Clare Balding: "I thought I was a dog as a child"

TV presenter Clare Balding has revealed that she believed she was a dog when she was a child, due to spending so much time with them.

Clare Balding, the well-known TV presenter, has opened up about her childhood obsession with dogs. The 52-year-old said that she spent so much time around dogs that she actually started to believe she was one. In a recent interview on the Wine Times podcast, she shared her experience of growing up with dogs and how they influenced her life from a very early age.

Clare said, "I did think I was a dog because I was left with the dogs quite a lot. I may have genuinely believed that Candy, our boxer, was my mother. I used to write letters that were ostensibly to my parents but really were for my dogs."

Dogs in the workplace and education

Clare believes that introducing more dogs into the world of work and education could greatly improve happiness and well-being. She stated, "I genuinely think offices would be much happier if they were dog-friendly and I think schools really benefit from having, quite often, a reading dog. The dog doesn’t read but they’ll listen to children reading and just lay down."

Clare's perspective on the positive impact of dogs in various settings aligns with recent studies that have shown the therapeutic benefits of spending time with these furry companions. Dogs have been found to reduce stress and anxiety, promote social interaction, and improve overall mood.

From sports presenter to dog advocate

Although Clare Balding is best known for her career as a sports presenter, she has recently taken on a new role as an advocate for dogs. She fronted Channel 5’s three-part series, Live: Lost Dogs, which focused on reuniting stray dogs with their owners. This project allowed Clare to combine her passion for dogs with her skills as a presenter, bringing attention to the issue of lost and abandoned pets.

Clare's personal experience and her dedication to promoting the well-being of dogs highlight the profound impact that these loyal animals can have on our lives. Whether it's through companionship, therapy, or simply bringing joy, dogs have a special place in our hearts.