Newstead Abbey fell out badly. In 1808, Lord Grey left at the end of his lease and Byron returned to live at Newstead and began extensive and expensive renovations. His works were mainly decorative, however, rather than structural, so that rain and damp obscured his changes within just a few years. Byron had a beloved Newfoundland dog named Boatswain, who died of rabies in 1808. Boatswain was buried at Newstead Abbey and has a monument larger than his master's. The inscription, from Byron's poem "Epitaph to a Dog", has become one of his best-known works: Near this Spot Are deposited the Remains
He Is Na Dog, He Is a Lam poet. James Dog is subsequently compared to a lamb. However, for reasons which are not explained, it is clear that Dunbar's change of heart is insincere. While praising Dog extravagantly for his good nature and helpfulness the poet introduces new insults which are far more offensive than the previous ones. The text of the poem is found in the Maitland Folio Manuscript where it is entitled "Of the Aforesaid James Dog" and has the postscript "Quod Dunbar of the said James quhen he had plesett him". Dunbar appeals to the Queen to treat his "faithful brother" well. He asserts that,