Clare Balding visits Dogs Trust Newbury for research for new book Isle of Dogs

Broadcaster Clare Balding popped into Newbury’s Dogs Trust – all in the name of research.

Dogs Trust Newbury’s staff and dogs welcomed the author and dog lover during a visit earlier this month.

During her time at the Hamstead Marshall site – who grew up in Kingsclere – enjoyed a tour with assistant managers Rhian Grey and Natasha Tarrant.

The three of them talked about the impact of the ongoing cost of living crisis on those who have be forced to give up their beloved dogs, along with the struggles Covid has caused for dog ownership – including difficulties for training and socialising during lockdown.

Ms Balding also got to meet five-year-old Percy, a terrier who is currently looking for his forever home.

And the visit also proved the perfect opportunity for Ms Balding to do some research for her upcoming book ‘Isle of Dogs’, which everyone at Dogs Trust said they were looking forward to reading when it is released later this year.

Ms Balding said: “I made some wonderful new canine friends when I visited the Dogs Trust in Newbury to do research for my new book, Isle of Dogs.

“I was interested to hear about the work Dogs Trust does to help owners who can no longer look after their pet, especially in the event of emergency veterinary care, as well as the support they give to dogs who come into their care from unusual or upsetting circumstances.”

Ms Grey and Ms Tarrant added: “We were delighted to welcome Clare Balding to the centre – and hear that her mother has previously adopted through Dogs Trust!”