VIDEO: Farewell to gentle giant of a dog from Skegness

Monty, a much-loved 10 stone white Pyrenean, died on Wednesday after a long-standing heart condition – leaving a huge void in the home of the Tasker family as well as the local community, where he was well-known.

Mum Samantha Tasker said: “I took him to school for the last time on Wednesday. Normally he can’t wait to jump out of the boot but he just put his paw in my friend’s hand.

“I took him to the vets but was told it was time. We took him home and he rushed out into the garden after the pigeons, but it was as if he knew.

“He went around us all and put his forehead in our lap - it was as if he was saying goodbye.

“That evening we took him to the vets for the last time. We are all so heartbroken - he was such a special dog.”

The Taskers, of Hoylake Drive, Skegness, have had Monty since 2012 when he was eight weeks old. Standing more than six foot tall on his hind legs, Samantha said he was really a big softy and a special friend to her son, Owen.

She said: “Owen has epilepsy and Monty would lick his mouth if he was going to have a seizure. Skegness Academy used ‘Monty’ in their anti-bullying campaign along with his best friend ‘Buster’, a small, black Patterjack.

“He also knew many of the children at Seathorne Primary School where he waited for my daughter, Kate, who is 11. She was so looking forward to him meeting her when she goes to the Grammar School.”

Since Monty died, Samantha has had a tattoo done of Monty on her arm as a lasting tribute. Samantha said: “We’ve had many messages on Facebook from people who used to see him around town. He went into the bank and they gave him treats at Yorkshire Trading. Losing him has broken our hearts, but we are truly grateful to Fenwold Vets for their care.”