04/05/2026
My King Of The Gypsies - Trevor
1/4/2010 - 2/5/2026
And what a “King” he was. How do you pay tribute to a legend, words just aren't enough.
Although my heart is truly broken 💔 this has to be a celebration of a very special boy who defied the odds all of his life.
Trev was advertised in the Friday Ad. Had I gone on my own, I wouldn't have got him. The address was down a maze of lanes, which appeared to be a “professional breeding unit” (use your imagination!). Trev was 11 months old and didn't even have a name. We weren't allowed on the property and he was brought to the gate for us to meet. There was nothing to like, I didn't want him, he was malnourished, unsocialized, matted and smelly. Oh so very smelly.
It would be fair to say that in those first few weeks we didn't really like each other much. He struggled at first, learning to live in a house, travelling in the van and going out for walks. It also became apparent he was unwell, and his health was an issue all his life. In time, he developed a huge love for life and working with me.
In the early years he lived for his agility. We learnt together and there were many times when he wanted to trade me in for a more competent handler! When we got it right, he was virtually unbeatable. Sadly his previously malnourished body couldn't cope and he retired early from the sport, only one win away from achieving grade 5.
It was difficult to find a purpose for a while. We tried Rally and Obedience, which to be honest he couldn't totally see the point of. He loved the training, with it's rewards and games, but in the ring he just didn't enjoy it.
Then we did scentwork, which he loved from the first session. This was something I could progress without help. During Covid, just for the challenge and with the help of our local cat rescue, I changed his target scent from catnip to cat. We then got asked to see if he could locate a cat who had been bitten by a dog (not the dogs fault!) and had run off. I was doubtful, but arriving on scene he knew exactly where that cat was before I'd even put his harness on. He saved a life that day.
He loved to retrieve, and could carry keys, pens, his basket, pretty much anything, apart from paper. We never managed that, he loved to rip paper and plastic too much 🙈
He would help with my animals and could read my mind. Whatever we were doing together, he always understood the task without much direction. He helped locate and contain many escaped guinea pigs and bantams.
He loved carrots and cucumber and would steal them whenever he could, searching them out and ripping bags open. He would also sn**ch carrots out of the hands of unwary strangers 🤣 It will be a long time I think before I will be able to bring myself to buy carrots and cucumber again.
Trev did a couple of years visiting as a Canine Concern dog, alongside the girls. Here he was patient and gentle.
What else can I say about Trev that hasn't been said before. Quite literally, he was a legend in his own lifetime and adored by all who met him. He inspired in classes and amazed new clients by his intelligence and ability to pop himself in and out of his crate on request.
Because of Trev I know so much more. I learned about nutrition and feeding, intolerances, ailments such as colitis and IBD, I can do a passable poodle clip. I learned to laugh with him. Smart Mutts just wouldn't exist in this way without Trevor.
After losing Pip something changed inside Trev. He got older overnight, his body was noticeably weaker, he started to struggle to get around and he seemed lost and vulnerable. Normal things he'd been doing for years were now questioned. Staying home without me, even with the other dogs, was suddenly not an option for him and caused great anxiety. In the van when arriving at known places he would bark his high pitched panic bark. He suddenly couldn't bear to have me out of his sight.
The only things he enjoyed in his final couple of weeks was his food and swimming. He went to Abilityhound for 8 years; half of his life, and he loved it. He considered it to be HIS pool, and was always a Saga Lout with the toys
His last day was perfect. A swim in the morning, lunch and a snooze. He was moving better than he had done for a couple of weeks. That evening though one back leg stopped working. He got it moving again, but that scared him and worried me. Knowing his body was failing and his mind was not coping, I dosed him up with pain killers and made the call.
As with Pip and Daisie, the other dogs' reactions around him that final week told me that all was not well. I truly think he wanted to be reunited with Daisie and Pip, and he is laid to rest with them. I was concerned about Yogi, as he was very bonded with Trev. While the vet was still with us I took Yogi in to see what wanted to do. He went over to Trev, carefully sniffed his body all over, then accepted what had happened. It was a poignant moment.
My special boy, you were the kindest, most intelligent dog, and having you in my life was a huge privilege.
RIP my Best Boy
Thank you for all you taught me and for 15 wonderful years. I will forever miss your snuggles.
Thank you again to the wonderful team at Coming Home Veterinary Services
Tracy Hopkins abilityhound thank you for helping us have bonus years Trev so loved his swimming
Jackie Paterson JD Pet Services had you not come with me that day ……
