Yahoo News WATCH: Britain's Got Talent's Ashleigh Butler breaks down days after Pudsey's death
At the weekend it was sadly announced that Britain’s Got Talent winner Pudsey had passed away.
Lovable Pudsey won the show alongside his owner, Ashleigh Butler, back in 2012, and Ashleigh has been left understandably devastated by his shock death.
Appearing on This Morning earlier today, Ashleigh broke down in tears as she recalled her final days with Pudsey, who was just 11 years old.
The 22-year-old dog trainer shared: “I was at a dog show with him last weekend. On the Monday he wasn’t himself and was sleeping a lot. I took him to the vets on Tuesday and between Tuesday and Thursday he went downhill so quickly.
“On the Thursday it got to the point where he couldn’t even lift his head.”
Ashleigh wept as images of the pair at glamourous events – such as meeting the Queen – appeared on a screen, adding: “He gave me opportunities that I never thought I’d ever have.”
Announcing his death on July 22, Ashleigh shared the following heartfelt statement: “I can’t honestly believe I am writing these words. My poor handsome [boy] is gone, and I don’t know what to do without him.
“My heart is broken and I don’t know how I’m going to get through this. It hurts so much that my handsome, incredible, Pudsey Bear will never be by my side, where he belongs, again.
“We only had 11 years together but they were the best years ever. He was my one in a billion dog that will never be replaced.
“I don’t need to write all of his endless accomplishments on here to prove how incredible he was for me. Sleep tight my handsome man, I love you lots.”
Britain’s Got Talent judges, Amanda Holden, David Walliams and Alesha Dixon all paid tribute to the beloved dog, Amanda wrote on Twitter: “So sad to hear this gorgeous talented dog has gone to #doggyheaven.
“My thoughts go out to Ashley and this little talented ‘human with fur’.”
Alesha added: “Just hearing the sad news about Pudsey! What a star and incredible dog! Sending all my love to Ashleigh and her family! #pudseythedog”.
And David shared: “Farewell to a very special dog that the nation fell in love with. #Pudsey @BGT”.
Ashleigh introduced her four-year-old dog, Sullivan, to This Morning hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford, explaining that although he will never replace Pudsey, she will be performing with him from now on.
She told the presenters: “Sully will stay as Sully. I can’t change him into Pudsey. He grew up with Pudsey. Sully really looked up to him.”
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