The Loose Women team doubtless thought they would have viewers melting when Gloria Hunniford brought in her adorable new puppy Poppy for everyone to meet.
But instead they got the audience hot under the collar for being irresponsible, after Gloria revealed she had taken ownership of the adorable pooch at seven weeks old.
Some fans of the talk show were furious that the presenter had proverbially torn the little pooch away from her four-legged mother so soon after her birth.
It’s recommended that puppies remain with their fur-mothers until eight weeks old – knowledge not lost on many Loose Women viewers.
One took to Twitter to say: “She should be with her mother.”
Another wrote: “Taken from her mum at least a week too early. @RSPCA_official please educate them.”
And more chastisement followed…
“Bragging at having the puppy since seven weeks…” said one.
Another wrote: “Hope you all realise it’s been separated from its mum way too early?
“You should absolutely never buy any puppy younger than eight weeks old,” stated yet another.
One more viewer said: “Why has Gloria had her puppy from seven weeks of age when not supposed to be separated from its mother until eight weeks?”
An RSPCA spokesperson said: “We have always said that a puppy should not be removed from its mother before eight weeks old.
“We feel before eight weeks old it can affect the puppy’s development.”
A spokesperson for Gloria, meanwhile, said: “Polly was bought from an accredited Kennel Club Breeder who advised on the right time to take her home.”
We’re sure the veteran host would have done everything possible to check she was doing the best by her new friend.
Just look how besotted she is! And who can blame her.
We hope Poppy will be making more appearances on the panel soon…