“The kids have fed and walked him since they were small and it’s been very hard on them.
“He’s become part of the family and he’s great with the kids. I’ve had a lot of dogs but he’s the best pet we’ve ever had.
“It’s really tearing the kids up, especially the eldest. He’s been really upset.
“But obviously my son comes first.”
Boss has been the Jardine’s family pet since they nursed the dog back to health five years ago after hitting him with their car.
They were so taken by the pedigree pooch that they offered to buy him from the owner.
A deal was struck and he has been a member of the family ever since.
Father-of-four Mr Jardine added: “I asked for first option if they ever wanted to sell the dog and they came back to me after that.
“He was really great with the kids, that was what was most appealing to us.”
The family were told by their doctor that Boss was likely to be the trigger for Hugh’s asthma.
The family kept him kennelled outside during the summer and it was only when the dog came back indoors during winter that Hugh’s health deteriorated again.
Mr Jardine said: “We really worked it out for ourselves that Boss was affecting Hugh’s asthma. It was after the really bad attack in October that we decided we really needed to get rid of him.
“We’ve had a few offers but they were cat owners and one thing Boss really can’t be around is cats.
“He’s a really beautiful dog and it’s going to be hard for the family to say goodbye.
“We’re not looking for a lot of money for him just a donation for the kids.
“We don’t want to just give him away because he deserves a good home.
“It would be terrible to give him to a bad owner.”
Mr Jardine also wanted to thank hospital and ambulance staff for all their help with Hugh.
Interested parties can contact Mr Jardine on 01644 420825.
