On Saturday 10th April 2021 the sun set on the final chapter of the extraordinary story of Bob Harvey and his little dog Darcie. Their story was a remarkable one – one of resilience, fortitude and love. Bob and his wife Margaret had been together for over 50 years and around 14 years ago they were joined by a third member to complete their little family – their miniature Schnauzer Darcie.  They would all become inseparable, each incomplete without the others.

Sadly Margaret became ill around eight years later and the sad decision was made that they would give up their family home in Canonbie, a small village in Scotland and move into a care home in the South of Scotland. Margaret was suffering from dementia and Bob himself was not a well man having been a kidney dialysis patient for the best part of 20 years. While considering the move they were promised that all three of them would have a home for life in the care home. This led to the pivotal decision in the winter of their lives to live out their final years together Bob, Margaret and little Darcie in the comfort of the care home. Sadly Margaret passed away not long after the move, leaving Bob devastated at the loss of  the love of his life. His faithful companion Darcie remained by his side during the dark and difficult months following Margaret’s death. This vulnerable old man and his little dog were truly inseparable, each keeping the other going. Bob had always said if Darcie passed before him he would simply stop kidney dialysis – testament to the strength of their bond, that he should choose death over a life without his faithful companion. Sadly more trauma was to befall Bob when a change of management in the care home resulted in him being told he would have to give up his little dog or be evicted.

Despite a petition signed by hundreds of thousands of people apoplectic at the utter loss of humanity in this decision, the care home would not change their mind. This resulted in Bob enduring yet another move in his late eighties while growing increasingly frail through grief and ill health. His decline in physical wellbeing paled into insignificance compared to the thought of losing his companion which he could barely contemplate, so the pair moved to a modest bungalow in the North of England where they remained for the rest of Bob’s days. Bob sadly passed away on the 29th of October 2020 aged ninety, followed eleven weeks later, just short of his 14^th birthday, by his faithful companion Darcie. It was as if it was inevitable that one could not exist without the other and that Darcie should fail and pass shortly after his dad.

Bob had previously discussed with his loved ones and a Minister his final wishes with regard to his funeral and the care of Darcie following his death.  His wish was if Darcie passed before him they  both be buried with his wife in the same graveyard burial plot and if Bob should pass before Darcie then his wish was that Darcie’s ashes be scattered on his grave. Sadly Bob passed during the height of the covid-19 pandemic restrictions meaning inevitably there were elements of his funeral wishes that had to be curtailed or postponed but those entrusted with his final wishes remained resolute that they would be honoured one way or another. A small funeral took  place for Bob on a beautiful sunkissed day in early November 2020. His grave was adorned with flowers and bouquets as had been his wish, being a man who loved flowers! Those who couldn’t attend the funeral lined the roads leading from the funeral parlour to the cemetery applauding his coffin as the hearse drove by. Those closest to Bob mused over how much he would have enjoyed that and imagined the cheeky smile that would come across his face at the thought. As we all came to terms with the loss of our beloved Bob, Darcie was taken into the care of Bob’s close friend Tracey Graham Streit who was instrumental in bringing his plight to the attention of the world and was his rock in the final years and months of his life. Darcie, nearly 14 years old himself remarkably appeared to resort to puppyhood in a household of four younger boisterous dogs – it was a joy to behold. He had the most wonderful few weeks before finally beginning to fail and succumbing to vestibular disease. After a number of visits to the vets in January 2021 the sad and heartbreaking decision was made to let him go. Darcie left us on the of 15^th January 2021.

Sadly, Scotland and England were once again in lockdown due to the pandemic, so Bob’s final wish of being reunited with Darcie again had to be put on hold. However at the beginning of April when travel restrictions began to ease Bob’s nearest and dearest gathered once more at his graveside. It was again, a stunning day with bright sunshine splitting through brilliant blue skies. We were embraced by the lush green hills and countryside where Bob had worked for so many years of his life. It was as if his very essence surrounded us that day as we brought his little boy home for the last time. Finally we were able to reunite this lovely little family and Darcie would once again be with Bob and Margaret. As we gathered round the grave Darcie’s ashes were gently removed from the little casket and scattered lovingly over Bob and Margaret’s grave.  They were all reunited, at long last. We had fulfilled Bob’s final wish as we had promised. It wasn’t a sad day it was a happy day filled with cherished memories, love and a sense of peace. If  ever there was an example of the epitome of the human-animal bond it was Bob Harvey and his little dog Darcie. Neither could live long without the other, they belonged together and will now remain so for ever more. Their story will live on in the hearts of everyone’s lives they touched and their legacy will help ensure lasting change so no elderly person is subjected to the threat of enforced separation from their companion animal. In honour of Bob’s immense bravery during the campaign to raise awareness of his plight, our promise to him will be to forever keep his memory and story alive.