The Wiggles superstar Anthony Field spends his days either singing and dancing with Wags the Dog and Dorothy the Dinosaur or seeing pets that aren't as lucky, as host of RSPCA Animal Rescue.

It's a slightly odd mix of jobs, but here Anthony, 45, reveals why he was drawn to them.

What's your opinion of the work the RSPCA does?

The RSPCA educates well-meaning but misguided pet owners, prosecutes ill-meaning and cruel pet owners and, best of all, is there for all creatures, great and small.

Are you an animal lover?

Yes. I grew up on a 10-acre [four-hectare] mini farm. We had dogs, cows, horses - and brothers and sisters. It was always interesting.

Have you ever taken in an injured animal?

We nursed a stray dog back to health when I was young. He'd been abused and was timid. He became a treasured family member.

What's the best thing about having a pet?

Pets give you unconditional love. The more love you give them, the more you receive.

What's the most mischief you've seen an animal get up to?

I had two mini foxies - Fergus and Pasqua. One day they wrecked my leather sofa, scratching and scratching it until it was ruined.

Do you own any pets now?

Fergus is being ‘foster cared' by my mum. We [he and wife Miki] have three little kids [Lucia, three, Maria, two, and Antonio, one], so our focus is on them for the moment.

What is it like being a dad?

Humbling. My children are beautiful - what else can I say?

What made you want to entertain young children?

I'm a qualified preschool teacher and a dad. Entertaining children is challenging and creatively engaging for me because I'm interested in what makes the little ones tick and what entertains them.

What's more cuddly - a cat or Wags the Dog?

Wags the Dog, of course! Wags is a big hunk of cuddly dog.

The Wiggles have entertained kids for 17 years. What's the secret to your success?

We respect our audience and we love what we do.

What's next for the group?

After a quick trip to the States we'll do our Sing A Song of Wiggles show around Australia.

Will The Wiggles ever update their Big Red Car?

We have! Volkswagen is sponsoring our live show. Together we've created a book on road safety and, in wonderful news, the Big Red Car is now a reconditioned VW bug.

RSPCA Animal Rescue screens, 7.30pm, Tuesdays, on the Seven Network.

By Adrian Motte