'Kat' and her dogs

For five years actress Jessie Wallace lit up the screen as sparky barmaid, Kat Slater, in the BBC television soap, EastEnders. Since leaving the series in 2005, Jessie has gone on to prove to her fans that she is much more than just a pretty face both on stage and screen.

Her portrayal of Music Hall legend Marie Lloyd for BBC Four not only established her as a serious actress but also as an accomplished singer, a talent she later repeated in the West End in the hit musical Rent Remixed. But playing her latest role, Amy Kriel, in the South Africa-based series Wild at Heart placed this animal lover in pure paradise. The only downside was not being able to take her beloved dogs.

How did George and Daisy join your household?
Daisy was given to me by a friend who was finding her a little too demanding. And it’s true, this very special Basset Hound needs more than her fair share of love and attention! George is very calm about it all and does a very good job of looking after me, which is why he came to us.

Do your dogs ever travel with you?
They love going in the car, especially when I have the roof down. They have their seatbelts but that doesn’t stop Daisy’s ears flapping in the wind!

Do you take Daisy and George on holiday with you?
We love going to Brighton, and it’s great to see the dogs running on the beach and dashing in and out of the sea.

Do you buy the dogs special gifts?
They both have Christmas stockings full of their favourite treats.

Do your pets need to be groomed?
They don’t need a lot of grooming, but I made them up for the shoot today!

Why did you become involved in the PDSA Pet Pawtraits calendar?
One of my friends couldn’t afford to pay veterinary fees when her cat fell ill. She thought he would have to be put to sleep but thankfully my friend qualified for PDSA services. The cat was treated and made a full recovery so I know the good work PDSA can do. I really care about animals and I’m always donating things to PDSA shops. So the calendar was another opportunity to help this wonderful charity in another way.
I fully support PDSA as not every pet is as lucky as Daisy and George. They are both very precious to me, and I’m so happy that being involved in the Pet Pawtraits calendar has allowed us to help other pets in need.

Jessie, Daisy and George feature in the PDSA Pet Pawtraits calendar 2008

16/07/2008