Bolton-born actor Diane Morgan explains how her rescue dog helped after her dad’s death
Have you always had a dog? What other pets have you had?
Yes we always had dogs growing up. A lassie type dog called Buddy who was like a nanny to me. He’d follow me everywhere and protect me. He’d always wander into the front/centre of any photo when we were taking family snaps - he was really wonderful.
Then we had a Bearded Collie called Kelly. He got run over and the vet said we’d have to have him put down but my dad (who was a physical therapist) rehabilitated him with daily massage - true story. Then we had a Westie called Mae but he was really my mum’s dog. It never left her side. We also had a cat called Merlin, who I absolutely adored and still miss. We also had a tortoise, a budgerigar and a long-haired guinea pig called Figgis (after the character played by James Bolam in Only When I Laugh) It looked like a wig and lived in the shed. I’d let him roam around the garden for hours. Then he’d bite me when I picked him up. But I still loved him.
Why did you want a rescue dog and why did you go to Blue Cross?
I’d wanted a dog for a few years and then my dad passed away. I was so full of grief I thought it would help me. I particularly wanted a rescue dog because it seemed like the right thing to do. There are so many sweet dogs looking for a home. I wanted an elderly dog because apparently they are the hardest to re-home. That broke my heart. But then I saw Bobby on the Blue Cross website who was only a spritely seven but I knew I had to get him.
Tell us about your first meeting with Bobby.
I’d often look at the dogs on rescue sites but there was something about Bobby that felt right. I travelled up from London to Radcliffe to meet him and I knew within minutes I wanted to take him home with me. I was so excited.
Is Bobby your only pet?
Yes. I couldn’t get another one now because Bobby prefers humans to dogs. He also likes a lot of attention.
How is life better with Bobby?
Bobby has been a wonderful distraction. Dogs are such a help if you’re feeling a bit sad. They’re wonderful company and their enthusiasm is infectious. My mum loved Bobby so much that she got herself a miniature poodle puppy called Teddy. Bobby and Teddy, like the Kennedys!
Where will audiences see you next?
I’ve just finished filming my new comedy series Mandy which should be out in the next few months on BBC2. Because of the strange times we’re in, I’m not sure what my next project will be. I’ve had two jobs postponed since the outbreak began but I’m still writing, so let’s see what happens.
Now you live in London, what do you miss most about Lancashire?
I think it’s the people I miss the most. I really like that dry sense of humour.
Where in Lancashire do you like to eat out?
Last time I was up I had a pasty in the Man & Scythe pub in Bolton - it was lovely. Such an amazing pub!
How would Philomena Cunk explain Covid-19?
Like Day of The Triffids. But without the triffids.
ALL ABOUT DIANE
Born in October 1975, Diane grew up in Farnworth and Kearsley and now lives in London with her partner, a BBC comedy producer.
She had success as a stand-up comedian before landing her first tv role in Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights. She has worked with comedian Joe Wilkinson as the duo Two Episodes of Mash and in tv series, Him & Her, The Cockfields and the Netflix series After Life. She appeared in the Sky One comedy Rovers and in the BBC sitcom Motherland. She also performed as Philomena Cunk on shows with Charlie Brooker and in her own series of mockumentaries. Last year, she wrote, directed and starred in the BBC Two comedy short, Mandy which will have its own series this year.
123 years of help
Blue Cross is a charity that has been helping sick, injured, abandoned and homeless pets since 1897. They help thousands of pets in need every month, providing veterinary care, behavioural help and find them loving homes, as well as offering advice and education for current or future pet owners and pet bereavement support.
During the lockdown a network of foster carers have been looking after about 60% of the pets in Blue Cross care.
Some animals are now available for re-homing again and as the restrictions are lifted, their re-homing centres will start to re-open.
To find pets who need a loving home, or to make a donation towards their care, visit bluecross.org.uk.
