Eric and Alice enjoy a Christmas to remember (From The Bolton News)

Eric and Alice enjoy a Christmas to remember

6:30am Friday 26th December 2008

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CHRISTMAS is a time to spend with your closest friends and family.

But for blind widower, Eric Gamsby, all festive hope seemed lost earlier this year.

He was told that his best and most faithful friend, beloved guide dog Alice, was too old to remain in active service.

At 10 years old — that is 62 in dog years — she was getting close to retirement age.

But after a campaign by The Bolton News and Mr Gamsby’s local British Legion club, the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association decided the pensioner could keep his guide dog.

Mr Gamsby, aged 78, of Anglia Grove, Daubhill, said: “When I found out I could keep Alice I was very happy indeed because she’s my best friend. It just wouldn’t have been Christmas without her.

“She’s been spoiled rotten.

“It’s been a very special time indeed because this will be her last Christmas as a working guide dog.

“I’m very lucky to have had her.”

The pensioner — whose wife, Elsie, died 20 years ago — and Alice are regulars at the Royal British Legion Club in Chorley New Road.

Mr Gamsby even took his “best friend” for a festive drink on Christmas Eve.

He said: “I’m very thankful to everyone at the Legion.

“They love Alice and everyone makes a real fuss over her when we go there.”

Mr Gamsby, who cannot have decorations in his house because they are a fire hazard and he may trip over them, celebrated Christmas Day at a friend’s house in Bolton.

While they enjoyed a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, Alice was even treated to a couple of sausages and some brussel sprouts.

Mr Gamsby, who suffers from sciatica, has been told he can keep Alice as a guide dog until next August, when she will be 11 years old.

Guide Dogs for the Blind will then decide whether he can keep her as a pet.

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