Saving Keira

Noel Fitzpatrick on performing life-saving surgery on his beloved dog

- IAN MACEWAN

THE SUPERVET

NEW THURSDAY / C4 / 8PM / EP 1 of 6 / FACTUAL

Noel Fitzpatrick has carried out countless operations on other people’s dogs.

But when C4’s The Supervet returns for a new series this week, a special first episode follows the inspirational veterinary surgeon as he faces the heartrending challenge of trying to save his beloved 13-year-old Border terrier Keira after she is knocked down by a van outside his Surrey practice.

Here, Noel, 53, tells TV Times about preparing for the most important surgery of his life…

How did Keira come into your life?

When my practice was in a tiny hut in the woods, I wanted a dog, but I was working long hours. One of my nurses also wanted a dog, and it turned out we could have one together – and that was Keira!

What do you remember about her being run over?