Celebrations at Dogs Trust Basildon as Pete Wicks: For Dogs' Sake Wins Top Industry Award
he team at Dogs Trust Basildon is celebrating today after Pete Wicks: For Dogs' Sake, filmed at the charity's rehoming centre and featuring many of the team working for the charity, scooped a top prize at last night's prestigious Broadcast Digital Awards.
The series was named Best Popular Factual Programme, with judges praising its heartfelt storytelling, the warmth and care shown throughout, and its powerful spotlight on the growing pressures faced by dog rescue centres across the UK.
Fronted by TV personality, podcaster, Strictly Come Dancing star and devoted dog lover Pete Wicks, the series takes viewers behind the scenes at Dogs Trust, meeting the dogs in need of new homes and the dedicated teams working tirelessly to give them a second chance.
Staff from Dogs Trust Basildon feature prominently in the show, including Rehoming Centre Manager Lisa Cooper, who joined Pete at last night's awards ceremony.
Lisa said: "We are absolutely thrilled that Pete Wicks: For Dogs' Sake has received this recognition. The series gave a voice to the dogs who need us most, and helped thousands of people understand both the joy and the responsibility that comes with rehoming a rescue dog.
"We're incredibly proud of the Dogs Trust Basildon team, and grateful to Pete, the production team, and everyone involved for shining a light on the work we do here and in Dogs Trust centres across the UK."
The award-winning series premiered in January, becoming U&W's highest-rated unscripted debut since 2016. Its impact went far beyond the screen, with Dogs Trust seeing a 30% increase in adoption applications, a surge in donations, and a rise in views on the Dogs Trust Basildon rehoming page during the month of transmission, clear proof that the show struck a chord with dog lovers across the country.
Following the show's success, filming is already underway for a second series, along with a Christmas special. Viewers can expect more emotional and uplifting stories as Pete follows the journeys of rescue dogs from arrival to rehabilitation and, hopefully, to loving new homes. Filming for the new series of the show is taking place at Dogs Trust Basildon and other Dogs Trust centres nationwide.
