What do you think is going to happen when you get your golden retriever to the Sistine Chapel?

You know, you're going to leave an offering to the almighty that it wouldn't appreciate.

This week on Walking the Dog, Ray and I went for a stroll with legendary radio presenter Mark Radcliffe

and his adorable Cavapoo Arlo.

Mark first became known for his hugely popular radio partnership with Mark Riley at Radio

One, hosting the Mark and Large show. They also had a brief stint on the Radio One Breakfast

show, which was cut short, as Mark rather hilariously puts it, due to tumbling ratings. And to be

honest, that kind of sums up what I loved about Mark. He's just so unfailingly honest and

authentic. He has, of course, gone on to become one of the most respected and loved presenters

in radio. He currently hosts the weekend breakfast show with Stuart McConey on Six Music and the

folk show on Radio 2. And he's also, I can exclusively reveal a brilliant writer

because he's just published a wonderful book called Et2 Cavapu, which is a really funny

and also fascinating account of a three-month trip he and his wife Bella took, with Arlo, of course,

to the city of Rome. So if like me you love travel and you're a fan of dogs,

then you'll definitely be a fan of Et 2 Cavapu. So do grab your copy now. I genuinely adored Mark.

He's hilarious company, but he's also not afraid to open up and share his thoughts and feelings.

I was particularly moved to hear him talk about the cancer diagnosis

he had a few years back, which fortunately he was successfully treated for. But it was very powerful

hearing how it had really given him a newfound appreciation for life. Mark and Arlo were just such a

joyful pair to spend time with. I know you're going to love this one.

So I'll stop talking now and hand over to the man himself.

Here's Mark and Arlo and Ray Ray.

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