The Dog Rescuers

Alan throws a Christmas party for the stars of the last series and tells amazing rescue stories.

In this special episode we join the RSPCA volunteers, staff and vets at animal shelters across the country as they care for the 3000 dogs in their care over the Christmas period. And for the first time on The Dog Rescuers we get an insight into the RSPCA national call centre at Christmas, responding to around 11,000 calls from the concerned public over between Christmas and New Year. One such call that comes in live to the National Call Centre is tasked out to Inspector Emily Collins, who races to rescue unloved Pomeranian Freddie, left abandoned in disgusting conditions.

Alan Davies helms the seasonal special of the heart-warming documentary series. At Harmsworth Animal Hospital, an English bull terrier sports a worrying lump. South Godstone Animal Centre must contend with more than 40 furry residents, but can they re-house puppy Obi? Inspector Joynes rescues an abandoned spaniel.

Alan Davies finds out about dogs that are proving hard to rehome for the RSPCA in the run-up to the festive season. They include a six-year-old pooch that is going blind and is struggling with kennel life, a playful 12-year-old Staffie cross whose long-term health conditions are putting off potential owners and a large, underweight dog who needs months of rehabilitation after being used for badger baiting or hunting. Meanwhile, RSPCA inspector Kris finds and rescues two abandoned schnauzers while out on the road.

A seasonal special edition of the animal welfare series, as Alan Davies experiences what it is like for the care assistants of the RSPCA who look after sick and injured animals. In Northumberland, hound Hardy is in need of urgent care after falling into a frozen river, and on the Wirral, Anthony Joynes picks up Molly, a shih tzu with a coat so matted it is a risk to the poor dog's life.

A seasonal special of the animal welfare series, which sees Inspector Lyndsey Taylor called to a desperate dog left home alone at Christmas. Can Lyndsey secure a warrant for police to enter the property in time? In Wirral, sorry-looking springer spaniel Max is signed over into Inspector Anthony Joynes's care, while Alan Davies joins vet Michael Lazarus at Putney Animal Hospital to x-ray the foot of Alfie, a Chihuahua who has developed a limp after leaping from his owner's arms.