This week, former Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins shared some heart-breaking news on social media.
The normally light-hearted and jovial presenter announced to her fans on 15th August the upsetting news that her beloved dog, Parker, has passed away. Sue posted a message on her Twitter to announce the death of her much-loved pooch, alongside a picture of him with her other dog, Poppy.
She wrote, "Farewell, beloved Parker. One half of my favourite ever double act. Love you xxx."
But Sue was quick to inject some gentle humour after revealing her sad news, discussing Park's love of a roast chicken treat. She continued, writing "If there is a God, then he needs to be keeping an eye on his roast chicken round about now, that's all I am saying... #parker"
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Fans were quick to send their messages of support to the heartbroken presenter. One shared their own sad news with Sue, saying, "So sorry for your loss, I lost my little one just over a week ago."
While another agreed, saying, "They're so easy to love and so heartbreaking to lose."
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Former GBBO winner Candice Brown also offered her heartfelt condolences too...
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And now, Sue has thanked fans for the heartfelt messages of support. Following their kind tweets, Sue replied to many of their messages with simple but acknowledging kisses, commenting back to many of them with "xx".
One Twitter user, who appears to know Sue, offered their support too, and Sue took to the social media site to respond "Thank you"
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Despite her own grief, Sue also offered her own condolences to a fan who has also lost her pet dog, replying "So sorry x" to her message.
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Sadly it's not the first time Sue has had to deal with the heart-breaking loss of of one of her much-loved pets. She and partner Anna Richardson are dog lovers, and own multiple pets between them. And back in 2014, the comedienne also paid a heartfelt tribute to her dog Pickles, who had just passed away.
In her trademark, humourous style, she began, "My darling girl, First, a confession: I had you killed. I planned it and everything; asked the vet round and a nurse in a green uniform with white piping - all with the express intention of ending your life."
But Sue went on to share a more emotional message to her faithful pooch, saying, "When someone once took a punch at me, you leaped in the air and took it. When I discovered I couldn't have children, you let me use your neck as a hankie. You were my longest relationship...
"You were the engine of my life, the metronome of my day. You set the pulse and everything and everyone moved to it. What a skill."
The horrible news comes just weeks after Sue spoke about how much her dogs mean to her on Desert Island Discs. She explained, "When I got a dog I couldn't believe how joyous it was. My dogs helped me through the darkest time and when my dog died, a bit of me died."
Knowing how much pets can become part of the family, and so how hard it can be to lose them, our thoughts are with Sue at this tough time.
