As the location of TV’s popular The Dog House, Woodgreen Pets Charity has won the hearts of animal lovers worldwide. Joanne Bednall went behind the scenes…
Now in its eighth season, Channel 4’s BAFTA-nominated The Dog House has successfully matched countless rescue dogs with their forever homes, and raised awareness of Woodgreen Pets Charity and its vital work. As well as rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming pets, the charity provides expert advice and hands-on support to both first-time and experienced owners, and focuses on prevention, so more pets can remain in loving homes.
Boasting an impressive list of canine credentials, training and behaviour specialist, Sue Ketland, has worked at the charity for 36 years and become the ‘face of Woodgreen.’ Sue’s role centres around setting the charity’s welfare standards and supporting people with their dogs by helping to address a wide range of behavioural issues. She has lectured on canine behaviour and training as far afield as Japan, and previously competed in obedience, rally, working trials, and agility with her own dogs.
Do you have dogs of your own?
“I rehomed six-year-old Golden Retriever, Pixie, through Woodgreen. She’s so lovely and calm that I use her as a stooge dog with under-socialised puppies, at volunteer days and supporter events, and to help boost awareness of men’s mental health at Cambridge United Football Club.”
What’s it like having cameras around and seeing yourself on TV?
“The cameras in the ‘pen of hope’ are mainly rigged and look like ornaments so they are not in your face all the time. Seeing myself on TV is never the highlight of my evening, I always fast-forward my bits!”
What matches stick in your mind the most?
“Two in particular – one human and the other canine. The first was a recently-widowed mum and her two children, one was autistic. They found the cute little dog they were matched with too lively and noisy, and it just wasn’t working out. So, we introduced them to two six-month-old Yorkshire Terrier puppies and we nailed it! I said to the mum, Michelle, who very emotional, ‘From one widow to another, just breathe – we’ve got you.’ It was very moving being on this journey with her.
“The other match concerned an owner with a Cockerpoo called Marnie, who had become quite frightened and snappy after going blind quite suddenly. We matched them with Bella, a two-year-old Cocker Spaniel who’d come in as a stray, and they hit it off immediately. After being saved herself, Bella became the saviour for another dog.”
What’s been a major highlight of doing the show?
“Going to the BAFTAs. The first time was in 2022, not long after the Covid restrictions had been lifted. It was amazing being nominated and up close and personal with celebs like Olivia Coleman, Tom Daley, and Graham Norton, and showcasing all the good work Woodgreen does. I felt a huge sense of pride.”
How has appearing on the show changed your life?
“I do feel I am never off-duty. In 2024, I was at Crufts doing a Woodgreen training exercise with staff, and was mobbed – there was a queue of people wanting photos! I’ve just come back from two weeks in Cyprus and was even recognised out there three times. I often get asked for selfies in the supermarket, with people saying things like, ‘I love your show!’ and ‘You make me cry.’ Sometimes it’s easy to forget how much the show touches people.”
Helping Woodgreen
As well as financial contributions, Woodgreen welcomes treats, toys, towels, and bedding, while the outreach department will distribute any donated food in the community to benefit owners struggling to provide for their pets.
Alternatively, why not become a regular donor or sponsor a pet as a gift for a loved one instead? Visit woodgreen.org.uk/how-to-help/donate or woodgreen.org.uk/how-to-help/sponsor-a-pet/
Another way to help the pets at Woodgreen is by offering to foster or volunteer.
• For help with any aspect of pet care, the friendly and knowledgeable Woodgreen team can be contacted on 0300 303 9333 or visit woodgreen.org.uk