her sofa!

'The dog food's down. It's time to open the door.'

Come here, what's this? Job's a good 'un.

'Job is a good 'un, Chelsea.

'The girls put a bit more of that dog food outside

'to tempt the foxes into the open.

'All we can do now is sit and wait.'

This is one of those things that could either take five minutes

or five hours.

Look, she's coming.

'This is the first chance they've ever had to leave their pen.

'Cynthia is the first to show an interest.'

Is she going?

'She plucks up the courage quicker than Anne and Brian expected.'

Hooray, Cynthia! Hooray!

It worked!

'The other cubs will follow Cynthia when they're good and ready.'

-She's looking around.

-A little explorer. Oh, she's gone.

'For now, Cynthia has a new life out in the woods.'

-Have you seen her again since she went into the bushes?

-No.

-She's well set up to get out there.

-A proud moment for you?

-Fantastic.

I feel a bit choked, really. I don't know about you?

I think you guys have done an amazing job lending a hand.

Yeah, thanks for helping us out. It's really good.

-I bet you'll remember it.

-Yeah.

'So, that's Chelsea and Kayla won over by wildlife.

'And to help them remember the day,

'they should at least get a souvenir.'

Your prize for being so wonderful is some leftover dog food. No?

Are you sure?

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