A social media star who rose to fame on television has been named the first female ambassador for an Essex animal rescue centre.
Lisa Baggs, who appeared on hit Channel 4 series Gogglebox from 2020 to 2022, has taken on the role with RSPCA Danaher Animal Home in Wethersfield.
The 56-year-old, who lives in Dunmow, said she was left emotional after being approached about the opportunity, describing it as an “honour” to use her platform to support the charity.
“I am extremely proud,” she said. “When they told me about the ambassadorship, I literally cried.
“For me to be able to do something really good with the platform I’ve got… I’m just so honoured.”
Lisa has built a loyal online following since her time on TV, and said she hopes to use that reach to shine a light on smaller, local rescue centres.
“There’s a lot of the bigger places like Battersea that everyone goes to, but people don’t always think about the smaller places around here,” she said.
“That’s why I’ve done it - I want to shout loud that there is a beautiful place here.”
Her connection to the centre is also deeply personal.
After losing her French bulldog Dolly two years ago, Lisa said visiting Danaher has helped her process the loss.
“It’s been a culture shock not having a dog,” she said. “You put the key in the door and there’s no dog there to greet you - it’s the worst feeling.
“Going up there, I can have cuddles. They all wee over me and I don’t care. It’s helped me heal as much as I’ve helped them.”
Lisa, who has had dogs in her life since childhood, said the centre has given her comfort without the immediate commitment of owning another pet.
“It’s like having the company of a dog without having one at home,” she added. “It’s made me realise I will get another dog one day, but not just yet.”
She admitted she had never visited a rescue centre before Danaher, having previously felt unsure about what to expect.
“I was quite anxious, thinking they might not be well looked after,” she said. “But honestly, what they do for the animals - dogs, cats, even guinea pigs - is unbelievable.”
The centre, which is self-funded despite its RSPCA affiliation, relies heavily on public donations and volunteers to continue its work.
Lisa said she and her family regularly donate items, from clothing to supplies, and hopes others will do the same.
“If we get sent anything, we take it straight up there,” she said. “We just do whatever we can to help.”
As part of her ambassador role, Lisa will use her social media channels to promote dogs in need of homes and encourage visits to the site.
“Some dogs have been there for six months, and for me that’s just not on,” she said. “I want people to come up, even if they’re unsure, and just have a look - like I did.”
She also highlighted sponsorship opportunities for animals needing additional care, encouraging supporters to consider donating towards specific cases.
Describing the team at Danaher as “like a family”, Lisa said being part of the organisation “means so much”.
“It’s just little old me from Essex,” she added. “But if I can help more dogs get rehomed and raise awareness, then that’s everything.”
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