Finbar the Irish Terrier featured alongside me in Classic Bike magazine for over ten years and became very popular with readers. Growing up around old British motorcycles and the noise and smells of a busy workshop it was virtually impossible to surprise or alarm him, he seemed to take everything and everyone in his stride. I'd like to say he passed me the spanners but in truth he was more likely to run off into the garden with them! But he would join me on the pillion for rides in a custom-made box and was always first to the window if an old motor cycle went by.

Finbar was an extremely sociable dog who loved meeting readers and fans. Even when confronted by aggressively barking dogs he would quite often just tilt his head to one say as if to smile and say, 'What's up, mate?'

Finbar was no guard dog, strangers really were just friends he didn't know and this was made touchingly clear on occasions when we visited older friends in care homes. He was very keen to trot around the day room, pausing to say 'hello' to any resident who wanted to meet him and it was obvious that even just a passing visit from a friendly animal made a huge difference to peoples' day. Sad then to learn that animal visitors are in very short supply.  .

Finbar passed away on December 1st, aged 13, and I think given his nature, he would be very pleased if he could make a difference to this very worthwhile cause, Pets As Therapy.

Thank you, Rick Parkington.

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