Formby Says Goodbye To Beloved Beach Dog Hugo

A much loved dog who became a familiar and comforting sight to many walkers around Formby beach has sadly passed away.

Hugo, an eight year old French Mastiff Dogue de Bordeaux who lived on Albert Road near the beach, died on 30th April after battling cancer.

Known affectionately by many as the “big dog from the white house on the beach”, Hugo became something of a local celebrity over the years thanks to his gentle nature, huge personality and daily walks through the dunes and shoreline where he made countless friends, both human and animal.

His family say he was a true “gentle giant” who simply loved life, companionship and his daily adventures around Formby.

In recent months, walkers often spotted Hugo greeting the English Longhorn cattle grazing on the dunes, gently rubbing noses with them during his morning walks.

His owner, Sam Reader, shared the following heartfelt tribute:

For those of you who walk on Formby beach…

“It’s with a heavy heart that I’m sharing some sad news. Our beloved Hugo passed away on 30th April.

Some of you may know him as the big dog from the white house on the beach. He even had his 15 minutes of fame on this page once, when he decided to take himself off for a walk and ended up the subject of a ‘whose dog is this?’ post. The comments flooded in ‘That’s Hugo from the white house!’ and we realised then just how many friends he’d made along the way.

Hugo was a French Mastiff and yes, he was a big boy, but the gentlest soul you could ever meet. Eight years of unconditional love and all he ever asked for in return was his daily walk on the beach to see his dog mates.

If you’re reading this and thinking about getting a dog, my advice is don’t hesitate. Yes, the grief at the end is real and it’s hard, but the memories last a lifetime. Hugo gave us a lifetime’s worth in just eight years.

Here's to Hugo. Our gentle giant.” ❤️

(Written by Sam Reader)

Another touching tribute was written by Kisha Reader-Bain, who described Hugo as:

“There are dogs… and then there was Hugo (aka Princess Hugo).

Our gentle giant.

The one who somehow made toast from a silver tray feel like a perfectly reasonable daily requirement. The one who could hold entire conversations with those big soulful eyes and the occasional well timed woof, just to make sure you were still listening.

He loved his beach walks, he ruled quietly, befriended everyone… tortoise, cat, human, it didn’t matter. If you were in Hugo’s orbit, you were his.

He had the softest heart in the biggest body, and a presence that filled every room without ever demanding it.

We were so, so lucky to have him.

Lucky to love him.

Lucky to be loved by him.

Sleep softly, beautiful boy.”💔

(Written by Kisha Reader-Bain)

Hugo’s passing has clearly touched many people within the Formby community and serves as a reminder of just how special the bond between dogs and their owners can be.

From everyone at Formby Bubble, we send our love and condolences to Hugo’s family and all those who knew him.