Back for a second series, the first episode of this two-part documentary set its sights firmly on the “awww” factor.

After all, Britain is a nation of animal lovers, boasting some 22 million pets between us. However, the show left a sickly aftertaste at times, particularly as some of the tiny pets seemed to be fulfilling the role of fashion accessory rather than faithful companion.

Others were clearly substitute babies – to be mollycoddled, pampered and dressed up.

The programme opened with 27-year-old Lynsey, from Kent, pushing a pram. Inside was a chihuahua. “Rocky’s my fur baby because he’s furry and he’s my baby,” Lynsey explained. Glad she cleared that up. Rocky, who shares Lynsey’s bed with her, is Britain’s Best Dressed Dog.

Cue Madonna’s Vogue hit, and Rocky parading in various wacky outfits, from a bumblebee number to rock star garb. Lynsey admitted spending £3,000 on his wardrobe. He’s probably got more clothes than most humans.

Our light-hearted narrator Jane Horrocks then whisked us off to New York to glimpse a new reality TV series called Doggie Moms. “Think Sex and the City but a bit woof around the edges,” rasped Jane.

It’s basically ladies who lunch with their fur babies. To be fair, it’s a social life for these people but it was difficult not to feel sorry for the dogs.

There was even a doggie wedding, which was all a bit vulgar. No pooch should ever be seen in a bridal gown.

The programme took a turn for the better with the heart-warming tale of Princess Confetti, the mini horse from Florida. Nauseating name aside, this dinky gee-gee is a guide horse for blind owner Cheryl, who lost her sight at the age of 17. Confetti is one of only four working guide horses in the world and is frankly quite adorable.

Cheryl said other people’s reaction to the horse goes from shock to amazement and then pure joy. “It’s a very rewarding experience because people see the horse and they don’t see my disability. And it’s a very freeing experience.”

At the other end of the scale, there was a feature on the world’s biggest rabbit. Hang on, wasn’t this programme meant to be about tiny animals? Monster bunny Darius, owned by Jessica Rabbit lookalike Annette Edwards, lives in Worcester and is a hefty 4ft 4ins. Magnificent to behold, yes, but also ever so slightly creepy.

The programme ended on a feel-good note, with Beth DeCaprio from North Carolina's Grace Foundation rescue centre speaking about tiny Beyonce, the world’s smallest puppy, who survived against all the odds. Beyonce’s mother was about to be put down before the rescue centre stepped in, so she was lucky to have been born at all.

Weighing just one ounce, the tiny dachshund mix needed mouth to mouth resuscitation as her heart was not beating. Pictures of mini miracle Beyonce – who was the size of a spoon – went viral on the web. She even got more hits online than her pop star namesake. And she now has a very cute feline friend, Cat Stevens, to snuggle up to. Only the hardest heart would have been unmoved.

More importantly, Beyonce has become an ambassador for a campaign that works to promote responsible decisions for pets’ welfare. She has indirectly saved many lives through the “SNAP to it, America” campaign – Spay, Neuter, Adopt, and Protect rescue animals. This brought tears of pride to Beth’s eyes.

Come on ITV, let’s have more meaningful material like this – and less of the vacuous fluff.

Heather Broome