0:00:02 > 0:00:04I've spent a lifetime asking awkward questions,
0:00:04 > 0:00:06the ones we all want to know the answers to, but - apart from me -
0:00:06 > 0:00:09are probably too polite to ask.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11What's wrong with being ugly?
0:00:11 > 0:00:13Do you think you're a good enough mother?
0:00:13 > 0:00:15I think I'm a fantastic mother.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18- Do you have to say that on camera? - Yes.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21'I've been up and down Britain putting people on the spot,
0:00:21 > 0:00:25'demanding to know those things that really matter to them,
0:00:25 > 0:00:27'but they'd rather not talk about.'
0:00:27 > 0:00:30- Are you in a relationship? - It's complicated.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33'Our obsession with how we look.
0:00:33 > 0:00:35'Our worry about being a good enough mother.'
0:00:35 > 0:00:38It's a bit like how I train my dog.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40'The secrets we don't tell anyone.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44'Discovering what really goes on behind closed doors.'
0:00:46 > 0:00:47- Hello!- Wendy.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49'Tonight, our absurd passion for pets.'
0:00:49 > 0:00:51Wow.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54'Half of us in Britain own some sort of pet,
0:00:54 > 0:00:58'a figure much higher than any of our European neighbours.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01'Why are we so daft and sentimental about animals?'
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Is that it?
0:01:03 > 0:01:05'Because they're much nicer than humans?'
0:01:05 > 0:01:08I would never settle for any love from anybody that is less
0:01:08 > 0:01:10than what the rabbit gave me.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12'Because they enhance our social standing?'
0:01:12 > 0:01:15When you're looking at it between two pricked ears,
0:01:15 > 0:01:17you feel as though you own that castle.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20'Or because they allow us to be very silly indeed?'
0:01:20 > 0:01:23Good evening, it's Magnificats live from London.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28'I'm also going to give two devoted dog owners the chance
0:01:28 > 0:01:33'to compare their entirely opposite ways of adoring their pooches.'
0:01:33 > 0:01:35- Dog beer.- Dog beer? Really?
0:01:35 > 0:01:37Mind you, they're not driving.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41I want to understand - what is the point of your pet?
0:01:43 > 0:01:44Whoa, steady! Steady!
0:01:44 > 0:01:46THUMP
0:01:46 > 0:01:48You so nearly landed right on your feet, Anne!
0:02:00 > 0:02:03Ellie! Come on! Sit!
0:02:04 > 0:02:06I've never been without a dog.
0:02:06 > 0:02:07This is Ellie.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11She's a very contrary working cocker spaniel
0:02:11 > 0:02:13and life without her would be unthinkable.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16She has seen me through a divorce, a daughter's wedding,
0:02:16 > 0:02:19the birth of two grandchildren
0:02:19 > 0:02:22and countless other huge occasions.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24As a nation, of course, we're animal mad,
0:02:24 > 0:02:29but other people's pets - it's sometimes hard to see the attraction,
0:02:29 > 0:02:31but I'm going to try.
0:02:33 > 0:02:38The pets we choose to be bonkers about reveal a lot about who we are.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42Bird fanciers - I hate birds, by the way - are outgoing.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45Those who keep snakes are said to be independent.
0:02:45 > 0:02:46I'd say creepy.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49A horse owner is likely to be aspirational.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51I'd say posh.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54'My journey to finding the point of other people's pets
0:02:54 > 0:02:58'starts in Windsor, part of the Royal County of Berkshire, with Lucy.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01'Posh? My dear, she used to be editor of Horse & Hound.'
0:03:01 > 0:03:04Hi. 'Here's her pet, Rosey.'
0:03:04 > 0:03:07I don't know if she'll come and say hello.
0:03:07 > 0:03:08She's a bit of a grumpy one.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10- Come on, Rosey. - Why is she so grumpy?
0:03:10 > 0:03:13Well, um, she likes her own space.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15Actually, she's being quite pleasant.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19But often, she meets you with a sort of ears back snap...
0:03:19 > 0:03:20a bit more like that.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23She doesn't like being touched. She likes her own space.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25She's not a great friend in the stable, but absolutely lovely
0:03:25 > 0:03:26when you're on her back.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29- Did you grow up with horses? - No, I didn't, oddly enough.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32I was just the classic little girl who fell for them completely.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34I had a little corner in my bedroom, my horse corner,
0:03:34 > 0:03:37where I had little ceramic horses and I kept a list
0:03:37 > 0:03:39of every pony I had ridden at the riding school.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43- What's the point of her for you? - She is excitement.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45You know, I've hunted her, I've evented her.
0:03:45 > 0:03:46She is relaxation.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49She's time out of the rest of my life.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52Are the children and your husband as enthusiastic about your hobby?
0:03:52 > 0:03:54They are not horse people through and through,
0:03:54 > 0:03:57so they do groan a bit. "Oh, Mum's off to the yard.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59"Mum's in her jodhpurs," you know, "We can't do X or Y,
0:03:59 > 0:04:01"we're going to have to go to the yard."
0:04:01 > 0:04:05'Even worse, Rosey's upkeep runs to a lot more than my Ellie's dog food.'
0:04:05 > 0:04:08These shoes are really special ones with pads and they are,
0:04:08 > 0:04:13um, £130 every six weeks, if I'm lucky.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16Even a little brush is probably £20 for a nice leather one
0:04:16 > 0:04:18and it costs a lot of money to insure a horse,
0:04:18 > 0:04:21because there's so much you can do to help them.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25- How much a year?- Well, about £700 I spent insuring her a year.
0:04:25 > 0:04:30- And the livery costs?- It's around about £900 a month to keep a horse here.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33It's like having another child at quite a smart school.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37On a quick piece of arithmetic, we're looking towards 16 grand a year.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39- Do you have to say that on camera? - Yes.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43'Indeed. In Britain, we spend more money on our pets
0:04:43 > 0:04:45'than any other country in Europe.'
0:04:46 > 0:04:48We've got all sorts in here.
0:04:48 > 0:04:49Wow.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52Some people get excited by handbags or stationery.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55- Does tack...?- I think for most riders, tack does it.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59You know, the smell of a tack shop is better than the smell of a baker.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02You know, that combination of glycerine and leather and sweat.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04And horse smell and manure and...
0:05:04 > 0:05:07You sound as though you recognise, remember the smell.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09I was a member of the Pony Club.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13I got the tie, got the badge, a bit of eventing,
0:05:13 > 0:05:16but I was one of those who sort of...
0:05:16 > 0:05:20Not lost interest, but stopped around 16.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22- Mm.- But you never forget it.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24It's like riding a bike. It's with you for life.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26'Hmm. We'll see.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30'It's a long time since I trotted out in my Pony Club tie, but here goes.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32'I'm joining Lucy and her friend, another Lucy,
0:05:32 > 0:05:36'for a spin around Royal Windsor Great Park.'
0:05:36 > 0:05:38# I'm back in the saddle again. #
0:05:41 > 0:05:44'A decent place for a Queen of Mean.'
0:05:44 > 0:05:47If you had to choose between motherhood and horses?
0:05:47 > 0:05:50That's a really low, below the belt question, actually.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- Of course it is.- I never craved having children,
0:05:53 > 0:05:55as women are supposed to.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58I have two lovely children I am thrilled to bits with,
0:05:58 > 0:06:01but it's the pony, the horse that I wanted all my life.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04Of course, you would never give your children up, but then, I will have
0:06:04 > 0:06:07my love of horses and my time on a horse long after the children
0:06:07 > 0:06:09have given up visiting.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11Look at that. Absolutely gorgeous.
0:06:11 > 0:06:12Fantastic.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- Is this why you do it?- Yes.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17It's magic, isn't it?
0:06:17 > 0:06:20It's like going to a movie premiere on the arm of Daniel Craig to me.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22It's just...
0:06:22 > 0:06:25I think it's better than on the arm of Daniel Craig, actually.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28Well, I mean, you feel as though you own that castle, really.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30When you're looking at it between two pricked years.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32Well, we do own it, Lucy One and Lucy Two.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35We don't get to visit it, but we do own it.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38MUSIC: Black Beauty Theme
0:06:38 > 0:06:42'And aren't I doing well keeping up with the Lucies.'
0:06:45 > 0:06:47Oh! Steady, steady, steady. No.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49- THUD! - It's all right.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51You're OK, you're all right.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54'That loud bump is an ageing TV presenter hitting the ground.'
0:06:54 > 0:06:57Actually, you so nearly landed right on your feet, Anne.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00- You were very nearly on your feet.- 'I did.'
0:07:02 > 0:07:06Anyway, bravely having dusted myself down and shot the horse,
0:07:06 > 0:07:08I move on to Lucy's home in Eton College.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13- Hello!- Thank you.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16This is Pepper. Showing you the way.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19'Lucy's husband Tex is a house master at Eton.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22'One with an equal passion for horses?'
0:07:26 > 0:07:32Tex, does Rosey fill you with as much enthusiasm as she does Lucy?
0:07:32 > 0:07:35Yes, certainly she does, because she is a great excuse
0:07:35 > 0:07:39to get these two out during the dark December afternoons.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42The greatest excuse is that you've got a horse that needs walking.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44Do you find Rosey a bit of a luxury?
0:07:44 > 0:07:46Oh, a complete luxury, yes.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48But as long as Lucy is earning her own wage,
0:07:48 > 0:07:50then that's absolutely fine.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53And is her personality different when she's with Rosey?
0:07:53 > 0:07:56There's no doubt that at the end of a couple of hours away from
0:07:56 > 0:07:59A - away from me and the children, but B - definitely having been
0:07:59 > 0:08:01with the horse for a couple of hours, she's been in her own
0:08:01 > 0:08:05space and she comes back a very much changed and more relaxed person.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08So you've got something to be grateful for for Rosey,
0:08:08 > 0:08:09even if she costs 20 grand a year?
0:08:09 > 0:08:12It's an expensive way to get a relaxed wife, but, yes,
0:08:12 > 0:08:13it's probably worthwhile.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- Thank you very much indeed. - Pleasure.
0:08:17 > 0:08:18Thank you!
0:08:19 > 0:08:21'As a far rustier rider than I'd imagined,
0:08:21 > 0:08:26'I hadn't surreally expected to rekindle my love affair with horses, but...'
0:08:26 > 0:08:29I actually totally get the point of Rosey the horse.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34What Rosey gives Lucy is an escape,
0:08:34 > 0:08:39a refuge and, most importantly,
0:08:39 > 0:08:43what most mums long for, a sense of self.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51'If a horse can give Lucy her own identity,
0:08:51 > 0:08:53'what's the best a dog can offer?
0:08:56 > 0:08:58'Alan was once a nurse.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00'He now lives precariously in Brighton with Obi,
0:09:00 > 0:09:02'his Tibetan terrier.'
0:09:04 > 0:09:06Tell me about your life originally.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10- What was your job?- I was a psychiatric nurse for 26 years of my life.
0:09:10 > 0:09:15- And how did it all collapse? - I had quite a large heart attack
0:09:15 > 0:09:17and damaged my health completely.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20I became incredibly depressed.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24My wife said to me, "I can't see any future in us."
0:09:24 > 0:09:26- Oh.- And I agreed.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30Why couldn't she see any future?
0:09:30 > 0:09:33I completely lost respect for myself.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37- Yeah.- In doing that, I completely disrespected her.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39Tell me how you and Obi came together.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42My wife decided to give me a parting gift.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44She said, "This will keep you alive."
0:09:44 > 0:09:45Oh.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49- So she had the house... - She had the house, I got the dog.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51And the Dyson.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54'Alan's life continued to spiral downward.
0:09:54 > 0:09:59'Homeless, he and Obi ended up sleeping rough on Brighton beach.'
0:09:59 > 0:10:02- And were you very depressed? - Oh, yes.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05- How depressed? - Suicidally depressed.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08Walking along on the edge of cliffs depressed.
0:10:09 > 0:10:10Come on!
0:10:11 > 0:10:14What stopped you from walking over?
0:10:14 > 0:10:16My phone rang
0:10:16 > 0:10:19and it was my friend saying to me, "You have to come and get Obi.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21"He's tearing this place apart."
0:10:21 > 0:10:24- Do you think Obi knew what you were doing?- Yeah.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28Yeah. It's extraordinary, isn't it, the power.
0:10:28 > 0:10:33That's when I realised I couldn't be... I won't be without him.
0:10:33 > 0:10:34Obi is the reason you're alive.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36He is the reason I'm alive.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42'Sometimes Alan does manage to get a bed for the night in
0:10:42 > 0:10:44'a local hostel, but it's not easy.'
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- We are officially still homeless. - Yes.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52Even if we do have a roof over our heads,
0:10:52 > 0:10:55it's known as temporary accommodation.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58Landlords mostly reject people with pets,
0:10:58 > 0:10:59so Alan campaigns in Brighton,
0:10:59 > 0:11:02hoping to make people realise how tough this is.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05- Do you want me to hold anything? - No, you're all right.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07'I've agreed to lend a hand.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09'We can't actually ask for money.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11'Instead, we're putting on a performance
0:11:11 > 0:11:15'in the hope of collecting for his awareness charity.'
0:11:15 > 0:11:17Let's get the show on the road, Alan.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20MUSIC: Heatwave by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- Do you want to dance with us? - I'm all right, thank you.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27Don't you want to dance? Come on.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29Come on. Come and dance.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37Will you come and dance to our music for a minute?
0:11:37 > 0:11:39Because you look so fabulous.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42Thank you, Anne, but I'd rather not, if you don't mind.
0:11:42 > 0:11:43Go on.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46We'll keep trying.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49- Do you not want to see me dance? - No, no.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51Would you like to dance with us?
0:11:53 > 0:11:54Would you like to dance with us?
0:11:55 > 0:11:59'I'm possibly not skilled enough for Britain's Got Talent.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03'But maybe Obi is.'
0:12:03 > 0:12:05- Oh, great.- Thank you very much. Thank you.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- Thank you. - That's very kind.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12Thank you very much.
0:12:12 > 0:12:13Have a lovely day in Brighton.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18'Exhausted from all that jigging about,
0:12:18 > 0:12:21'apparently called performance-based art - who knew? -
0:12:21 > 0:12:23'Alan is taking me out for dinner.'
0:12:28 > 0:12:32How do you share out a pan like that? Half and half?
0:12:32 > 0:12:38I give him a fair chunk of it in his bowl, because we share everything.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41You ready? There you go.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44- Is he not having any gravy or potatoes?- No.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46I wouldn't give that crap to him.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48You're going to give it to me, though.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50Yes, but you're human.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52Yes. Well, people don't always think so.
0:12:56 > 0:12:57Very good.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00Is he not allowed a little of mine?
0:13:00 > 0:13:02Give him a little bit if you want.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06Alan, if someone said to you, "What's the point of a pet?" What would you say?
0:13:06 > 0:13:08To me, Obi is not a pet.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10He's a child and he's my child
0:13:10 > 0:13:13and I will not be parted from him.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15What is the biggest way he assists you?
0:13:15 > 0:13:17Just keeping me alive.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21Keeping me alive, giving me a purpose to go on.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23And why might...? Excuse me.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25OK.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28What do you want? What do you want, eh? What do you want?
0:13:31 > 0:13:33- Very nicely done, isn't it?- Oh, yes.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38What are your dreams now, for you and Obi?
0:13:38 > 0:13:43To get a forever home, but presently, we've been waiting
0:13:43 > 0:13:47for 14 months, because a lot of landlords don't want dogs.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51So in a way, the most important person in your life
0:13:51 > 0:13:54is slowing down your chances.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56I just wouldn't be without him.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58I would rather wait ten years.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09Society has failed Alan.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13He has slipped through that great net that is meant to catch
0:14:13 > 0:14:18people like him, so Obi has taken the place of the welfare state
0:14:18 > 0:14:20and any caring humans.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24Mind you, I'm not sure Obi is quite aware of all the skills
0:14:24 > 0:14:26that Alan credits him with.
0:14:26 > 0:14:31His child, his companion, his protector, his saviour.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35But there's no doubt, without Obi,
0:14:35 > 0:14:38Alan's life would've been over a long time ago.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47Alan treats Obi as his equal - well, give or take the potatoes and gravy.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50Where does your pet stand in the hierarchy of the family?
0:14:56 > 0:15:01I've asked two dog owners with vastly different views on the matter to spend time together.
0:15:01 > 0:15:02You're going to like this.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07Richard is a retired city banker
0:15:07 > 0:15:10who now enjoys his country estate in Devon.
0:15:11 > 0:15:16Richard and his wife have five flat-coat retrievers,
0:15:16 > 0:15:20all of them trained gun dogs, which means they earn their keep.
0:15:20 > 0:15:21WHISTLE
0:15:23 > 0:15:26There's nothing nicer than having an obedient dog.
0:15:26 > 0:15:27Go on!
0:15:27 > 0:15:31You have a great deal of influence over how your dogs behave and it's
0:15:31 > 0:15:36up to you to train them to behave in a way that you want them to behave.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38WHISTLE
0:15:38 > 0:15:43There is a temptation when you see behaviour and you will humanise it.
0:15:43 > 0:15:48You may interpret it as close to human behaviour, but it's not.
0:15:48 > 0:15:49It's dog behaviour.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54Richard is off to Hertfordshire, 200-odd miles away,
0:15:54 > 0:15:58to live very differently for a couple of days with another dog owner.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00At this point he knows nothing.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02It would be a joy if it was someone
0:16:02 > 0:16:04with five well-trained flat-coated retrievers,
0:16:04 > 0:16:06but it's not going to be, is it?
0:16:06 > 0:16:09All right, let's go. Come on, Harry.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17He's taking two of his flat-coats, Harry and Jet,
0:16:17 > 0:16:21to the suburban gem of Stevenage.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24And he has a chance to nosey round.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29I have no idea what to expect, but I'm looking forward to it.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38Is that for dogs?
0:16:38 > 0:16:40Or is that for a child?
0:16:40 > 0:16:42You could possible walk your dogs in it, but then,
0:16:42 > 0:16:44that wouldn't really be walking, would it?
0:16:44 > 0:16:48Well, clearly there are a number of dogs that live here.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51There's four bowls there and two by the front door,
0:16:51 > 0:16:54so there could be six in here, I don't know.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59You don't have to be Sherlock Holmes to spot the clues here.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04I'm assuming a small dog sleeps in there.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07I think dachshunds are probably living here.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09Quite a lot of dachshunds.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13Well, there's a handbook to fill in the blanks.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19"Welcome to our pet palace, where dogs are treated like royalty.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22"The princes and princesses who are here all live
0:17:22 > 0:17:25"a very indulgent lifestyle." I can see that!
0:17:25 > 0:17:28"My dogs are my world. Everything I do revolves around them.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31"I would do anything for my furbabies."
0:17:31 > 0:17:35I think most of us would do anything for our dogs,
0:17:35 > 0:17:37except perhaps call them "furbabies".
0:17:37 > 0:17:41"My dogs are my family, they are my soul mates, my heartbeat.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45"I kiss my babies every day. I want them to know how much I love them."
0:17:45 > 0:17:50You don't always have to kiss them for them to know that you love them.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53OK, it's pretty obvious Richard's not about to meet anyone
0:17:53 > 0:17:55connected with guns and dead birds.
0:17:55 > 0:17:56YAPPING
0:17:57 > 0:18:00Good boy, good boy.
0:18:00 > 0:18:05- Come in.- Whoops! Someone's excited to be home.- Hello!- Hello. Hello!
0:18:05 > 0:18:07- How are you?- Who's this?
0:18:07 > 0:18:11Hello, pups. Hello, pup-pup-pups. I should say hello.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- I'm Richard, by the way.- I'm Ewa. Nice to meet you.- Nice to meet you.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17- Ella, is it?- Ewa.- Ewa.- Ewa.
0:18:17 > 0:18:22We've got Lulu down there, Nino here. That's Minnie.
0:18:22 > 0:18:28This is her sister, Maxie. And these are Minnie's children, Ada and Stan.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32- Good girl! So, what do you think of my pet palace?- Oh, gosh!
0:18:32 > 0:18:36I mean, I've discovered everything. I know everything about you.
0:18:36 > 0:18:37EWA LAUGHS
0:18:37 > 0:18:40They're obviously a big part of your life and there's a lot of them.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44- Do you ever feel that they're in control of you and...?- Totally.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46They think that I'm their servant,
0:18:46 > 0:18:49but I wouldn't change it for the world. They are my family.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53They are my heart, my life and I could not be without one of them.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55BARKING
0:19:03 > 0:19:06It's OK! It's just the postman!
0:19:08 > 0:19:12Having recovered from a package being delivered, Ewa is taking
0:19:12 > 0:19:15Richard and his flat-coats to her doggy beauty parlour.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17Richard might have to lie down.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19My dogs love coming to the spa.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22They're the Monte Carlo of the dogs, so they like a good pamper,
0:19:22 > 0:19:24they like looking fabulous, smelling great.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28You sure they wouldn't like a good scamper round down by a muddy river?
0:19:28 > 0:19:30- Definitely not.- Really? - Definitely not.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34Richard naturally is completely baffled watching something
0:19:34 > 0:19:37that Ewa describes as the highlight of her week.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42One of the treatments dogs have here is paw balm, which rehydrates
0:19:42 > 0:19:46the bottom of their paws, and it also goes on their noses as well.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- No, I definitely think he needs some paw balm.- Really? Why?
0:19:49 > 0:19:52They feel beautiful. Look at them. Just feel it.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56I have these dogs' records going back to 1869.
0:19:56 > 0:20:01If one of those breeders from 1869 was to catch me in a salon
0:20:01 > 0:20:06applying balm to that dog's paws, I think they'd turn in their grave.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11So a no to the paw balm. What about Stanley's Jacuzzi?
0:20:11 > 0:20:14MUSIC: Je T'Aime...Moi Non Plus by Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin
0:20:14 > 0:20:18That nice on your muscles? Oh, what a handsome boy!
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- He honestly looks like he just wants to get out.- Oh, he doesn't.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24- His tail's wagging.- Is it?
0:20:24 > 0:20:26I think his tail could be wagging, actually, yeah.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30It's his tail wagging. Good boy! You in your Jacuzzi?
0:20:30 > 0:20:34Would you allow your dogs to have a spa day and get in the Jacuzzi?
0:20:35 > 0:20:38Er, no, I wouldn't. You know, I'm happy to have my dogs groomed
0:20:38 > 0:20:39and I think they look better groomed,
0:20:39 > 0:20:42but there's kind of a line, I suppose, between grooming and
0:20:42 > 0:20:45pampering, you know, which is the one that you've crossed!
0:20:45 > 0:20:48# Je t'aime Oh, oui, je t'aime... #
0:20:48 > 0:20:50So, Richard's very old-school.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52I wish he'd give it a chance and, you know,
0:20:52 > 0:20:55see the benefits from his dogs working so hard.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57He might even get more work out of them!
0:20:57 > 0:21:00I don't think they will perceive it as being a treat
0:21:00 > 0:21:02and it wouldn't do anything for me, either, you know,
0:21:02 > 0:21:05in terms of me wanting to treat the dogs like that.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08It's just another world. But for YOUR dogs, why not?
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- Thank you so much! - A little spritz spray?
0:21:13 > 0:21:15Richard, are you going to let them have a little go?
0:21:15 > 0:21:17Don't be silly, Ewa.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20- There we go.- Harry, how's that?- There we go.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23I'm going to give him a sniff at about midnight tonight to see
0:21:23 > 0:21:25if it's still lingering.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27- It'll linger for about a week. - A week?! Good grief.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30Come on, then. Come on.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- Come on, boys!- We're out. Let's go. Leave Stan alone.
0:21:33 > 0:21:34I know he's irresistible...
0:21:34 > 0:21:38- "More irresistible" is what I meant to say.- It's the smell.- I know!
0:21:41 > 0:21:44'I'm not the only soppy dog owner in our family.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48'My daughter Emma has a great, galumphing, irresistible
0:21:48 > 0:21:51'English setter who never has a dull moment.
0:21:53 > 0:21:58'We're a nation divided - soppy dog owners versus disturbed cat owners.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00'I truly cannot see the point of a cat.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02'But I AM prepared to be persuaded.'
0:22:02 > 0:22:05- Hello, Lauren.- Hello. Nice to meet you.- Anne Robinson.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- I've never been to a cat emporium before.- No, many people haven't.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11MUSIC: The Love Cats by The Cure
0:22:11 > 0:22:14'Lauren's cafe is in London's cutting-edge East End.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18'You can't bring your own cat, but you can look at Lauren's.
0:22:18 > 0:22:19'Why on earth would you want to?'
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- I can't see any cats. - No, no, they're not allowed in here.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24This is where we do all our food preparations.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- How many cats have you got? - We have 13.- 13 cats?- Yes.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29Shall we go and have a look?
0:22:29 > 0:22:31Absolutely. I'll take you on through.
0:22:31 > 0:22:36'Cats? I promise, I'm keeping my mind wide open.'
0:22:36 > 0:22:38This one's got quite a big tail.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42Yeah, this is Peter and he loves people. He's very, very friendly.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44Hey, Pete. Hey, buddy!
0:22:44 > 0:22:46But this one is very affectionate,
0:22:46 > 0:22:49so she'll very happily take a cuddle from you if you give her a pet.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51See, this is my problem, Lauren.
0:22:51 > 0:22:56- My spaniel, she squeals with delight when I do that.- It's true.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58They have a very understated way of responding.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01She doesn't even look as if she's noticed.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07Keep moving it quickly. She'll go after it.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10Or not, as the case may be. She's not in the least bit interested.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12Would you like me to try?
0:23:12 > 0:23:15'I am truly trying to get the point.'
0:23:15 > 0:23:19So, if you hide it behind something, she'll jump.
0:23:19 > 0:23:25- Is that it?- Er, no. You can have them do a little bit of jumping up.
0:23:25 > 0:23:30- Well, what's the point of that? - It's fun and relaxing.- For who?
0:23:30 > 0:23:34For me, and it gets them to get some more energy out, and then,
0:23:34 > 0:23:37after a while, when they get tired, like a dog does, they can relax.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39It's basically their version of exercise.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41'For goodness' sake!
0:23:41 > 0:23:44'Animal exercise is Ellie running flat out for an hour.'
0:23:44 > 0:23:46Cat lovers! THEY LAUGH
0:23:46 > 0:23:47Hi.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51'I need these cat owners to make the case.'
0:23:51 > 0:23:54- What's the point of a cat? - They're very relaxing.- Yeah...
0:23:54 > 0:23:57They're very chilled out and they're very beautiful.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59So you can enjoy just looking at them.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02That's all there is to do, though, isn't it, look at them?
0:24:02 > 0:24:05- No, absolutely not! - You interact with them, as well.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09- If you call your cats, do they come to you?- Sometimes.- That's the point.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11- That's my very point! - But I like that.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13I like the anarchic-ness about cats.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15- They're a bit sassy, like you. - THEY LAUGH
0:24:17 > 0:24:21- So, what can your cats do?- My cat used to play the piano, basically.
0:24:21 > 0:24:26- Do you mean she walked on the keys? - Yes, the keyboard. Yes, it's true.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28You're making us all sound mad.
0:24:29 > 0:24:34My cleverest cat, he opens the door handle and he'll go through doors.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36I had an old English sheepdog who could do that.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40This isn't a competition, is it? It's not cats versus dogs.
0:24:40 > 0:24:44I wouldn't have come to a cafe to boast about the fact that my
0:24:44 > 0:24:45dog could open a door.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49If there's something good the other side, the dog will learn...
0:24:49 > 0:24:52You were asking!
0:24:52 > 0:24:57I'm just sort of proving my point, that cats are more limited in
0:24:57 > 0:24:58their tricks than dogs.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01Well, cats go viral the world over, don't they?
0:25:01 > 0:25:05- Cat videos rule the internet. - Yeah...- What do we say about that?
0:25:05 > 0:25:09'Well, if we weren't very polite, we might say, "So what?"
0:25:10 > 0:25:12'Those cat people worship their pets,
0:25:12 > 0:25:15'but they haven't changed my mind.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21'Psychologists believe the pet you choose reveals who you are.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26'Cat owners, for example, are said to be self-contained,
0:25:26 > 0:25:30'whereas dog owners are more sociable and accepting.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32'Well, SOME dog owners are accepting.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39'Back to Ewa, who regards her dogs as her babies.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41'I bet that surprises you(!)'
0:25:41 > 0:25:44- Tonight is steak night for the pooches.- So, why do you do that?
0:25:44 > 0:25:47- Is that just another treat? - That's a treat, yes.
0:25:47 > 0:25:51- After a nice, hard, long week, they deserve to have a steak.- Come on.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55- How hard has this week been for these dogs?- Richard, look at them!
0:25:55 > 0:25:57It's very hard being this fabulous.
0:26:00 > 0:26:01That's right.
0:26:01 > 0:26:02STEAKS SIZZLE
0:26:02 > 0:26:06- So, what time do the dogs normally eat?- Six o'clock.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09I have one that does a protest pee if she doesn't get her
0:26:09 > 0:26:11dinner by six o'clock.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15- So if you feed her on time, you're OK.- Yep.- If you run over time...
0:26:15 > 0:26:18If I make her wait, she will protest pee.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21But as it's now quarter to seven...
0:26:21 > 0:26:24So, there's the protest pee, Richard, look, underneath here.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26- Oh, gosh, yes, there it is. - Yeah, there it is.
0:26:26 > 0:26:27She's peed underneath there.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30Are you ready for your dinner? Go, go, go!
0:26:30 > 0:26:33It's over here. Minnie! Minnie, in you come.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35- She's not used to you doing it. - In you come.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37- Good girl! - Good girl.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40Steak, paw balm, protest-peeing -
0:26:40 > 0:26:43Richard's off to a hotel to reflect on what
0:26:43 > 0:26:46he probably is not quite certain he's witnessed.
0:26:46 > 0:26:53From everything I've seen today, er, clearly, Ewa enjoys, I'd say,
0:26:53 > 0:26:57humanising her dogs, as many owners probably do.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00- Could I have some kisses? - SHE KISSES
0:27:00 > 0:27:03- Can I have some kisses? - SHE KISSES
0:27:03 > 0:27:06'I do think people judge people that spoil their dogs,
0:27:06 > 0:27:07'because I get judged.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10'But I know that I'm giving them the best I possibly can and
0:27:10 > 0:27:13'they've got a very good life and they're very happy.'
0:27:13 > 0:27:16And I know that I've done my best for them.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23Next morning, a walk for all the dogs.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27In Ewa's world, that doesn't happen without a lot of preparation.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30She looks gorgeous!
0:27:30 > 0:27:33In a year, if you take everything into account,
0:27:33 > 0:27:36what do you reckon the total budget is for the pups?
0:27:36 > 0:27:39I dread to say. Probably anything around...
0:27:39 > 0:27:42between 15,000 to 17,000, maybe...?
0:27:44 > 0:27:49So, that's the cost of a medium-sized car on six little dogs.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51MUSIC: Oh! Pretty Woman by Roy Orbison
0:27:53 > 0:27:56Dressed for a cocktail party, the dogs are ready to roll.
0:27:56 > 0:27:58And I mean that literally.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02This is how two of Ewa's dogs go for a walk.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05It's a lot easier getting my dogs ready for a walk!
0:28:05 > 0:28:07# ..Walkin' down the street
0:28:07 > 0:28:11# Pretty woman The kind I like to meet... #
0:28:11 > 0:28:12DOGS BARK
0:28:12 > 0:28:15- Go nicely.- Who's that?
0:28:15 > 0:28:19Tell me why you use a pram when you're out walking the dogs.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22So, generally, for safety more than anything.
0:28:22 > 0:28:27I had a bad experience with Maxie. She was spooked by a bigger dog
0:28:27 > 0:28:30and she must've ran around two miles until I caught up with her.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33If there would've been a road there, she wouldn't be here now.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36Is there any way that I could persuade you to take Ada off
0:28:36 > 0:28:39- the lead today? - No, Richard, not at the moment.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42I haven't got the confidence to let her run without
0:28:42 > 0:28:44a lead in an uncontrolled environment.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47So you have an enormous desire to protect them,
0:28:47 > 0:28:50- that's what you're saying.- Yes. - Yeah, which I can understand.
0:28:50 > 0:28:51DOGS BARK
0:28:51 > 0:28:55Who's that? Harris! Come on, say hello. Slowly.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58Slowly. Slowly.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01Harris, stop it! Run!
0:29:01 > 0:29:02Slowly, Harris.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06See, this is a lot more fun, isn't it?
0:29:06 > 0:29:08Harry, come. Come on.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10Harry, come. Harry, come.
0:29:10 > 0:29:14It's an odd thing to see dogs dressed up like that and then
0:29:14 > 0:29:17enclosed in a sort of pram-type thing and then walked.
0:29:17 > 0:29:20But, you know, I reckon little Stanley and little Ada
0:29:20 > 0:29:23would love nothing better than to be off lead,
0:29:23 > 0:29:26haring across the lawn and then racing back to Mum and carrying on.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28I mean, dog stuff.
0:29:29 > 0:29:31Dog stuff around these parts
0:29:31 > 0:29:33doesn't have to be any field or a park, though.
0:29:33 > 0:29:35This is Ewa's local.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38Here's a couple of menus for you humans.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41- Thank you.- Obviously, we have the dog menu there.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43Thank you.
0:29:43 > 0:29:44A dedicated dog menu?
0:29:45 > 0:29:48There's some dog beer as well, OK?
0:29:48 > 0:29:51- Dog beer?- Dog beer.- Really?
0:29:51 > 0:29:53Mind you, they're not driving.
0:29:53 > 0:29:58At the end of his stay, what does Richard really think?
0:29:58 > 0:30:00So, Richard, what are you going to have for lunch?
0:30:00 > 0:30:04I think the human's going to try some Wobbly Bottom mature cheddar.
0:30:04 > 0:30:05Excellent.
0:30:05 > 0:30:10And I think, because the dogs are facing a five-hour drive,
0:30:10 > 0:30:12and they deserve a treat...
0:30:12 > 0:30:15- At last!- At last.- At last.
0:30:15 > 0:30:20- That some chicken would do them no harm at all.- Excellent.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23So, Richard, with regards to my dog buggy and the clothes,
0:30:23 > 0:30:25what are your thoughts on that?
0:30:25 > 0:30:30I think if you could cut down on the amount that you spend on clothes
0:30:30 > 0:30:32and increase the amount that you spend on training,
0:30:32 > 0:30:35I think that would be a win-win situation.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39And letting his dogs have lunch from the dog menu
0:30:39 > 0:30:43is about the only thing Richard has conceded.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47And just wait for how Ewa copes with that fresh air in Devon.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53Whatever differences of opinion there might be on pampering,
0:30:53 > 0:30:56pets can improve your wellbeing.
0:30:56 > 0:31:01Stroking an animal increases serotonin and dopamine levels.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05So you might argue the more pets you have, the happier you will be.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09On this logic, Sarah, who lives in Coulston
0:31:09 > 0:31:13and has 11 hairy friends, must be brimming with joy.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17Hello, Sarah. I hope I've come to rabbit land.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19You've come to see my bunnies.
0:31:19 > 0:31:20- Oh, bunnies.- Excellent.
0:31:20 > 0:31:21Bunnies, not rabbits.
0:31:24 > 0:31:28Sarah's not overlarge home has been taken over by rabbit accommodation
0:31:28 > 0:31:30inside and out.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33Why rabbits?
0:31:33 > 0:31:34Are they trained rabbits, then?
0:31:34 > 0:31:38No, they weren't trained, but they do play along with me.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41So, normally, Cheeky would do what now?
0:31:41 > 0:31:43Come straight over to me.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45Cheeky! To-doo!
0:31:45 > 0:31:46Cheeky-Cheeky!
0:31:48 > 0:31:49OK, let me try with Cheeky.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53Cheeky?
0:31:53 > 0:31:55Cheeky-Cheeky!
0:31:55 > 0:31:57You're showing me up, Cheeky-pants.
0:31:57 > 0:31:59Come here. Hello, baby.
0:32:05 > 0:32:06Cheeky...
0:32:06 > 0:32:09- Is he trying to get away from you now?- Yeah.
0:32:09 > 0:32:11- What's this one called?- Sugar.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13Sugar! Come on, boo-boo.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15- Who is this?- Flynn.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17And if you call Flynn, what happens?
0:32:17 > 0:32:20- He ignores me.- Does he? Always?- Yeah.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24I've counted three, although we don't know where Cheeky is now.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26This is my Socksy.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28- He's all on his own.- I know. - Why is that?
0:32:28 > 0:32:30Because I lost Snowdrop.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32How long ago did you lose Snowdrop?
0:32:32 > 0:32:36Two years ago. She was my heart bunny.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38I used to feel her pain.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40- It's them two I have on a tattoo. - Really? Can I see?
0:32:40 > 0:32:42Yeah, it's from a photo.
0:32:43 > 0:32:44Wow.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46Heart and soul bunny.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49Just like a soul mate, almost.
0:32:49 > 0:32:50How long have you had Socks?
0:32:50 > 0:32:52Nearly eight years
0:32:52 > 0:32:57and he's cost nearly £8,000 in his time with vet bills.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00And if you were to add up vet's fees for all your rabbits...?
0:33:00 > 0:33:01Don't ask me that!
0:33:01 > 0:33:03I've lied to myself about that for years.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05- Roughly.- Roughly...
0:33:05 > 0:33:0740,000 to 60,000.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11'I could get half a dozen Chanel handbags for that.'
0:33:12 > 0:33:14So far, we've seen four rabbits.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16There's another seven in the garden.
0:33:17 > 0:33:19- OK...- Do rabbits like rain?
0:33:19 > 0:33:22Erm...they're not bothered by it, to be honest.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24Hello, Teddy-boos.
0:33:24 > 0:33:25Hello, boo-boo.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28What happens to you when you're cuddling them?
0:33:28 > 0:33:30I just feel centred.
0:33:30 > 0:33:35It's just calming and it... It takes over anything...
0:33:35 > 0:33:38It's just good for stress, I guess.
0:33:38 > 0:33:39She's right.
0:33:39 > 0:33:4415 minutes of stroking can also reduce our blood pressure by 10%.
0:33:44 > 0:33:46More fun than a low-salt diet.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49Stevie, Stevie, Stevie Bun-bun Baby Bad Boy.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52No, you're not even talking to me, are you?
0:33:52 > 0:33:55Stevie Bun-bun Baby Bad Boy, that's his name.
0:33:55 > 0:33:56And what's the other one called?
0:33:56 > 0:33:58Jess.
0:33:58 > 0:33:59He hates me!
0:33:59 > 0:34:00He gives me attitude.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02Nothing but attitude,
0:34:02 > 0:34:06but I love them all equally for being what they are.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09- Irrespective of how they are to you? - Yes.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12Come here, gorgeous. Hello, poppet.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14There's Dorothy. Oh, Dorothy.
0:34:14 > 0:34:15Isn't she pretty?
0:34:15 > 0:34:17If you just hold her right underneath her bottom
0:34:17 > 0:34:19and make her feel safe. She won't hurt you.
0:34:19 > 0:34:24I feel a bit odd, Sarah, holding Dorothy.
0:34:24 > 0:34:25Where I live in the country,
0:34:25 > 0:34:28I'm afraid what we do with rabbits is shoot them.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30It's shot to pot, as they say in the country.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32You shoot and you cook and you eat.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37- I've turned a corner here.- Ooh...
0:34:37 > 0:34:40Because now that I've cuddled Dorothy and Dorothy isn't
0:34:40 > 0:34:42struggling to get away...
0:34:42 > 0:34:45Do you know, that absolutely breaks my heart to hear that.
0:34:45 > 0:34:47Do you feel guilty now, looking at her?
0:34:47 > 0:34:49Erm...
0:34:49 > 0:34:51No, because I think she's different.
0:34:51 > 0:34:52She's a pet.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54Well, she's not getting any bad vibes off you, especially
0:34:54 > 0:34:58- seeing with the conversation you've just had in front of her.- No.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04And having 11 rabbits got Sarah through her divorce.
0:35:05 > 0:35:09Splitting up with someone, you're not just...
0:35:09 > 0:35:12losing them, you're losing the whole time you had with them
0:35:12 > 0:35:15and I'd been with my husband since I was 17.
0:35:15 > 0:35:20When a marriage splits up, I mean, it's like a car crash, isn't it?
0:35:20 > 0:35:24- Absolutely.- And people do all sorts of things to try and recover.
0:35:24 > 0:35:28They perhaps drink too much or go clubbing...
0:35:28 > 0:35:30- Yeah.- ..or have therapy.
0:35:30 > 0:35:36- Your rabbits became an important way for you to recover yourself.- Yeah.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38Rabbits like me
0:35:38 > 0:35:40and they've taught me people are stupid.
0:35:40 > 0:35:44People are unkind, people are disappointing.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46How can a rabbit teach you that?
0:35:46 > 0:35:48Seeing the way people act towards them.
0:35:48 > 0:35:52The rabbits do have a way of showing quite a lot of integrity in people
0:35:52 > 0:35:57and it's very true to say to see how a man treats a rabbit
0:35:57 > 0:36:02is pretty much the true reflection of the character.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05And I will never settle for any love from anybody that is
0:36:05 > 0:36:07less than what a rabbit gave me.
0:36:08 > 0:36:09- Really?- Yeah.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12Not the fact that I want to be in love with a rabbit!
0:36:12 > 0:36:15It seems to me you've experienced this
0:36:15 > 0:36:20fantastic swell of unconditional love from your rabbits.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24And...
0:36:24 > 0:36:29that might make it difficult to have a relationship with a man
0:36:29 > 0:36:33who could possibly provide that standard of love.
0:36:34 > 0:36:36I think it's easy.
0:36:38 > 0:36:42It's just love me for who I am, love me for what I do.
0:36:42 > 0:36:46Just catch me when I fall and love me for what...
0:36:46 > 0:36:47For me.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54What did you make of that?
0:36:54 > 0:36:58I can certainly see the part rabbits play in Sarah's life.
0:36:58 > 0:37:00They bring her joy.
0:37:00 > 0:37:04They apparently love her, although it was hard to see,
0:37:04 > 0:37:06and she certainly loves them.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08And, of course, unlike her doomed marriage,
0:37:08 > 0:37:11they're never going to disappoint her or let her down,
0:37:11 > 0:37:13except when they die.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16Is it healthy to replace humans
0:37:16 > 0:37:20with pets when it comes to relationships and love?
0:37:20 > 0:37:21I don't see why not.
0:37:25 > 0:37:29Meanwhile, Ewa, the marketing executive and pet pamperer -
0:37:29 > 0:37:31or should that be the other way round? -
0:37:31 > 0:37:32has arrived in Devon.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35Wow. Look at this lovely, lovely, big house.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38I feel like a lady of the manor already.
0:37:38 > 0:37:40Let's have a look.
0:37:40 > 0:37:41Oh, wow, look at this.
0:37:41 > 0:37:46And it's her turn to snoop around the home of no-nonsense Richard.
0:37:48 > 0:37:49Ooh...
0:37:51 > 0:37:53"No dogs on this sofa."
0:37:54 > 0:37:58So, like, my house, every inch, nook and cranny,
0:37:58 > 0:38:02there's something doggy somewhere. Like, it's just one big shrine,
0:38:02 > 0:38:05but it doesn't seem to be like that here.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10Haven't seen any dog beds yet, which is very strange.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14And no dog buggies or tutus to wear for walkies in these parts.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17This is more like it!
0:38:17 > 0:38:21Dogs, dogs, dogs, dogs, dogs and a toilet.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23They should be around the house.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25Ah!
0:38:26 > 0:38:27Dog beds.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30This is more like it for me.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32There's quite a few cages.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34I'd definitely bling them up a little bit.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36I'd have lots of little toys in there for them.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39If they're boys, it would be blue. If it was girls, it would be pink.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41Some teddy bears.
0:38:42 > 0:38:43Would mine like it?
0:38:47 > 0:38:48I don't think so.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55Richard's dog routine is very clear from the handbook.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57"Welcome to our home and our holiday cottages.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00"All dogs are welcome here." How lovely.
0:39:00 > 0:39:04"I love my Flatcoats, but they are working dogs first, pets second
0:39:04 > 0:39:07"and I don't refer them to me as family members."
0:39:07 > 0:39:10Hmm... That, I don't like.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14"I would consider re-homing a dog that lacked biddability
0:39:14 > 0:39:15"and would not work for me."
0:39:16 > 0:39:19- Hi, Ewa, how are you?- Hi.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21Welcome to Devon.
0:39:21 > 0:39:22It's good to see you.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24- Nice to see you again.- And you.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27- This is my wife.- Very nice to meet you.- How are you?
0:39:27 > 0:39:31- I'm very well. You've brought lovely weather with you.- Thank you.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34So the one thing I picked up from the handbook was that you
0:39:34 > 0:39:38love your dogs, but you don't refer to them as your family.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41No, I think family for me are human beings,
0:39:41 > 0:39:44so family is my children, family is my mum, family is my sister,
0:39:44 > 0:39:46family is obviously my wife...
0:39:46 > 0:39:48- But you love your dogs.- I do.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50But I just call them my dogs.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53I also read that you,
0:39:53 > 0:39:57if a dog wouldn't do what you wanted it to do, you would rehome it.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59We've rehomed one dog.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01I didn't have him since he was a pup.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04Maybe if I had, I'd have had a chance
0:40:04 > 0:40:07to build a stronger relationship with him.
0:40:07 > 0:40:11If a dog WILL not work for you, in other words,
0:40:11 > 0:40:15it probably doesn't WANT to do that, is this the best home for it?
0:40:18 > 0:40:22Ewa's about to observe Richard's entirely different
0:40:22 > 0:40:24relationship with his dogs.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27He's offered to help Ewa train Stan and Ada.
0:40:27 > 0:40:28Lucky him(!)
0:40:28 > 0:40:30Are you watching this?
0:40:30 > 0:40:32BEEPING
0:40:32 > 0:40:34- LONG BEEPS - I think she could do it.
0:40:35 > 0:40:37If there was treats in there.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40So clever.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42That was really cool.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46I've got no idea whether dachshunds swim or not.
0:40:46 > 0:40:47Do you think they like water?
0:40:47 > 0:40:49She has never ever been in a stream before.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52Do you want to give it a go?
0:40:53 > 0:40:55Will they rescue her if she starts panicking?
0:40:55 > 0:40:57HE LAUGHS
0:40:57 > 0:40:58Are you going to be all right?
0:40:58 > 0:40:59- I think Stan wants a go. - YELPING
0:40:59 > 0:41:02- Why don't you let Stan come too? - He won't like the water.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04He hates water, so I don't know why he's making a fuss.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06- Get it, Ada! Go on, good girl! - What a good girl.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09Hey!
0:41:10 > 0:41:12Good girl. You like that, don't you?
0:41:12 > 0:41:14Come on, Stan.
0:41:14 > 0:41:16Hello, Stan.
0:41:17 > 0:41:18What a good boy. Come on, Stan.
0:41:18 > 0:41:19Are you watching this?
0:41:19 > 0:41:22Come on, Stan. This is Stanley who hates the water?
0:41:22 > 0:41:24Ada's just swum, Richard.
0:41:24 > 0:41:25Ada's just swum.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28He's missed her magic moment. He's missed the magic moment.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31Good boy. Oh, Stan really hates the water(!)
0:41:32 > 0:41:33Good boy, Stanny!
0:41:34 > 0:41:35Good boy.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37Good boy, swim!
0:41:37 > 0:41:40Good boy. Was that nice?
0:41:40 > 0:41:41Oh...
0:41:41 > 0:41:45That night, Ewa has FaceTime with the dogs she left behind.
0:41:45 > 0:41:47FaceTime!
0:41:47 > 0:41:50My Ellie would just walk away from the screen.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52Hello, babies.
0:41:52 > 0:41:53I've missed you so much.
0:41:53 > 0:41:55Do you want to see Ada and Stan?
0:41:55 > 0:42:00He's so tired after his busy day, he's fallen asleep in bed already.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03Ada and Stan will tell you they went swimming in a lake.
0:42:04 > 0:42:05That's a first, isn't it?
0:42:05 > 0:42:07Night-night, babies.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10Mummy will see you tomorrow. Love you!
0:42:11 > 0:42:14So, pop pickers, here's a quick look at the charts.
0:42:14 > 0:42:18Of course, dogs are number one, followed by cats, then fish.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21What's the point of a fish except on a plate?
0:42:21 > 0:42:24Rabbits are fourth, then it's birds, snakes, tortoises, lizards,
0:42:24 > 0:42:27guinea pigs and in tenth place, hamsters.
0:42:27 > 0:42:30I really don't see the point of any of them,
0:42:30 > 0:42:33but you might have guessed by now, the one I'm really,
0:42:33 > 0:42:38really struggling with is our feline friend the cat.
0:42:38 > 0:42:42Our next pet owners are going to have one last try to change my mind.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44- Hello.- Hello, Annie Robinson.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46Annie, lovely to meet you. I'm Steven. Come in.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48- Hi, Sasha. - Lovely to meet you, Anne.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51'Stephen and Sasha show me their Facebook profile -
0:42:51 > 0:42:53'not somewhere I'd necessarily start.'
0:42:54 > 0:42:58Sasha posted a picture of Tom on her Facebook account
0:42:58 > 0:42:59three or four years ago
0:42:59 > 0:43:02and people loved it so much, decided to have his own page.
0:43:02 > 0:43:04And how many followers has he got?
0:43:04 > 0:43:0865, or something like that, Anne.
0:43:08 > 0:43:1065,000, that is.
0:43:10 > 0:43:13- 65,000?- Sorry, 66.- 66,000.
0:43:13 > 0:43:16- 66,000 people turn on to have a look at him?- Yeah.
0:43:16 > 0:43:21'That many followers will be the envy of any reality TV wannabe.'
0:43:21 > 0:43:23The thing is, it's Tom's personality...
0:43:23 > 0:43:26Well, how can they see it on there?
0:43:26 > 0:43:30Because Sasha, in what she writes with her little statuses,
0:43:30 > 0:43:32will provoke a conversation.
0:43:32 > 0:43:34So it's a fictional Tom?
0:43:34 > 0:43:38It's a fictional Tom, for sure, but kind of based in fact.
0:43:38 > 0:43:41Sasha's developed a personality for him, which has become
0:43:41 > 0:43:43a kind of Chocolate Bear Boy, they all call him.
0:43:43 > 0:43:47And he'll flirt with ladies. And here's the bizarre thing, that
0:43:47 > 0:43:50ladies of a certain age, from 45 to 80s, right across the world,
0:43:50 > 0:43:51react with this
0:43:51 > 0:43:54and will flirt back with Tom in the most curious way.
0:43:54 > 0:43:57And why don't these people just get a cat themselves?
0:43:57 > 0:43:59- Most of them have cats. - Most of them do.
0:43:59 > 0:44:02Cat lovers, I think, attract cat lovers, don't they?
0:44:02 > 0:44:04"Goodnight, sweetheart. Love you lots."
0:44:04 > 0:44:06"Tom, you remind me of Turkish delight."
0:44:06 > 0:44:07"You're like chocolate -
0:44:07 > 0:44:10"white outside and covered with brown chocolate
0:44:10 > 0:44:12"and your eyes are so adorable, you're a Prince Charming.
0:44:12 > 0:44:14"Where do you get your cuteness from?"
0:44:15 > 0:44:19Tom's screen success led these two to increase their media presence
0:44:19 > 0:44:24with The Magnificats page, featuring all seven of their moggies.
0:44:26 > 0:44:29- This is The Magnificats here. - Yeah, absolutely.
0:44:29 > 0:44:33So you'll see here we have nearly 1.4 million likes.
0:44:33 > 0:44:35That's up nearly 4,000 this week.
0:44:37 > 0:44:39Then, quite naturally,
0:44:39 > 0:44:42Steven and Sasha branched out into making cat videos.
0:44:43 > 0:44:45HE LAUGHS
0:44:45 > 0:44:47Taking centre-stage is Tom,
0:44:47 > 0:44:49then scaredy-cat Norman,
0:44:49 > 0:44:53joining them are Junior, Prince, Ugs, Rocky
0:44:53 > 0:44:56and the only girl in the group, Pixie.
0:44:56 > 0:44:59Tonight is a big night for the Magnificat 7.
0:45:01 > 0:45:03- Sit, Prince.- Good boys.
0:45:03 > 0:45:05The big thing at the moment
0:45:05 > 0:45:07is the facility we now have to do live video.
0:45:07 > 0:45:11It's breathtaking to me, because it means taking a simple smartphone
0:45:11 > 0:45:16and streaming live pictures and sound to Facebook around the world.
0:45:16 > 0:45:18So tonight is a special one actually,
0:45:18 > 0:45:19it's going to be a cats' picnic.
0:45:19 > 0:45:21The big draw is the fact - this is what we've promoted -
0:45:21 > 0:45:24the cats, we're going to give them bowls of strawberries and cream.
0:45:24 > 0:45:26The squirty cream.
0:45:26 > 0:45:30Well, I've done a few live shows in my time and there's nothing
0:45:30 > 0:45:35quite like the adrenaline rush just before the green light comes on.
0:45:36 > 0:45:41The key to success is organisation and preparation.
0:45:42 > 0:45:44- We've only got two cats. - This is the idea!
0:45:44 > 0:45:48We've got four minutes, we haven't tested anything,
0:45:48 > 0:45:51we haven't written anything, we haven't switched on anything.
0:45:51 > 0:45:54- Right, Sasha, give me a countdown when you're ready...- OK.
0:45:54 > 0:45:57If it was the BBC, you wouldn't be able to go late on air.
0:45:57 > 0:45:58Are you anywhere near?
0:45:58 > 0:46:01Three, two...
0:46:01 > 0:46:03Good morning, good afternoon, good evening.
0:46:03 > 0:46:05It's Magnificats Live from London.
0:46:05 > 0:46:07Good God, I thought we'd never get here.
0:46:07 > 0:46:11We are so busy. Who have got with us, Sasha?
0:46:11 > 0:46:16Oh, loads of people, actually. Oh...
0:46:16 > 0:46:19Ooh, Peggy, Angela, Claire...
0:46:19 > 0:46:25'This appointment to view means cat lovers can chat live as they watch.
0:46:25 > 0:46:28'There really should be a cats listing mag.'
0:46:28 > 0:46:33There's Sam, saying... "Where's Rocky, guys? How's he doing?"
0:46:33 > 0:46:36I don't know, Sam. All the cats appear to have disappeared.
0:46:36 > 0:46:37And Tom's going out. Mind your leg.
0:46:37 > 0:46:40Because we've changed the environment to some extent.
0:46:40 > 0:46:43He's sat there looking quite miserable, isn't he? What's this?
0:46:43 > 0:46:47Miryam, "Staying beautiful." Thank you, Miryam, very nice.
0:46:47 > 0:46:50Vicky, "I love the picnic." Good old Vicky.
0:46:50 > 0:46:54- "Hello, Frankie!" Who's Frankie? - Oh, Louise is here!
0:46:54 > 0:46:57Lovely Louise in Canada. Hello!
0:46:57 > 0:47:01'The longest 40 minutes of my life is at an end.'
0:47:01 > 0:47:02Are we off air?
0:47:02 > 0:47:05We're completely gone. Yes, all clear now.
0:47:05 > 0:47:07How many people were watching?
0:47:07 > 0:47:102,200 views.
0:47:10 > 0:47:12518 making comments.
0:47:12 > 0:47:14What's your ambition for this?
0:47:14 > 0:47:19It's not money. We do it for purely altruistic reasons.
0:47:19 > 0:47:23Cats are, to me, the essence of purity, the essence of love
0:47:23 > 0:47:27and being able to show that around the world, free of charge,
0:47:27 > 0:47:31with willing consumers for pure love, to me, is a joy.
0:47:34 > 0:47:36- A quite unique experience, I would say.- Oh, thank you.
0:47:36 > 0:47:38- Thank you so much.- Goodbye.
0:47:38 > 0:47:39'What can I say,
0:47:39 > 0:47:45'except dog owners go for a walk and meet other dog owners.
0:47:45 > 0:47:47'Cat owners should get out more.'
0:47:48 > 0:47:50Phew!
0:47:51 > 0:47:56Ooh, our Steve does rather enjoy being master of ceremonies.
0:47:56 > 0:48:00At 8pm tonight, when they could've been watching EastEnders,
0:48:00 > 0:48:063,000 people were tuned in to one cat doing virtually nothing.
0:48:06 > 0:48:10What's the point of cats to Sasha and Steve?
0:48:10 > 0:48:12Well, they bring them a lot of fun
0:48:12 > 0:48:14and certainly bring a lot of pleasure
0:48:14 > 0:48:16to an extraordinary amount of people.
0:48:17 > 0:48:20It hasn't changed my mind about cats,
0:48:20 > 0:48:24but I am prepared to concede I might just be in a minority.
0:48:26 > 0:48:29This is a rural village in Buckinghamshire.
0:48:29 > 0:48:30It's where Pippa lives.
0:48:30 > 0:48:33She has three teenage children and a husband.
0:48:37 > 0:48:41If you were to explain, what is the point of your dogs?
0:48:41 > 0:48:44It's their loyalty. Their loyalty and love.
0:48:44 > 0:48:46They need you and I need them.
0:48:46 > 0:48:51- Pippa, can you imagine life without a dog?- No. Absolutely not.
0:48:51 > 0:48:54It just wouldn't be a home. I adore them all.
0:48:54 > 0:48:58And I'd be so lonely without them. I wouldn't have a purpose.
0:49:00 > 0:49:03Nan, one of her Labradors, has a dual life.
0:49:03 > 0:49:04She's being trained
0:49:04 > 0:49:07to put her natural smelling skills to a higher purpose.
0:49:09 > 0:49:13Does it make you think, Pippa, that Labradors are slightly wasted,
0:49:13 > 0:49:15just being at home in front of the fire?
0:49:15 > 0:49:17They've got so much talent,
0:49:17 > 0:49:22but I'm sure that there's a lot more for them to give, yes.
0:49:23 > 0:49:26We're at a medical dog training centre in Milton Keynes
0:49:26 > 0:49:30and Nan is being trained to detect cancer.
0:49:30 > 0:49:32That's right - cancer.
0:49:34 > 0:49:38- Go on. Go say hello, then. How are we doing?- Hello.
0:49:38 > 0:49:40- Come to have a look at her at work? - I don't want to distract her.
0:49:40 > 0:49:42So, what we're going to do, guys,
0:49:42 > 0:49:44we're going to work her down these scent pots.
0:49:44 > 0:49:45Underneath the pot there
0:49:45 > 0:49:47is a specific scent which she'll be asked to find.
0:49:47 > 0:49:50She'll walk down the line and then once she comes over the top of it, you'll see her stop.
0:49:50 > 0:49:52It must be like sports day.
0:49:52 > 0:49:53Watching your child perform
0:49:53 > 0:49:56and hoping they do well after all the practice.
0:49:56 > 0:49:59MUSIC: The Pink Panther Theme by Henry Mancini
0:50:05 > 0:50:08- TRAINING DEVICE CLICKS - Yes! Good girl.- Amazing.
0:50:08 > 0:50:10She wanted to have a little double-check,
0:50:10 > 0:50:13she wasn't too sure the first time, probably as she was going too fast.
0:50:13 > 0:50:16When these dogs work, we think that the odour they'll go down to
0:50:16 > 0:50:17is parts per trillion,
0:50:17 > 0:50:20so a very small odour when they're working cancer.
0:50:20 > 0:50:24'That's the equivalent of Nan finding a teaspoon of sugar
0:50:24 > 0:50:27'within two Olympic-size swimming pools.
0:50:27 > 0:50:30'This means, when she's fully trained, she'll be able to
0:50:30 > 0:50:33'detect cancer long before any hospital testing.'
0:50:33 > 0:50:36Rob, is she going to be trained for a specific sort of cancer?
0:50:36 > 0:50:39Specifically looking at breast cancer.
0:50:39 > 0:50:40- Shall we give her another go on it? - Yeah, yeah.
0:50:40 > 0:50:42Mark, would you like to move it down to four for me?
0:50:42 > 0:50:45She might see while they're being moved.
0:50:45 > 0:50:47Let's make sure that she doesn't. Come here. Sit.
0:50:47 > 0:50:50We've got her back to it. Come on, then.
0:51:00 > 0:51:05- That's great! She sat.- Good girl. - Yeah, excellent.- Good girl.
0:51:05 > 0:51:08So I think that'll do her for today. She's had a really good session.
0:51:08 > 0:51:11She's performed perfectly and she's just starting to understand
0:51:11 > 0:51:14what's required of her when she comes across the smell.
0:51:14 > 0:51:15What's it like watching her?
0:51:15 > 0:51:19My heart is bursting with pride, it really is,
0:51:19 > 0:51:22- because she's a different dog here to what she is at home.- Yeah.
0:51:22 > 0:51:27- She did brilliantly.- She did. Very proud, very proud. Good girl.
0:51:27 > 0:51:30Are you ready to go? Get you undressed? Come on, then.
0:51:30 > 0:51:35'Bravo! Pippa takes Nan for a well-deserved walk.
0:51:35 > 0:51:39'Now, all dogs have a very decent sense of smell,
0:51:39 > 0:51:41'but only Nan in this bunch
0:51:41 > 0:51:44'is learning to put it to use to save lives.'
0:51:44 > 0:51:48- Shall I let them off?- Yes, yeah, let's see.- Sit.
0:51:48 > 0:51:51You see, Nan's the only one who will sit because she's so well-behaved.
0:51:51 > 0:51:53OK. Off you go. Scoot!
0:51:54 > 0:51:56Go on, then. Off you go, off you go.
0:51:58 > 0:52:03What's the reaction of other people to the fact that Nan is
0:52:03 > 0:52:07trained, or being trained, to sniff out breast cancer?
0:52:07 > 0:52:10- It alarms some people.- Does it?
0:52:10 > 0:52:14Yes, they're worried that she might come and tell them
0:52:14 > 0:52:17that they've got breast cancer.
0:52:17 > 0:52:19But it's interesting because you'd think that
0:52:19 > 0:52:23a woman would welcome having that piece of information.
0:52:23 > 0:52:24I know. Well, I'd think that
0:52:24 > 0:52:27and I'd like her to tell me if there was something wrong.
0:52:28 > 0:52:30How important is Nan to you?
0:52:31 > 0:52:34She's a companion, she's a friend,
0:52:34 > 0:52:38she's a guard dog, she's an entertainer.
0:52:38 > 0:52:41But I think most importantly, for Nan,
0:52:41 > 0:52:43it's the work that she does in her sniffing for cancer,
0:52:43 > 0:52:46because that's life-changing for some people.
0:52:46 > 0:52:50And, for me, breast cancer, having lost friends and relations,
0:52:50 > 0:52:52I think that's just incredible.
0:52:57 > 0:52:59How impressive is Nan!
0:52:59 > 0:53:03Her nose will soon be making a difference between life and death.
0:53:03 > 0:53:08So, as a pet, she's not only filling a void in Pippa's life while
0:53:08 > 0:53:12the children are at boarding school and her husband's away working,
0:53:12 > 0:53:16but with those natural skills, her and I suppose thousands
0:53:16 > 0:53:19and thousands of dogs like her -
0:53:19 > 0:53:22guide dogs, sniffer dogs and those in medical research -
0:53:22 > 0:53:26have a very real point in all our lives.
0:53:28 > 0:53:30'It's the final morning of our swap
0:53:30 > 0:53:34'and Richard has had a measure of influence on Ewa.'
0:53:34 > 0:53:36I slept really well last night. Had a good think about
0:53:36 > 0:53:39what's been going on over the last couple of days
0:53:39 > 0:53:42and I can see clearly that Richard's got great control over his dogs
0:53:42 > 0:53:45and there's no reason why I shouldn't have control over my dogs,
0:53:45 > 0:53:48and be able to train them just as well as he trains his.
0:53:48 > 0:53:52Since one of Ewa's dachshunds was frightened by another dog,
0:53:52 > 0:53:54Ewa keeps all her dogs on a lead.
0:53:56 > 0:53:59I know I need to work on my confidence...
0:53:59 > 0:54:01to work on the dogs' confidence.
0:54:01 > 0:54:05'Yes, Richard is determined to show Ewa her dogs deserve better.'
0:54:07 > 0:54:09Hand up.
0:54:09 > 0:54:12And now put your hand down by your side and just call her by name.
0:54:12 > 0:54:14- Isla.- Isla, come.- Isla, come.
0:54:15 > 0:54:18Hold your hands out to her.
0:54:18 > 0:54:21- And sit her.- Sit. Isla, sit.
0:54:22 > 0:54:25- Sit, Isla.- Strong.
0:54:25 > 0:54:28Good girl. Good girl!
0:54:28 > 0:54:30You kissed her!
0:54:30 > 0:54:33I didn't ask you to kiss her, I just said give her a tickle on her chest.
0:54:33 > 0:54:36I couldn't help myself, she's too cute!
0:54:36 > 0:54:40'After a lifetime of pampering, is Ada able to respond?'
0:54:42 > 0:54:45Hopefully some of the tips that Richard has given me
0:54:45 > 0:54:47will be installed into her.
0:54:47 > 0:54:51I think her behaviour has improved over the last couple of days.
0:54:51 > 0:54:54We shall see the results in a second when I let her go.
0:54:54 > 0:54:56Are you ready, Ada? Big moment for us!
0:54:57 > 0:54:59- Throw the ball.- Go!
0:55:02 > 0:55:04Nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing that.
0:55:04 > 0:55:06Seriously nothing.
0:55:06 > 0:55:08Good girl! Come!
0:55:08 > 0:55:12Good girl, come! Ada. Ada!
0:55:12 > 0:55:13Who's a good girl?
0:55:13 > 0:55:16'Not bad for a first attempt.
0:55:16 > 0:55:20'But no time for more practice here. The four-day swap is at an end.'
0:55:24 > 0:55:29'What have both devoted dog owners learned from each other?'
0:55:29 > 0:55:33When I first met you, I did think... I mean, it was an odd situation
0:55:33 > 0:55:40for me to walk into - dogs dressed up as children, the bubble bath -
0:55:40 > 0:55:46but their wellbeing is, you know, at the forefront of what you do
0:55:46 > 0:55:50and I think, for all dog owners, that's what we all should be doing.
0:55:50 > 0:55:55I am going to install some more discipline and confidence
0:55:55 > 0:55:58within myself and the dogs,
0:55:58 > 0:56:01and maybe let them roam a little bit more freely and take on everything
0:56:01 > 0:56:04that you've advised me to do and start installing it in their lives,
0:56:04 > 0:56:06and hopefully getting results from them.
0:56:06 > 0:56:10Do you think I'd ever convince you, with your hard-working dogs,
0:56:10 > 0:56:12to maybe go and have a bit of a spa day?
0:56:12 > 0:56:16How many different ways are there of saying no?
0:56:16 > 0:56:18Probably not.
0:56:18 > 0:56:21- Actually not probably. No. - SHE LAUGHS
0:56:22 > 0:56:25Well, I don't think Ewa's dachshunds
0:56:25 > 0:56:28are going to take a daily dip in a muddy stream
0:56:28 > 0:56:31any more than Richard's going to start kissing his flat-coats,
0:56:31 > 0:56:37but we've seen how a rabbit can get you through the loss of a husband,
0:56:37 > 0:56:39a horse can give you a purpose,
0:56:39 > 0:56:41a dog can save a life.
0:56:41 > 0:56:46And even cats can enrich and expand the lives of their owners.
0:56:46 > 0:56:52And all those pets can be a cure for loneliness and despair.
0:56:52 > 0:56:53There's a lot of point in that.
0:56:56 > 0:56:59MUSIC: Special Brew by Bad Manners
0:57:07 > 0:57:11'Next week, I'm going to be investigating how we like to look.'
0:57:11 > 0:57:15Eyebrow filler, cosmetic surgery, nose jobs...
0:57:15 > 0:57:18'Why have we become so obsessed with our appearance?'
0:57:18 > 0:57:22- Who would normally have a 27-inch waist?- A 15-year-old girl.
0:57:22 > 0:57:25'I'll be asking, what's wrong with being ugly?'
0:57:25 > 0:57:30I've got a hanging belly and tits that have not defied gravity.
0:57:30 > 0:57:35# I love you, yes, I do Cos I know that you love me too
0:57:38 > 0:57:43# I love you, yes, I do Gonna spend all my money on you
0:57:46 > 0:57:50# Every day when I say that I'm not gonna take any more
0:57:53 > 0:57:57# It's OK, don't go away, I feel bad when you're closing the door. #