OPRAH WINFREY - WINFREY TO AIR TV SPECIAL FOR LATE DOG SOPHIE

WINFREY TO AIR TV SPECIAL FOR LATE DOG SOPHIE

U.S. TV talkshow queen OPRAH WINFREY is to dedicate a special show to her beloved dog SOPHIE, who died last month (Mar08). The programme, which is set to air in the U.S. on Friday (04Apr08), will investigate abuse at puppy mills - and will be broadcast in memory of Winfrey's cocker spaniel, who died from kidney failure. She says, "Sophie gave me 13 years of unconditional love. She was a true love in my life. (The show is) for anybody anywhere who loves a dog, has ever loved a dog, or just cares about their basic right to humane treatment." And Winfrey insists any new additions to her canine brood will now be adopted from an animal shelter, rather than from a breeder, thanks to the effect the special has had on her. She adds, "I would never, ever adopt another pet now without going to a shelter to do it. I am a changed woman after seeing this show."