Matt Baker has spoken openly about his ADHD and dyslexia, revealing that his pets offered him comfort and companionship from a young age.
In a recent interview with Radio Times, the Countryfile presenter said his animals were a constant presence while he was growing up, and he has described them as therapy dogs before that term existed.
A hyperactive child with constant companions
Baker, who recently said goodbye to his border collie Bob, reflected on the bonds he has shared with animals throughout his life. He told Radio Times: "I have ADHD and dyslexia, but when I was younger I was known as a sort of hyperactive child and, for me, pets were my companions on adventures, running around outside and doing stuff. They were a constant presence."
Asked whether he would regard them as therapy dogs, he replied: "Yes, as it turns out, and continue to do so."
Dyslexia as a superpower
The former The One Show host has previously described his neurodivergence as a "superpower" and said he does not know "what it's like to not have dyslexia". He has spoken about the challenges it brings, including a fear of reading aloud when he was younger.
In a previous interview with The Mirror, he recalled: "When I was younger, I've never been more terrified than I was when asked to read aloud."
Baker also explained how dyslexia affects his work on live television. "When somebody throws a name in front of you on live TV, you have to read it," he said, "But I just read what I think it says and hit it with confidence."
He added: "I wouldn't change a thing. Being neurodivergent means you think differently. You keep telling yourself, 'I'm ready for this'. And you can. Dyslexia has taught me you can achieve anything."
A new puppy after Bob's death
After the death of his dog Bob, Matt Baker announced that his family had welcomed a new puppy named Ted. Sharing a clip of their first meeting, he wrote: "This happened a few weeks ago."
"The eagle-eared listeners of my pet podcast heard me say that we have a new pup at home and we've got baby gates everywhere," he said. "Here's the day we chose him and the start of something epic."
Countryfile is broadcast on Sundays at 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
