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After a life well-lived that almost reached a century of dog years, a former Express canine columnist has sadly passed away.
Indie Newfi, memorably described by her owner as "seven stones of furry love", died this week a couple of months before her 14th birthday, sparking a flood of tributes from those who'd enjoyed her shaggy dog stories.
In 2018, Indie embarked on a European adventure with her owner Alan Luce, and, as the self-styled "Queen of the Road" canine correspondent, pawed regular dispatches for Express.
France, Switzerland, Germany, Spain and Portugal were among the countries on the itinerary, and it was an adventurous time with Indie being every bit as intrepid as her namesake, as portrayed by Harrison Ford in the well-known series of films.
Pictured: Indie pawed regular dispatches for Express as the self-styled "Queen of the Road" canine correspondent.
As well as battling temperatures above 30°C that necessitated an emergency haircut and sustaining an injured paw in France, Indie had a run-in with Portuguese police after taking a cooling dip in the ocean before being cautioned for breaching a 'no dogs' regulation.
Mr Luce, who formerly lived in Jersey but has settled in Guernsey since returning to the Channel Islands from the European mainland, announced the sad news via social media on Monday.
"I am devastated at the moment as coming to terms with losing my bestest friend ever," he said. "She swam in just about every sea and lake in Europe and wherever she was she was very uniquely loved.
"She stayed at stately homes, private castles, Spanish monasteries and troglodytes' caves."
Pictured: "She stayed at stately homes, private castles, Spanish monasteries and troglodytes' caves."
Mr Luce said he had drawn comfort from the kind words of friends and the words of Lord Byron's Epitaph to a Dog, written by the Romantic poet about the loss of his beloved Newfoundland called Boatswain in 1808.
Lord Byron's estate at Newstead Abbey in Nottinghamshire was among the locations visited by Indie and her owner during their travels around Britain (pictured top).
Among the comments posted on social media were:
"Gorgeous girl inside and out and had the most amazing life and adventures with you."
"She was one in a million, RIP."
"She was the most magnificent, beautiful girl who had the best life with you – I can imagine how you are feeling."
"They become part of your life, you gave her a wonderful life and she left you with some wonderful memories I am sure."
"Hopefully the 1000s of memories the two of you created will give you strength as you come to terms with this tragic departure."
"It will leave an enormous void that only time can partly heal; you have lost your adored shadow, the life you lived with her would be the envy of many."
Indie Newfi: born Northallerton, Yorkshire, June 2010; died Guernsey, February 13th 2024.
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