In the early morning of the 3rd of April 2026 my beautiful heart dog died surrounded by love and compassion in the most peaceful and dignified way.

For nearly 14 years my life has revolved around George and I am so glad that it did because now I only have peace and love in my heart and no regrets. Along with Louis he is the reason I got into pet photography and have met all the lovely animals and people I have to-date. Dogs of Kensington Gardens has always been for and because of him.

I wanted a dog with a personality and we always joke that I got one with a personality big enough for 12 dogs. He survived several bad dog attacks and never once thought to bite another dog but we did end up having to work on reactivity issues as a result. Namely he could really take offence at a random car driving past, or a tractor in Ken Gardens which he’d bravely try to face head on. Reactive dogs often gravitated towards him and befriended him much to their owner’s shock. He was fiercely loyal to those he loved and many of you were lucky enough to have that love in your lives.

He was a mischief maker, and upon hearing the words “pure poison for George” would know we were eating something particularly delicious. He would cry by a half opened door, or a hoover in his path but would somehow know how to open a closed door, or jump over those same obstacles with ease if it meant getting up to mischief. Broccoli was his favourite vegetable, blueberries his favourite fruit, and he loved sharing a morning banana with John. Homemade birthday liver-cake was a must.

He loved baking himself in the sunshine as I posted about pet safety in the hot weather, perfecting the art of planking in the process. When Louis was alive he would squeeze onto the window ledge with him or sprawl out on my lap to be close to me. He was raised by a cat and had a great love of sleeping atop soft bedding, piles of laundry or awkwardly scrunched up on top of a number of random objects, sometimes even precariously balancing on the sofa’s armrest (not an easy feat for a 12kg dog). He and Louis made sure I never had a comfortable nights sleep so that we could be as close to each other as possible no matter how hot it was and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Tummy tickles were a must and he was given all the kisses every day of his life. He insisted on being blow dried after a bath and he loved being wrapped up in a soft blanket like a burrito. He loved Kensington Gardens and his friends there but most of all he just loved being with me. Curling up together either in my lap, or resting his prickly chin or his little drumstick legs on me- feeling his weight against my body, seeing his pug run of joy in the park or just sheer joy when I’d come home will be memories I cherish forever. I’m struggling to be eloquent as writing all of this makes me realise the immense weight of my loss.

On Christmas 2024 at the age of 12 he had an emergency cholecystectomy (of course he loved to be dramatic so it had to be at Christmas) and I was blessed with an extra year and 4 months with him. Every day was cherished. Everyone involved in George’s care did what they could for him now too, and I don’t think I will ever be able to thank them enough. Vets have one of the most stressful jobs so please know how much we appreciate what you do despite the emotional toll it must take on you.

He loved to complain if you accidentally stood on his toes but bore his illness with stoic strength. Thank you to everyone who has loved him, and to those who tried their best to help him.

Love your pets with all of your hearts and never apologise for loving them as much as you do. A love that pure lasts for ever, unable to be broken even by death. The pain of loss is excruciating but how lucky we are to be able to love and to be loved by animals.

To anyone with a reactive dog- keep going; the bond you will share will be the most powerful and life changing you’ll ever experience. You are not alone so get the help and support that you need. And I can not stress this enough- you know your dog so advocate for them. If you feel like something is off get the blood tests, as you may end up having that extra time with them as a result if you do.

Upgrade your phone’s storage space and don’t feel guilty about cancelling plans just so you can spend more time hanging out with your dog- you won’t regret it. I know I haven’t.

I am in a privileged position to have been able to get him the medical help he needed but many aren’t. As with Louis I will be fundraising in George’s memory to try to make a positive difference. I have currently donated to the Blue Cross, the Dog’s Trust, The National Trust and Wild at Heart Foundation in his memory. I’ll add details soon. In the meantime hug your pets from me and from my little Sheriff of Kensington Gardens, the founding member of the Kensington Gardens Dog Mafia, my glorious little potato dog George.

To George- my heart was full from loving you and your absence is deafening. if I could have followed you in that moment to hold you and Louis in my arms again I would have.

We love you George, Love from Mama, John, Rafi and Grandmama Palmay

George’s Liver Cake Recipe

420g liver (blitzed in a blender)

420g wheat free flour

3 eggs (and equal parts water)

180°C for about 50min

I liked to add grated carrot or apple in it too. Just adjust the consistency accordingly. Your dog and his friends will love you but you will end up being referred to as ‘the liver cake lady’ in your local park.

Don’t Cry for Me When I Am Gone
So, though I give you all my heart,
the time will come when we must part.
But all around you, you will see,
creatures that speak to you of me;
a tired horse, a hunted thing,
a sparrow with a broken wing.
Pity – and help (I know you will) and somehow, I will be with you still;
and I shall know, although I’m gone,
the love I gave you lingers on.

– Author Unknown