About one million people each week are enjoying an insight into the work of Woodgreen Pets Charity in Cambridgeshire through the Channel 4 series The Dog House.

The fifth season, showing on Thursday evenings and also available to stream, is described as a dog dating show where people and homeless dogs are matched and – hopefully – fall in love.

The Bafta-nominated show, which premiered in 2019, provides a behind-the-scenes look at how the charity’s team works to rehabilitate and rehome animals.

In the last year, the Godmanchester-based charity has helped 8,000 pets, including opening its doors to more than 2,200 dogs, cats and small animals.

In the opening episode, viewers were introduced to stray dog TInkerbell, who arrived and withdrawn. Looking beyond the fear though, Woodgreen’s dogs team witnessed glimpses of Tinkerbell’s affectionate nature.

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Tinkerbell’s background was largely a mystery, but her microchip showed her origins in Romania. She was underweight, with patchy fur and itchy skin from allergies and it took a long time for her soreness to heal. Once it did, the playful pup’s personality began to shine through and her tail began to wag again as she went exploring on walks.

Behaviour and training specialist Sue said: “Tinkerbell wasn’t naughty in any way, She was just a bit shellshocked really at the condition she was in and the environment that she was in. She needed some TLC to support her as she was really low and worried.”

The charity used enrichment feeding – including licky mats and scatter food – and kennel comforters, who would sit in the keen with Tinkerbell, to make her feel more comfortable.

Last week, viewers saw Tinkerbell met potential adopters Yvonne and Graeme – but it was their four-year-old dachshund, Baxter, that she needed to impress. Following the first meeting, it proved clear that Tinkerbell – now called Bella – would fit in and had found a loving home.

“The dog that Tinkebell was when she first came in to us was shy and withdrawn and worried about everything. The dog that left us was a confident, outgoing, warm and really sociable, friendly, happy little girl so we’re really proud of the journey that we took Tinkebell on.”

The charity appealed for public support from those who have appreciated its work through The Dog House. Woodgreen said it is facing “increasing pressure” on its services due to the cost of living crisis and a surge​ in pets coming through its doors.

Visit woodgreen.org.uk if you would like to support the charity.