Sunday, 16 November 2008

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Martin Clunes: My dog was on Valium

Doc Martin actor says his pet was too vicious

Martin Clunes with his troublesome pet Tina

Martin Clunes has admitted that he had so many problems with one of his dogs that she ended up on drugs.

In his book A Dog’s Life the 46-year-old actor reveals the distress caused when his new pet Tina failed to get along with his other pooch Mary.

‘People found it hard to believe that Tina, a pretty little thing with big brown eyes, could be vicious. But she was,' he says.

'Tina would watch Mary’s every move and ferociously set upon her, even when she was asleep in her basket.'

Martin, who lives with his wife Philippa and daughter Emily in Dorset, said they attempted everything to bring peace to the house.

‘After trying every avenue possible, including – as a last, unsuccessful, resort – a Valium prescription for Tina, we realised the situation was never going to right itself,’ he tells Weekend.

Fortunately, Philippa’s parents took on the pup.  

‘Sad though we are that Tina isn’t here any more, we’re happy knowing we can visit her whenever we want.’

Hannah Stuart-Leach