So many people have enquired as to whether Berry and Porridge found their new forever home together so we thought it was time for an update. As you all know, Porridge was a very elderly gentleman when he came to us which is one of the reasons we were being so particular about potential homes as we felt he may be living on borrowed time and did not want to put a new home in an emotional position without them being fully aware of what may be to come.

Porridge became unwell the middle of November and so was taken to the vets who have been monitoring his arthritis since he came into our care. Extensive but unobtrusive tests were carried out and it was found that poor Porridge had a tumour on his liver for which nothing could be done. He was taken home with pain relief to be made comfortable but foster parents made that difficult decision after a couple of days that he was still in pain and the decision was made to send Porridge to Rainbow Bridge so he did not suffer. Berry was allowed to say goodbye to his lifelong friend so he understood Porridge had not just left him.

Berry has settled so well with his foster family and his foster family love him so much, as they did Porridge, that they had already said when Porridge first became ill, Berry had a foster home for life with them. For Berry this is the perfect scenario as he has totally become part of their family and having lost Porridge still has Anna and Kip to play with and for doggy companionship. It would be so unfair to unsettle him again.

A big thank you to his foster family who have given these boys so much love and care, and our hearts went out to them the day Porridge went to Rainbow Bridge as we know what a hole he left in their home even though he had not been with them that long. One of the reasons we left it until now to update everyone was because it was still so raw.

It was an honour to have met Porridge and I personally will remember how happy and full of life he was the day we spent in London for the Alan Titchmarsh show. He walked along the river bank with a regal smile on his face, stopping to say hello to everyone who would let him. Porridge now runs free along that river bank again.