Paul O’Grady receives ‘fitting’ new honour as legacy lives on months after death

Paul O’Grady meets Murphy the dog

Paul O’Grady has been honoured by Battersea Dogs and Cats’ Home, which proudly opened a new veterinary clinic in his name this week.

Almost half a million pounds was donated by thousands of well-meaning supporters to help the clinic to launch, and now Paul’s favourite charity has taken a leap towards saving more animals than ever before.

In a new Instagram post shared with the late TV star’s 828,000 followers, it was revealed: “@Battersea is proud to announce the dedication of their cutting-edge clinic facilities to honor @paulogrady.

“The PAUL O’GRADY VETERINARY HOSPITAL will be a beacon of hope for dogs and cats in need of specialised care and treatment,” the post continued.

“Furthermore, the TRIBUTE FUND donations will extend their support to five other animal charities dear to Paul’s heart.”

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The post added that Paul’s husband, Andre Portasio has extended “heartfelt thanks to the 20,000 generous individuals who contributed £480k, as well as everyone who, in various ways, has supported his enduring legacy”.

“Over the past decade, Paul served as an ambassador for Battersea, and the outpouring of support would have deeply touched his heart.

“THANK YOU, EVERYONE, for making this incredible dedication possible,” the message concluded.

Fans quickly responded with enthusiasm, with @luvaliandtara exclaiming: “Love this! So lovely that Paul’s memory will live on within Battersea in this way.

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“It’s still so sad to think we won’t see anymore For the Love of Dogs with Paul at the helm. He was just incredibly compassionate and the perfect man for the job. Much love to Paul’s family and to Battersea with their continued work. They are amazing!”

@heartfeltprod1 chimed in: “Oh, its so fitting – he had such a kind soul and loved his animals. If only everyone could treat animals like he did the world would start to be a nicer place.”

@theclafowler echoed: “He would be absolutely thrilled, still hard to believe he’s gone. I’m still watching repeat programmes and they’ve stood the test of time. The ultimate ‘national treasure’.”

@alystoothartist agreed: “I feel really tearful such a beautiful and worthy legacy but Paul OGrady deserves to be remembered in this way. The world needs more people just like him. May he continue to influence others to make this world a more tolerant caring x loving place for all to live within.”

Paul O’Grady adopted five dogs from Battersea in total, after falling in love with the adorable canines while he filmed there for his TV show, For The Love Of Dogs – and he showed that he had a heart of gold by pledging ambassadorship to the organisation.

It was also Paul’s pleasure to welcome Queen Elizabeth and Queen Camilla to the venue to demonstrate the work being done.

The tribute fund website gushed: “Battersea will forever remember Paul as a devoted animal lover with the biggest heart, who fell in love with every dog he met at our centres.”

Paul once described the Battersea venue as his “second home” and now he and the charity are inextricably linked even after his death, through the veterinary centre bearing his name.

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