British actress, theatre star and TV presenter Amanda Holden has become an Ambassador for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, pledging her continuing support for the world-famous animal charity.
The Britain’s Got Talent judge, proud owner of a Yorkie-Russell cross called Rudie and cat Muffy, visited the iconic south London rescue on Monday 30 September and enjoyed a waggy tailed welcome from some of the Home’s 450 canine residents.
She becomes the Home’s fourth Ambassador, joining international supermodel David Gandy, television personality Paul O’Grady OBE and renowned children’s author Dame Jacqueline Wilson.
Having twice hosted Battersea’s annual Collars & Coats Gala Ball, Amanda is no stranger to Battersea and is a passionate advocate for rescue dogs and cats and the work that Battersea does. She joins fellow Ambassador Paul O’Grady OBE to host the spectacular fundraiser this year on Thursday 7 November.
Amanda says, “I’ve always loved Battersea and have been a proud supporter for many years. My visits to the Home remind me what a truly inspirational place it is. To see how many abandoned and neglected dogs and cats find their way to Battersea every year and seeing the brilliant work that dedicated staff and volunteers do in caring for, and rehoming them is incredibly heart-warming. I sobbed my eyes out watching each episode of For the Love of Dogs on ITV and I’m really excited to be helping more animals find new homes by becoming an Ambassador for this wonderful charity.”
Claire Horton, Battersea’s Chief Executive says, “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Amanda as a Battersea Ambassador. Her continued support and her unquestionable love for animals makes her a perfect advocate for the Home. We’re extremely grateful to now have four very special Ambassadors who, through their passion and dedication, help champion the work that Battersea does for all its dogs and cats.”
Amanda visits the Home whilst the charity remembers its visionary founding lady, Mrs Mary Tealby, who died in October 1865. Mary was a pioneer who challenged Victorian attitudes towards stray dogs when she established Britain’s first dogs home in a North London stable yard in 1860. For 153 years the Home has stood by her vision to never turn away a dog or cat in need of its help.
Amanda adds, “It’s such a huge honour to be at the Home and to be asked to be an Ambassador. I want to do all that I can to ensure that Mary Tealby’s vision of caring for stray dogs and cats is carried on into the future for another 153 years and more. Every dog and cat deserves to live in a warm, loving home.”