The story so far. Bob and Margaret were married for almost 50 years and never had children. Ten years ago a miniature Schnauzer pup named Darkie became a central part of the family unit. The 2015 Care Inspectorate Report records that it was shown the Pet Policy and advised that the care home encourages people to bring their pets which then become part of the care plan Due to worsening health, Margaret required constant care and they moved into Burnfoot Hall Care Home, run by Mead Medical Services Ltd (one of 7 establishments run by Mead Medical). They chose Burnfoot Hall because Darkie was allowed to be with them. Very sadly, Margaret passed away 2 years ago. Bob's care needs were less but he was allowed to remain, along with Darkie. He pays his way, but his care needs mean that he pays £10,000 less pa than a full resident would pay. The public will reach their own conclusions as to why management are now, so unflexibly, determined to get rid of Darkie. New management took over at the home last year and things immediately started to go wrong. The management made a decision that Darkie must go. They have backed off slightly on timing, following public, press and media interest, but they refuse to review their decision. On 30th December a veterinarian, an internationally recognised expert in human-animal interactions and who has studied the role of animals in Care homes for over 30 years, visited the home and spoke with Bob and other residents. The residents were quite clear about their views. They adore Darkie and pleaded that he remained in the home. They advised that they have not been consulted. The veterinarian was challenged by a manager who told her not to speak to the residents. The manager went on to say, that in any case anything the residents say 'must be disregarded as they do not have the capacity to have an opinion'. The manager said that Bob has a Social worker and an advocate. Bob is not aware of this. Who are they, where are they and where is their input? On 3rd January, Michael Best - a Director with Mead Medical - made a similar comment to me in a phone call. The, now inevitable, inquiry into this case MUST decide whether there is any place in the private care sector for individuals with this mindset. Following an interview on the James Whale show on TalkRadio last Thursday, public interest in this case increased and saw the online petition pass through the 100,000 Mark. On Thursday, Bob was also interviewed by Tim Muffett for a piece which is due to be aired on BBC Breakfast tv. Darkie shone also and I am advised that the piece is a real tear-jerker. Ironically, the Red Cross analysis of a crisis in the health service may mean that Bob's interview, scheduled to be aired on BBC Breakfast 2 - 3 times from 06.30 on Monday 9th January may have to be curtailed or delayed to Tuesday as Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt may take preference. The owners and management at the care home have relaxed their demands slightly but remain determined that Darkie must leave Burnfoot Hall asap. They have proven that they lack the capacity to make reasonable decisions or to review their stance when they get it wrong. I am convinced that the public interest and generosity will bring about a satisfactory outcome in this sad case. I see no possibility that Bob can reasonably remain at Burnfoot Hall in harmonious surroundings, with dignity and respect being things that are foreign to the management. A move to more suitable surroundings seems the only way forward. Bob is a very healthy man for his 87 years. However, after suffering renal failure, he requires dialysis 3 times a week. He has a stent fitted in his arm for this treatment and the stent has proven not to be as hardy as Bob, but cannot be replaced. Darkie is a ten year old miniature schnauzer, a breed with an average lifespan of 12 - 15 years. A long-term solution to this situation has limitations. Finding a 5 year plan for Bob and Darkie to be able to see out their days together in a care home where they will be welcomed and where people really do CARE, will cost approximately £150,000. This will also allow for worsening care needs and anticipated veterinary bills. A Trust will ensure that Bob is cared for and that any surplus proceeds are donated to charities involved in elderly care and animal welfare. Today (Sunday) I will refer the petition to Holyrood and Westminster and to the Care Inspectorate and CQC with a view to bringing about an urgent review of this particular case and a wider inquiry into Private Care services, policies and procedures. The Directors of Mead Medical Services Ltd and the new Management at Burnfoot Hall have shown their true colours. Immediately after the BBC Breakfast interview is aired I believe the public will do the same. On behalf of Bob and Darkie (whom I have yet to meet) I thank you all so much for your continuing interest and support. Arthur Shuter ACS Independent Advisory Services London