Celebrity chef Ainsley Harriot has been flooded with support after he shared a devastating loss with friends and fans on his Instagram. The BBC cookery presenter, 69, took to the social media to announce the death of his beloved dog Bobby with his 200,000 followers. He shared a series of images of the pair in happier times smiling and playing together, along with some adorable images of Bobby on his own, and accompanied them with a heartbreaking caption. "Rest easy, my lovely Bobby. Thank you for choosing me to look after you. We had the best time ever… we will all miss you," he wrote.
His followers rushed to the comments to share their condolences with the star. "Heartbroken for you mate...I loved seeing your posts with Bobby...Dogs have the sweetest souls, and they enrich our lives immeasurabley. Maybe thats why they leave such a void when they pass....sleep well puppy X," one penned.
Another added: "Ainsley I’m heartbroken. I’m so sorry for your loss. I loved seeing your photos with your dear Bobby - he was a beautiful boy and clearly loved you with all his big heart. Sending Love and condolences from Western Australia."
A third chimed in: "I've loved seeing your photos with Bobby over the years, that dog had a fantastic time with you, what a full life. Thanks for looking after him and sharing a little of his life with us, and sending warm thoughts your way."
A fourth shared: "Dogs are not our whole life but we are theirs, & they make our life whole. Sometimes we need someone to simply be there...Not to fix anything or do anything in particular, but just to let us feel we are supported and cared about, a dog does that.
"Dogs bring a unique joy to our lives and their loss is hard to bear. Their special characters, their funny ways, even their smell or their touch stays with you always. Dogs are memory makers. They are our affectionate companions through the best of times and worst of times.They make us smile even when we think we cannot smile. In time when we have lost a best friend we all learn to celebrate the fact that we were lucky enough to know and love them."
A fifth commented: "I’m so sorry for your loss, Ainsley. Dogs are a loyal companion and friend that nobody can fully appreciate until they have one. Cherish your memories and time together - Bobby was so lucky to have chosen you as his owner - what a truly special boy! Run free over the rainbow bridge, Bobby and sending you lots of love, Ainsley."
Meanwhile a sixth reflected: "Sorry Ainsley. I feel your loss. Beautiful Bobby. It empty’s your heart saying goodbye. Something I will never get over. Sending strength and love. X,"
Bobby was a celebrity in his own right and frequently appeared alongside the chef on TV and in public appearances. He was also a regular fixture on his social media.
He had celebrated his 14 birthday a week ago and Ainsley took to Instagram to mark the occassion sharing an image of the pooch alogisde a toy shaped like a crab.
