BBC's Clare Balding says 'it's killing me' as she shares update with wife Alice

Edinburgh Live

a day ago

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Clare Balding, leading the Wimbledon coverage for the BBC this year, has spoken candidly about the challenge she and her partner Alice Arnold are facing after the loss of their beloved Tibetan terrier Archie in 2020. The search for a new canine companion has been spirited but unhurried, as Clare reasons that it's a decision one shouldn't rush into.
Speaking on the Alright, Pet? podcast at the Good Woof festival, the renowned 54-year-old presenter explained why last summer wasn't the ideal time, she said: "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 also highlighted that amidst ongoing house renovations—aimed at creating more space and safer environment—it was prudent to wait: "And, we are also doing a big sort of house building project, so that we can move somewhere where we've got a bit more space, we're not close to a road, and we can have doors open all the time."
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Balding remains set on the idea of welcoming a new dog once they have wrapped up their home improvements: "It's killing me not to have a dog right now, but I know it's the right thing to wait," she admitted, reports the Mirror.
During a segment on her Channel 5 show Lost Dog, Found Dog, Clare consulted with a pet loss specialist who offered guidance on adopting another pet after losing one.
Addressing whether bereaved owners should swiftly fill the void with a new pet, the specialist shared: "It's different for everyone, but the most important thing is, it's what's best for the animal you do get."
Clare Balding stressed the significance of involving all family members in the decision to get a new dog, saying: "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 also cautioned against attempting to replace a deceased dog with an identical breed or name, highlighting the uniqueness of each canine. "And what we often hear is that people try and replace [the dog] with the same breed, the same name, please don't because every dog is unique and has it's own character."
Additionally, Clare emphasised the need for mental preparation when welcoming a new dog into the family after a loss.
In a recent appearance on Good Morning Britain, Clare mentioned that she and her partner Alice were edging closer to becoming dog owners again, but were taking their time with the decision.
Currently, Clare is occupied with presenting live BBC coverage from Wimbledon, and in September, she will embark on a book tour to promote her latest publication.
Alongside Isa Guha, Clare leads the daily Wimbledon coverage on TV, broadcast on BBC One, BBC Two, and available on BBC iPlayer.
Commenting on her involvement, Clare said: "I love being part of such a good team and learning from them about the new players who stepping into the void left by Federer, Nadal and Murray.
"I'm excited to see how Jack Draper can progress and of course see the latest instalment of the Alcaraz/Sinner rivalry. Coco Gauff burst into our consciousness at only 15 when she beat Venus Williams on her Wimbledon debut.
"I'd love to see her reach her first final here and ultimately lift the title. It would be great to see a good run from Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu."