Family's Painted Rocks Spread Dog's Love Across the Globe

The Simpkins family from Devizes in Wiltshire recently lost their beloved Australian Kelpie, Harvey, who was 13 years old. To help them cope with their grief, they started a creative project called Harvey Rocks. The idea is simple but meaningful: the family paints rocks with colorful designs and pictures, then hides them around their town and nearby areas. When someone finds a rock, they are encouraged to post a photo of it on the Harvey Rocks Facebook page and then hide it again for someone else to discover. This project has not only brought comfort to the Simpkins family but has also spread joy to people in their community and even around the world. Some rocks have been taken as far as Spain and the United States.

Katie Simpkins explained that the project has given the family a positive way to talk about Harvey and remember him. Instead of focusing on their sadness, they can celebrate Harvey's life and share happy memories. In just three weeks, the family has painted more than 60 rocks, each with unique designs. Many rocks feature animals, objects, and especially rubber ducks, which Harvey loved. He had a collection of over 50 rubber ducks. One rock has a portrait of Harvey, while another shows a yellow rubber duck and a rainbow. There is also a rock with a coffee mug painted on it, which was found in Devizes and later taken to Indianapolis in the United States.

The Simpkins family has always enjoyed being creative, but after Harvey's death, they struggled to find motivation. The idea for Harvey Rocks came when they found a painted rock near their local library. Now, painting rocks has become a nightly activity for the family. Instead of watching TV or using their phones, they sit together and create art. They have hidden rocks in several towns, including Devizes, Chippenham, Melksham, and Trowbridge. The family also plans to leave a rock at the summit of Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon, a mountain they climbed with Harvey in heavy snow. The Simpkins hope that Harvey Rocks will continue to travel and spread happiness, keeping Harvey's memory alive for as long as possible and reaching people all over the planet.