Clare Balding, the BBC Wimbledon presenter, has opened up about the painful decision she and her wife Alice Arnold face regarding adding a new dog to their family, following the death of their cherished Tibetan terrier Archie in 2020. The couple, who recently moved from Chiswick, west London, to leafy Esher in Surrey, are eager to welcome a new pet but are waiting for the right moment.
Timing and Responsibility
Speaking on the Alright, Pet? podcast at the Good Woof festival in 2024, the 54-year-old broadcaster explained: "Here's the thing about responsible dog ownership, I'm going to be away all this summer doing the Olympics and Paralympics, this is not the time to bring a dog into my life, our life." She added that they are also undertaking a major house building project to create a safer environment for a dog, away from busy roads.
Advice from a Pet Loss Specialist
In her Channel 5 programme Lost Dog, Found Dog, Clare consulted a pet loss specialist who advised against rushing to replace a lost pet. The specialist said: "It's different for everyone, but the most important thing is, it's what's best for the animal you do get. If you're in a unit that's made up of more than one person, you involve everybody in that decision because it's so so important." She warned against getting the same breed or name, emphasizing that every dog is unique.
Current Commitments
Clare is currently busy fronting live BBC broadcasts from Wimbledon, working alongside Isa Guha. She will also embark on a book tour in September to promote her latest release. Reflecting on her role, she told The One Show: "It's about telling stories around it, and it's making you care about characters."
