(Image: Smithills Open Farm)Announcing the news in a social media post, the farm said it was a "sad, sad day" for the family. (Image: Smithills Open Farm)The announcement prompted an outpouring of tributes from followers, with many sharing memories of meeting Boss during visits to the farm. Sarah Berry shared that her own dog had been named after Boss, writing: "From our Boss (named after yours) sending hugs. (Image: Smithills Open Farm)Sharon Walton described him as "such a presence at the farm" and said she hoped there would be "a memorial to him". Boss followed in the footsteps of Baxter, another much-loved resident German Shepherd who became an iconic part of Smithills Open Farm before his death in 2019 aged 10.