Matt Baker fought back tears as he spoke about the loss of his beloved border collie, Bob, and revealed that he and his wife, Nicola, are ready to welcome a new puppy to their family.
In his new series, Our Barn Next Door, the couple reflected on a new chapter in their lives and on adding a puppy after losing Bob. The Countryfile star explained how significant Bob had been to their home and family.
Remembering Bob
Matt said: "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?"
Nicola agreed: "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."
Matt replied: "Absolutely, and so many chapters that he's been part of, and it's sad for me that he's not part of this chapter of the barn because he would love it. Do you know what I mean? He loved nothing more, and Bob had the best time up here. He absolutely loved his life on the farm.
"And where we're standing now is one of his favourite spots. I say it's as if he's still here, but it certainly was one of his favorite spots, and he's buried just below where we're standing here, with these two stones on top."
He added: "It's fascinating because all the sheep come over and sit round him, and they've sort of made a little indentation at the bottom there, where they all come and lie along this hedge line here. This was his favorite spot because he would lie here."
Fighting back tears, Matt said: "It has taken me longer to get over the passing of Bob than any other dog that I've had in my life. Don't know why really, but anyway."
A New Puppy Named Ted
Nicola shared that Bob was not only a working dog but also a family dog, which is why they decided to introduce a new puppy to the Baker family.
The Countryfile presenter stated: "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. We've found a brilliant litter.
"My great friend Derek, who taught me how to train sheepdogs when I was 13 years old, said, 'Leave it with me,' and found us a little pup. He's an absolute belter. So we've been, and we've seen Ted a few times."
He added: "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. It's the beginning of the next chapter, and I'm ready. I can't wait."
Matt Baker: Our Barn in the Dales airs on Tuesday on More4.
