From Bev Farmer.

‘Three weeks ago my life changed forever and it all feels surreal and I think that Warren has gone out and will be coming back and I miss him so much and so the dogs they keep looking at me for answers. He would have hated that he has left me with everything to sort out but thankfully he will never know for he died in his sleep. I never told him enough times I loved him or appreciated all the hard work he did but I loved taking photos of him with the dogs and it was my way of saying we are a team and I couldn’t do this without you.

I hold on to the last day we spent together it was a lovely warm winters day in Spain and we spent most of the day out in the paddocks with the dogs . It was just one of those rare days that felt so relaxed and lots of laughter and in the evening he cooked me one of my favourite dinners, a quiet night in watching a film and surrounded by the dogs, just content in each others company, everything to look forward to and now that has all gone.

Those who know me I am quite a private person and never shared my private life on FB so it was difficult for me to post his passing and in all honesty I just wanted to retract and be alone. I will be eternally grateful to each and everyone that reached out and I thank you for you words of support, kindness and generosity at such a difficult time in my life. I have many people to personally thank and will be in touch in the next few days and I am sorry I have not done sooner.

At Warren´s funeral I stood up and gave his eulogy, I wanted to tell him how proud I was of him in front of friends and family; it was important to me that I looked after him, right to the last moment.

You was taken to soon.. but what an amazing life we shared together

Warrens Eulogy

Warren, son to Molly & William, brother to Debra and my lifetime partner of 32 years .. today we are here to celebrate everything special about you.

He described himself as a simple man from Yorkshire. Warren never craved the acquisition of material items, he wasn’t into fancy cars or the latest designer items, life was about living, good friends and happy times. He loved to cook and entertain friends and was in his element with a tableful of people in our home, making sure everyone had a drink and a plateful of food. He had a generous heart and always happy to help gave so much and asked for so little back

We met in a bar in my local village where he was working has a relief manager and a few months later he proposed to me on the escalator of Boots the chemist in Leeds. Never one for making grand gestures we never got married, neither of us felt the need to. Warren even bought me a second engagement ring as the first one was so old the band became so thin it broke.

It was the start of an extraordinary life that took us to many places. He worked a number of years as an officer on P&O Cruises and travelled the world and I would often join him on the ship. He would pull strings and get me a luxury cabin for my stay with champagne and a basket full of treats waiting on my arrival.

Of our 32 years together 22 of them we lived and worked together we were a team and when the chips were down we would stand side by side he protected me and I protected him. We had our ups and downs like any couple but we were destined to be together and I will never find another man who would let me run with my crazy ideas. He had my back and even when things went wrong he would still be a tower of strength and supportive.

In 2001 we decided to move to Spain for a change of pace and a more relaxed lifestyle which we did for a number of years, living close to the beach going for a swim in the sea watching the sunrise early in the morning whilst walking our dogs.

We never had children but always had dogs and when out with friends as the evening came to a close we would say sorry we have to leave now we have to get home for the kids for the dogs were our family. We adopted Tilly a Podenco in 2003 having no clue what they were and what happened to them. For many years we were oblivious to their plight but became aware in 2012 and decided to try and help them. Now hundreds are living around the world, saved from terrible lives, no longer sleeping on cold floors, chained to a wall but in a soft comfortable bed with families that love them.

It is hard and relentless work, all consuming that takes over your life but so rewarding. Warren loved the podencos and worked a 16 hour a day 7 days a week without complaint. He liked to have his own routine and I would say ‘why not try it this way it maybe easier’ but no it had to be his way and he would always sit on his chair and spend time with each of them just quietly talking to them. A gentle stroke to the face and of course a plentiful supply of treats he always had on hand. For so many of these dogs this was the first time they had been shown any compassion or affection. I have taken so many photos of him he wasn’t aware that I was and captured many special moments and these photos have resonated with people. Not only were we saving these broken souls but a family of people around the world joined our quest to help them.

I often doubted we would make a difference but Warren believed in me and would encourage me, it never really hit home how many people followed our work until his death. We lived on a Finca tucked away in a remote location in our bubble. I was over whelmed with the wonderful tributes and messages, 1,000’s of them and not just family and close friends mourn your death but people from all around the world. I know you would have been so proud reading them all and such a validation of all the hard work you did. I can just see you scrolling through Facebook and smiling as you read each and everyone of them.

We had such great plans for 2019 to make significant changes so we could help the Podencos even more. I know you were so excited but sadly you will never see this come to fruition. A few days ago you rested your eyes and never woke up again but your heart still beats in all those Podencos alive today because of you, that is your legacy to this world. Not only for the dogs saved but for joy of the families that adopted them.

Warren I will miss you so much, you were my best friend, my soul mate, my world. I am so proud of what you achieved. I love you for being the selfless man you were and being by my side. So many times when I asked can we help this dog you would say ‘go get it Bev let’s get it home’.

You will missed by so many people from the around the world, today they will say their goodbyes, even though not here they are with you in spirit

Sleep well Papa Podenco surrounded by Jasiria, Careta, Jazzy, Angela, Luca and your fluffy princess Alaska and so many more, they are waiting for you.

One day we will meet again never to be parted, until then you will always be in my heart never forgotten.’

Bev has over 30 podencos and puppies still to care for. If you would like to adopt one, or even visit and help her with them, contact Bev on podencofriends@hotmail.co.uk.