A modern day Greyfriars Bobby has been living in Morningside for the last decade.
Patch, the black and white cross breed Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Border Collie, became so attached to her dog walker Galya McFarlane when she first met her 12 years ago, that owner Sheena Forrest dubbed her Wishaw’s own.
Rescue dog Patch, who is sadly terminally ill, fell in love with Galya when she was just a pup and has pined for her ever since.
She has even made himself poorly by waiting outside for hours in the rain, sleet and snow, desperate for her to return.
Newmains woman Galya said: “The feeling is very much mutual. I love Patch to bits. She is a loving little thing and totally melts my heart. It was love at first sight for both of us.”
Galya tried to adopt Patch many years ago because she could see how upset she was when she was leaving.
She added: “Unfortunately it didn’t work out. I have quite a few rescue animals and Patch was very jealous. She wanted me all to herself and sadly I wasn’t able to give her that. She even attacked my tortoise because she was so jealous. I had to give her back to Sheena.”
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Sheena, 74, was recently told that Patch, 12, did not have long left to live.
She said: “After some tests the vet told me Patch had too many white blood cells and didn’t have long left. We are all devastated, especially Galya.
“Patch really is one of a kind. It’s been lovely to see their relationship grow. She absolutely loves her to pieces. She pines for her when she is not there and patiently waits at the gate every day for her to return. When she sees Galya her face lights up. It’s so lovely.”
