

That summer we decided to sell up, and in the final week of our being open Willie climbed into my lap and looked at me as though to say “I’ve done my bit looking after you all, I think it’s time for me to go now Dad.” He left us right there in my arms, being cuddled the way he always liked.
Pet remembrance day uk full#
His eyes were full of excitement and wonder and I think those walks really kept him going. We tried to cover all his old stomping ground including a trip to his favourite drinking puddle and stop-offs to visit his admiring fans, who were always thrilled to see him. Some of my favourite memories of him are taking him out for those walks. In his last months we would take him outside in our arms on his regular rounds as he was very weak. Although his highest priority was getting a selfie with the tourists - he adored the attention!Īs the years unfurled for the grand old boy he became poorly. Willie spent his days patrolling the local area, popping in to various establishments for snacks off the regulars whenever possible. He repaid us with endless love and loyalty and his cheeky, cheerful character. We named him Willie and set to getting him healthy. He was extremely thin, covered in fleas, and in a very sorry state, but we instantly fell in love with him. It was the very first week of opening our bistro and a tiny six-week-old kitten appeared from nowhere in our restaurant dining room. “Willie was a very special little chap and I still miss him to this day even though it was all those years ago. I am so proud of him, and I always will be, and his fund and the support it gets are yet another reminder of just how special he was.” He loved taking part in events like Muddy Dog Challenge, raising money to help other animals just like him, and now he does this through his Pet Tribute Fund. He won rosettes and took part in photoshoots at local dog shows, and at one point he was even named the "Smiliest Pet in Britain"! I set up a Pet Tribute Fund because Harvey was the best ambassador for his breed and changed the opinion of so many people. He loved the beach and running in and out of the waves, and he was such a water baby, but his favourite thing was strolling through the woods for hours (hunting out giant sticks, of course!) Harvey would be THAT dog with a giant stick 10 times his size. He loved playing fetch for hours, but also a snooze in bed on a Sunday morning. He was loving, loyal and had such a kind soul. He even won over my best friend who is terrified of dogs! He was with me through ups and downs, good days and bad, and he was loved by everyone. Harvey was my sidekick and my best friend.
