Staff at a care home have stepped in to ensure a resident will not be separated from his adored dog.
Credit to Royal Star & Garter
Army veteran Mick Humphreys gave beloved Bo to his daughter when he moved into Royal Star & Garter in High Wycombe in January 2025. Since then, she has been able to bring the nine-year-old Welsh Border Collie cross to the Home while visiting her dad.
But changes in her circumstances meant she was unable to continue caring for the dog, prompting fears Bo would be re-housed and permanently separated from Mick. However, those concerns have been allayed thanks to staff at Royal Star & Garter.
Iuliana Hodson, Head of Dementia Services at the charity, heard of Mick’s worries and stepped in to adopt Bo. It means she’s able to bring the pooch to Mick whenever she’s working at the High Wycombe Home.
Mick and Bo’s friendship is being shared by Royal Star & Garter ahead of International Dog Day on 26 August, which celebrates dogs of all breeds and backgrounds. It recognises the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year, and honours dogs that work selflessly to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort.
Mick, who served in the 1st Battalion Royal Green Jackets between 1959and 1968, said:
“I’ve had Bo since he was a nine-week-old puppy, and he’s a very easy-going, obedient dog. It was tough being separated from him when I came to Royal Star & Garter, but I knew he was being well looked after by my daughter, and that I’d still be able to see him. When I found out she could not care for him anymore, I was terrified I would never see him again. So I was incredibly relieved and at peace when Iuliana offered to have him.”
Royal Star & Garter is a charity which provides loving, compassionate care and support to veterans and their families living with disability or dementia, from Homes in Solihull, Surbiton, High Wycombe and Worthing. It also runs services reaching out into the community including Day Care, Lunch Club and a national Telephone Friendship Service.
Iuliana said: “One of the charity’s values is ‘As a family’, and Bo really is part of the family here. Every time I bring Bo in, he’s so excited to see Mick. And the residents and relatives are excited to see him. They welcome him and give him treats, and they all know he’s Mick’s dog. The staff are also amazing and support me with anything he needs.”
Bo’s regular visits have also led to unexpected benefits for Mick. Iuliana explained:
“It motivates Mick to walk more because we take Bo out in our gardens. The plan is to take Bo to a nearby park for a nice walk soon.”
Royal Star & Garter in High Wycombe is welcoming new residents. For more information on this, the other services it offers to the veterans’ community or to work at the Home, go to www.starandgarter.org.hw
