Popular Big Issue vendor who lost beloved dog on Christmas Day welcomes new pet to his pitch

A Big Issue vendor who lost his pet dog on Christmas Day has welcomed a new canine companion to his pitch this week.

Ian Duff, who sells the magazine outside Waitrose in Bath city centre, was left heart-broken following the death of pointer springer Boycie on Christmas Day.

This week the 55-year-old vendor, who described the late dog as “like a son”, welcomed his new dog Trigger – like his predecessor named in tribute to a character from Only Fools and Horses – to his pitch.

“He’s been perfect on the pitch,” said Duff.

“He’s done exactly what Boycie’s done. He’s gone there and been like ‘I’m at work’. He’s had a few blips, he misses the small dog he was with before and so every small dog he wants to go up and play with.

“But, for now, he’s been brilliant.”

Boycie had accompanied Duff on his pitch for 13 years before his death at the end of last year.

Duff even briefly retired from selling The Big Issue last year in a bid to give the dog “a long overdue rest”.

The vendor penned a touching tribute to 16-year-old Boycie in The Big Issue magazine back in January. Duff said: “Boycie was my world. He was like a son. He was the reason people came to buy the magazine on my pitch, they didn’t come for me.”

Boycie’s death left Duff searching for another dog to fill the hole left in his life, a mission that touched the hearts of customers who raised more than £600 to help him cover the costs of a replacement pet.

But Duff did not need the funds after he was connected with 11-month-old Trigger, a mixed breed of an Alsatian and a Border Collie according to Duff, through rescue animal charity Dia’s Legacy.

With his customers’ blessing, the vendor donated the fundraiser money to The Big Issue’s charitable arm, The Big Issue Foundation.

“It’s fantastic to have a dog around again, I can’t believe it,” said Duff.

“My customers love him already. He’s quite a big dog already at 11 months but he’s so gentle and everyone just adores him so far.”