Countryfile presenter Matt Baker and his wife Nicola are welcoming a new sheepdog puppy, Ted, to their farm following the loss of their beloved border collie, Bob. The couple shared the news in Matt's More4 programme, with Matt describing the arrival as the start of their next chapter.
New Puppy Ted Joins the Farm
Matt explained that the decision came after time to fill the void left by Bob. "It does feel time now to fill that void, and so we've decided it's time to introduce a new pup, a new sheepdog to the farm. It's a really exciting time," he said.
He credited his friend Derek, who taught him to train sheepdogs when he was 13 years old, with finding the puppy. "He's an absolute belter. So we've been, and we've seen Ted a few times," Matt added.
The name Ted was chosen to echo what Matt loved about Bob. "What I've always loved about Bob as well is he had that sort of human name. So from Bob, we're moving to Ted," he said. "It's the beginning of the next chapter, and I'm ready. I can't wait."
Remembering Bob
Nicola noted that Bob had been more than a working dog, describing him as a constant in their children's lives. "He was always with you and the kids grew up with him, so he's just been a constant in the kids' lives and for our lives for so long," she said.
Matt struggled to hold back tears as he reflected on the loss. "A massive character of this place over the years was Bob, who was our border collie. It's been really difficult since we lost Bob. Hard because he was always with me, wasn't he?"
He also spoke about Bob's absence from their barn project, saying, "He loved nothing more, and Bob had the best time up here. He absolutely loved his life on the farm."
Bob's Final Resting Place
Matt revealed that Bob was buried beneath two stones near one of his favourite spots on the farm, where the sheep now gather along the hedge line.
"It has taken me longer to get over the passing of Bob than any other dog that I've had in my life," Matt said, fighting back tears. He added: "Don't know why really, but anyway."
Matt Baker: Our Barn in the Dales airs on Tuesday on More4.
