IN MEMORY of popular guide dog "wonderful Waggie", a Basingstoke shopping centre has erected a plaque where people can pay their respects. 

Wag was Les Fowler's guide dog for the last seven years and every day they would walk around Festival Place greeted by shoppers and workers, and visit Wag's favourite stop for toys - Wilkinsons. 

After overcoming his fight against cancer, sadly Wag died after suffering a stroke on June 23. 

Wag was a cross between Golden Retriever and Labrador,

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After partially losing his sight in 2012 Les started long cane training, but due to facing some struggles, he decided to apply for a guide dog, and a few years later his "partner in crime", Wag, entered his life. 

Les said: "It is especially a difficult time of year with Christmas coming up because Wag loved Santa Claus and having his photo taken with him, but when I found out Festival Place put up a plaque for Wag, I was mind blown and over the moon.

"I will forever be grateful for Wags to have come into my life, he made such a big difference not just to my life but to everyone who met him.

"He was my best friend, and we have almost spent the past seven years together, so this pain has wacked me badly. I feel broken without him."

Basingstoke Gazette: In memory of wonderful Waggie, Festival Place have put up a plaque.In memory of wonderful Waggie, Festival Place have put up a plaque. (Image: Public)

Les is now in the process of applying for another guide dog to help assist him, hopefully in the near future, but this could take up to 18 months whilst waiting for puppies to finish their training. 

Nevertheless, he will never forget Wags, his "cheeky boy".