'First Dates' waitress heartbroken as her pet dog is shot and killed

Laura Tott, a waitress featured in Channel 4’s popular reality show First Dates, has revealed the devastating loss of her pet dog on social media.

Tott says the dog, a black Labrador named Lucy, was shot and killed while being walked near her home. The reality star shared the shocking news on an Instagram story with the caption:

‘For those asking, Lucy was shot and killed whilst out walking yesterday. ‘Beyond heartbroken. Thank you so much for all the messages, means a lot.’

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The pooch was adopted from a Manchester dogs home by Tott last April.

She shared an image of the late dog with a caption that included ‘Life can be so cruel sometimes.’

She then followed up with an image of her with Lucy, with the caption: ‘Thank you for being the best friend I could ever wish for. You were taken so early, I only had you a year but you brightened up my whole life and everyone else’s too 💔 i rescued you but you rescued me too ❤️ Rest in peace now my absolute nutter 💔💔💔.’

Tott is believed to work as an ambulance technician for the NHS when not filming First Dates. She is also a former member of the Royal Navy.

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She has received an outpouring of condolences and well wishes from her social followers. On Instagram, her posts have received thousands of likes and hundreds of comments.

One follower wrote: ‘Sorry for your loss. I hope justice is brought to the evil criminal xx.’

Another: ‘I’m so so sorry for your awful loss, I can’t imagine your heartbreak. She’ll be running over rainbow bridge now and watching over her Mama.’

And a third: ‘Who would do that? I am so so angry. I feel it in my stomach. I am devastated for you and I lost my dog in August last year and still cry all the time. Wow. I am speechless. She will be around you in spirit form, she really will.’