Popular Bath-based Big Issue vendor Ian Duff has welcomed new dog Trigger to his pitch in the centre of the city.
Ian Duff’s new dog Trigger | Photo courtesy of The Big Issue
55-year-old Ian, who sells the magazine outside Waitrose, was left devastated following the death of his pointer springer Boycie late last year.
Ian’s customers raised more than £600 to help him after they heard the tragic news.
Earlier this month, he welcomed Trigger to his pitch and has given the money raised to help him to charity.
Trigger, named like his predecessor in tribute to the Only Fools and Horses character, has immediately taken to his new life.
Ian said: “He’s been perfect on the pitch. He’s done exactly what Boycie’s done. He’s gone there and been like ‘I’m at work’.
“He’s had a few blips, he misses the small dog he was with before, and so every small dog he wants to go up and play with. But, for now, he’s been brilliant.”
Boycie had accompanied Ian on his pitch for 13 years before his death on Christmas Day.
Ian even briefly retired from selling The Big Issue last year in a bid to give the dog “a long overdue rest”.
The vendor penned a touching tribute to 16-year-old Boycie in The Big Issue magazine back in January.
Ian said: “Boycie was my world. He was like a son. He was the reason people came to buy the magazine on my pitch, they didn’t come for me.”
Boycie’s death left Ian searching for another dog to fill the hole left in his life, a mission that touched the hearts of customers who raised more than £600 to help him cover the costs of a replacement.
However, Ian did not need the funds after he was connected with 11-month-old Trigger, a mixed breed of an Alsatian and a Border Collie according to Duff, through rescue animal charity Dia’s Legacy.
With his customers’ blessing, the Bath-based vendor donated the fundraiser money to The Big Issue’s charitable arm, The Big Issue Foundation.
Ian concluded: “It’s fantastic to have a dog around again, I can’t believe it. My customers love him already.
“He’s quite a big dog already at 11 months but he’s so gentle and everyone just adores him so far.”
