Pensioner who had to have leg amputated is ‘new man’ after reunion with dog

David Robson was devastated after being separated from his dog Harry during a long hospital stint
David Robson was devastated after being separated from his dog Harry during a long hospital stint (Picture: ncjMedia)

A sick pensioner who was left devastated after he was forced to put his beloved dog in kennels has become a ‘new man’ since the pair have been reunited.

David Robson, 70, spent five months in hospital suffering from severe infections, which led to him needing his leg amputated and couldn’t take care of his faithful Border Collie Harry. He was left ‘down and depressed’ when his health problems meant he had to move to Allan Court Care Home, in Benwell, Newcastle upon Tyne, and had to be separated from his companion of 11 years.
David decided to adopt Harry as a puppy to help him cope after the death of his girlfriend, Lucy, and the pair have been inseparable ever since. Although David’s physical condition improved at the care home, he was ‘distraught’ without his dog – but two weeks later they were reunited thanks to staff who understood the impact it was having on the pensioner. Home Manager Marie Clifford said their reunion was ‘so emotional’, adding: ‘To see a grown man crying like that was just unbelievable.’
A pensioner who was forced to put his faithful canine companion in kennels is a "new man" after being reunited with him. David Robson, 70, was left "down and depressed" when health problems meant he had to move away from his 11-year-old Border Collie Harry. After spending five months in hospital suffering from severe infections and having a leg amputated, he hated the idea of leaving the hound alone again, but continuing ill health meant he had to move into Allan Court Care Home, in Benwell. David Robson and his beloved Border Collie Harry, reunited.
David, who was forced to put Border Collie Harry in kennels, underwent leg amputation surgery (Picture: ncjMedia)

Growing up. While the Chow Chow dogs are well known for their distinctive blue-black tongues, they’re actually born with pink tongues. They turn blue-black at 8-10 weeks of age.

Speaking of the process to unite them, Marie said: ‘I was sent to assess David after he’d been discharged from hospital. He told me he wasn’t going anywhere without his dog.

‘I persuaded him to come and stay with us while we got things sorted, but I could see how much he loved Harry.

‘He’s had this dog for 11 years, he’s all he’s got, and I just thought “this is what care is about – we have to find a way to keep them together”.

‘I believe good care needs to be person centred and planned around the person’s needs and wishes. As care home providers, we plan holistically, looking at an individual’s mental and social factors, as well as medical.’

David said he will not let anything come in between him and Harry again and thanked Marie and staff at the care home for reuniting them.
A pensioner who was forced to put his faithful canine companion in kennels is a "new man" after being reunited with him. David Robson, 70, was left "down and depressed" when health problems meant he had to move away from his 11-year-old Border Collie Harry. After spending five months in hospital suffering from severe infections and having a leg amputated, he hated the idea of leaving the hound alone again, but continuing ill health meant he had to move into Allan Court Care Home, in Benwell. David Robson and his beloved Border Collie Harry, reunited.
David has vowed never to be separated from Harry again (Picture: ncjMedia)
‘I’m grateful for the help and support he has received since coming into Allan Court,’ said the pensioner.

‘I’ve vowed that Harry and I are not going to be separated again.’

Harry had to stay in kennels while Marie organised vet checks, risk assessments and ensured the home would be safe for both Harry, David, and the other residents.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOUR PET: Labradors have been the most popular breed in the United States for the last 26 years.

Now the dog has his very own care plan, just like the human residents, with staff organising a schedule to ensure he is fed and walked.

And Marie said it’s made the world of difference to David.

She added: ‘Since we brought the dog in he’s a new man, he’s been going outside more, he seems really different. He was properly down and depressed without him…

‘There was a lot of organising to bring Harry in, but it was worth it.’

‘Fiercely independent’ David said he enjoyed his stay at the home since Harry joined but is looking forward to them both going back home.