Back in June 2003 we brought you home our first dog, aged six weeks and weighing only 6lbs. You were gorgeous with a big personality so we named you Barnabas Maximus.

Everyone told us Bassets are untrainable so we enrolled you to several puppy classes where you shone. You especially excelled at training us into being what you wanted us to be. With your likeable character you made friends easily and loved life, going to work in the van with your dad, holidays to the beach and climbing the fells and even trips to the vet.

You always made every walk an adventure and believed everyone was your friend and loved to meet and greet all. When we bought Krishna home you instantly accepted him and didn’t mind him sharing your treats, toys and bed and even put up with him licking you.

After nine memorable years we were given the worst news ever, you had an incurable tumour. However, you did not let that stop you and you trained us successfully to provide even more treats and rewards than we did already until Tuesday night, 13^th November, you decided that was the end. Heartbreakingly, you were put to sleep with us by your side, stroking you and along with Krishna we all said our final sad goodbyes.

We miss you so much but you will always be remembered with a smile. You truly were a one off, so thank you Barney for nine and a half years of lovely memories.

All our love xxx

Words by Chris Cooper.

(Ed.Thank you Jayne and Chris for this lovely tribute to dear Barney.

He has been such a familiar character on our Branch walks for so long that I am sure that he will be missed by many members and their hounds.

Even though we knew of his illness, it was still very shocking to learn of the passing of this sweet-natured and gentle boy).