Gardeners' World presenter Monty Don has revealed that his beloved dog Peggy passed away on Saturday, just weeks before she would have turned 16.
The BBC star shared the news with followers on Instagram, describing how the elderly canine departed "gently and without fuss", a fitting end that mirrored her temperament in life.
Mr Don paid tribute to Peggy's unique character, calling her "eccentric, quirky, infinitely gentle and loving."
He added that she "will be missed terribly."
Monty Don has announced the death of one of his dogs
|BBC
Peggy, a pug and Chinese crested cross, had largely remained away from the cameras throughout her years at Mr Don's Herefordshire home.
The horticulturist revealed that Peggy now rests in the coppice at his Longmeadow garden, laid to rest beside his other cherished companions Nigel and Nell.
Golden retriever Nigel, who became a firm favourite with viewers during his regular appearances on the programme, died suddenly in May 2020 at the age of 12.
Nell, another golden retriever, succumbed to cancer in October 2023 after being diagnosed earlier that summer.
Mr Don's blog notes that the coppice serves as a memorial space containing the graves of several dogs, each marked with headstones, describing how they "enriched our lives immeasurably" and became "a permanent part of the garden."
Supporters quickly flooded social media with messages of sympathy following Mr Don's announcement.
One Instagram user penned in response: "So very sorry to hear this. Rest in peace, Peggy."
"I am so sorry, Monty. Dogs are such a special part of our lives," a second weighed in, before a third commented: "So sorry to hear Monty she will be so missed. Thinking of you."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Monty Don's dogs often appear on Gardeners' World
|BBC
Elsewhere, another shared their condolences: "Oh dear…I am so sorry to read this, Monty. What a sweet little pup. Rest peacefully, dear Peggy."
"So sorry to read this, but she had a wonderful life trotting around your garden," a fifth shared, while a sixth similarly put: "Dogs are part of the family so I know how much this will hurt. She had a long and happy life so that should be a comfort." (sic)
The outpouring of condolences reflects the deep connection viewers have formed with Mr Don and his canine companions over the years, with his dogs becoming almost as recognisable as the presenter himself through their appearances at Longmeadow.
Mr Don has long spoken of his deep bond with dogs, writing on his website that he has "lived with dogs all my life" and considers it entirely natural to be accompanied by one or two wherever he goes in the garden.
Monty Don announced the sad news on Instagram
|PA
"It is their garden as much as mine or any other members of the family," he has explained.
The presenter currently shares Longmeadow with golden retriever Ned, who has become the main canine presence on Gardeners' World, alongside Yorkshire terrier Patti, who tends to stay out of the spotlight.