Alison Hammond struggled to keep her composure during Tuesday's episode of ITV's For the Love of Dogs after meeting a "terrified two-year-old Spaniel cross" called Archie.
The episode, which aired hours after ITV released a statement rubbishing speculation over Hammond's future on the show, introduced Archie to viewers following a tumultuous first few years in the world.
Spotting Archie was "scared" of interacting with someone new, Hammond took a seat before the pooch eventually garnered the courage for a cuddle.
The presenter, who's come under fire for her chemistry with the canines on-screen since taking over from the late Paul O'Grady, clearly had a soft spot for Archie, cradling and planting kisses on the young dog.
Hammond went on to take part in training exercises with an excitable Archie inside a recreation of a family living room as he got used to his surroundings and prepared for life with potential new owners.
However, concerns were soon raised with Archie regarding his sight, which a vet explained to Hammond: "His left eye looks a bit strange. He's got quite a lot of cloudiness to the front of that eye."
For the Love of Dogs: Archie eventually warmed to Alison
ITV
After a series of tests, the vet determined Archie couldn't see out of his left eye.
"Are you serious? He's so young, though," a stunned Hammond replied.
The vet then pointed out the "frosted over" look of the eye before showing Hammond that it was soft under the eyelid as opposed to the firmness a healthy eye has.
A concerned Hammond could only listen on as the vet explained Archie's left eye had become an "end-stage eye" meaning it was "non-visual" and therefore needed to be removed.
We're thrilled that Archie received the training & socialisation he needed to find a loving new home! If your dog needs to work on their manners, the key is to reinforce positive behaviour with a reward. 🐶 Learn more about teaching your dog not to jump 👉 https://t.co/Jyrf8Nio9W pic.twitter.com/8rvi1vqEZe
— Battersea (@Battersea_) May 14, 2024
Hammond was visbly shocked to hear Archie would need his eye removed and took a moment outside the vet's room to reflect.
"I didn't expect that, to be honest with you. I'm really upset about Archie losing an eye, I'm not gonna lie. I just didn't expect this for such a young dog," she said before taking a deep breath. "Absolutely gutted."
As Archie was put under anesthetic for the procedure, Hammond heard from the surgeons they had to be very careful when conducting the operation as his blood pressure could plummet and turn life-threatening.
But luckily for Archie, Hammond and concerned viewers at home, the operation was a success and soon, the Spaniel cross had found himself new owners.
Bidding him an emotional goodbye, Hammond told Archie at their final meeting: "I just wanna say you've been absolutely amazing.
"You've had one of your eyes out, we've shared a ham sandwich, we've had some training. I just want you to know I'm gonna miss you so much."
Her narration then took over as she explained to viewers: "But there's no time for emotional goodbyes... because Archie's got a brand new life to be getting on with."
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Alison Hammond was 'gutted' for Archie during the latest For the Love of Dogs
ITV
Archie's new owners were revealed to be Fiona and Arthur from southwest London who had nothing but praise for their adorable new pet.
Fiona told ITV viewers: "Archie settled in really quickly and he just seems to be a really happy dog, which is amazing. He's my shadow.
"He follows me everywhere... In terms of his sight, he's just completely unfazed by it. You wouldn't know that he'd had an operation a month ago. He's a very special little boy. And I think we're very lucky, aren't we?"
