Feel-good TV to get you through January is just what everyone needs right now and that’s what Pooch Perfect is all about. It’s uplifting, fun and feel-good.
A show all about dogs, what’s not to love?
The eight-part series will see 16 professional dog groomers battle it out to be crowned the UK’s Top Dog Groomer. With a series of challenges and some super cute dogs in need of a makeover, the contestants will showcase their designs on the ‘Dog Walk’ before the judges decide who’s made it through to the next round.
It’s hosted by Sheridan Smith with contestants judged by Verity Hardcastle and Colin Taylor, but they’re not the only members of the team to appear on screen. They’re also joined by the show’s resident vet, Bolu Eso.
An important part of the Pooch Perfect team, Bolu is there to look after the dogs’ welfare and help the groomers if they need any medical attention and advise owners of any issues that are discovered during filming.
(Image: BBC/Beyond Productions)
With a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and Intercalated Master of Science, Bolu’s career has seen him travel across the globe with externships in the United States, India and the UK. He currently works in a veterinary practice in Kent and specialises in small animal medicine.
Not only was Bolu on standby on screen, he was also there backstage to examine the dogs before they came into the studio. He worked alongside Jody Gordon of The Animal Welfare Consultancy.
Recalling his time on set, Bolu said: “Some of the smaller breeds would come in to the Pooch Parlour in pushchairs, so when I would go and greet the dogs in the morning, I would then be walking around with a couple of small white fluffy dogs in a pram, which was a sight to behold and used to make everyone laugh.”
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As well as being there to assist the groomers with any medical issues, Bolu was able to use the experience to learn himself.
He said: “I learnt so much as the show went along, I found myself whispering to Colin and Verity, ‘Is that coat a bit choppy or is that just me?’
“I am pleased I didn’t have to make those decisions, as it was tough, they were all so amazing. I was just judging how happy the dogs were, which, when they were all sitting there wagging their tails, was sometimes tough too!
“But it was a massive learning curve for me too, you can’t help but join in, it’s that level of interaction that I think the viewers at home will also have and enjoy.”
And on the subject of viewers and why he thinks they should tune in, Bolu said: “It’s in the name…pooches are perfect! There is something about animals that just make people happy, and I think after such a gloomy year, being able to see happy dogs on our TV screen will bring everyone such happiness.
“This year especially has seen an insatiable hunger for more dogs and puppies, which I think is why the show is so important, as it enforces responsible pet ownership, and has that educational value where viewers will learn more about the breeds.”
Pooch Perfect is on TV on BBC One on Thursdays at 8pm.
-- to www.walesonline.co.uk
