Big Issue vendor Kelvin Gregory pays tribute to beloved dog and ‘dear friend’ Ralph

Big Issue vendor Kelvin Gregory has paid a touching tribute to pet dog Ralph after his “dear friend” passed away last month.

Kelvin, who sells the Big Issue magazine at Somerset House in London, and Ralph were inseparable for more than 15 years before the Staffordshire Bull Terrier died on 3 November.

“I’d just like to say thank you, dear friend, for a fulfilled life together. He’ll be greatly missed. Always loved. Enjoy the journey over the rainbow bridge and I’ll meet you soon.”

Change a Big Issue vendor’s life this Christmas by purchasing a Winter Support Kit. You’ll receive four copies of the magazine and create a brighter future for our vendors through Christmas and beyond.

Kelvin is one of the vendors fronting the Big Issue’s Christmas campaign, alongside fellow London seller Jon Gregg and acclaimed actor and Big Issue Ambassador Daniel Mays.

The veteran vendor, 63, is now preparing to spend his first Christmas without his canine companion in years.

He told The Big Issue he will treasure memories with Ralph and is hoping to sponsor other animals in need as a legacy to his long-time pet.

“He smelled like butterscotch popcorn,” said Kelvin. “We’ve got a lovely clay print of him and some of his hair to remember him by.

“There was a little bit of emptiness over the weekend after he died. When we got him home from the crematorium there was a sense of relief that he had come back. It was a four-day absence and I’ve only been apart from him for about four or five days in his whole life and so’s my partner, my family and all that.

“It’s just 15 years with a really good friend. Unconditional love – when you’re down he’s there, when you’re up he’s there. Everyone knew him because I always spoke about him.

“I’d like to thank the Big Issue team for helping me with the cremation costs too.”

Big Issue is working to bring warmth, support and hope to our vendors this Christmas. You can support Big Issue vendors like Kelvin this Christmas with our Winter Support Kit. Buy from a local vendor regularly if you have one, but if you don’t you can subscribe, give a financial contribution or buy a Big Issue Winter Support Kit for £34.99.

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? We want to hear from you. Get in touch and tell us more.