Heidi, a rescue Staffordshire Bull Terrier/Collie mix who was once crowned the ‘prettiest dog in Bedford’ and helped form a collective of local ‘newshounds’, has died aged 16.
Heidi first came to Bedford after being found as a stray on the streets of Luton.
She was taken to Appledown Rescue Centre in Eaton Bray, where volunteers there named her Davina. They gave her lots of loving care before she was adopted, renamed Heidi, and brought to her forever home initially on London Road, Bedford.
While her life before Appledown remains a mystery, her life since then has benefitted many and her death has been met with messages of condolence from far and wide.
A family friend described her as “a legend around these parts” and her personality certainly allowed her to live up to that accolade; many referred to her as ‘Her Royal Heidiness’.
Always curious and full of play, bystanders on her walks around Priory Marina or Bedford’s Embankment would exclaim as they saw her comfortably walking along with tree trunks or fallen branches three times her size in her mouth.
Her bright eyes not only melted the hearts of those who knew her but also swayed the opinion of judges who crowned her ‘Bedford’s Prettiest Dog’ when she won a photography competition in 2009.
As the competition was never run again, it can be argued that she still technically holds the title.
Ever helpful, Heidi also supported many who were once nervous about dogs.
Her gentle nature changed minds about Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and dogs in general, for people young and old who were previously nervous of dogs.
Some of these even went on to get dogs of their own, many of them ‘rescues’ who were given a second chance thanks to the example Heidi set.
Albeit a little shy and not comfortable in busy places or with lots of noise, Heidi still took part in many activities with her humans.
She joined in with the London Legal Walk, helping raise money for Legal Aid, and even met The Rt Hon. the Lord Judge, who referred to her as a “delight”.
Newshounds of Bedford
She was also dubbed the Bedford Independent’s doggo-in-chief, helping to launch the Newshound photo album, giving local dogs a moment to shine, and ‘commenting’ on local doggy news.
Loved by many, when not at home Heidi was happiest running around Bedford’s various parks, paddling in shallow areas of local lakes, or enjoying some beer and a packet of Mini Cheddars at her favourite pub, the Devonshire Arms on Dudley Street.
Heidi even seemed to capture the mood of everyone in a photo that went viral across Bedford, after she was snapped during one of the COVID pandemic lockdowns with her front paws on the pub’s doorstep, looking confused as to why the doors were closed.
It was commented that living to the grand age of 16 (around 90 in human years), Heidi must have been given a life full of love and happiness. Her owners replied, “It was more the other way around”.
Heidi passed away peacefully and with dignity, comforted by her ‘mum and dad’, in the garden of Acorn House Veterinary Hospital, Linnet Way.
Appledown Rescue and Rehoming are still helping dogs find a forever home where they can feel loved and secure, often for the first time in their lives.
If you would like to support their work and make a donation in Heidi’s name, you can do so here.
