Lisa Armstrong has paid tribute to her late dog Hurley, which she shared with ex Ant McPartlin, with a moving poem shared on social media.
The Strictly Come Dancing make-up artist, 49, posted the verse titled Rainbow Bridge on Monday following the chocolate Labrador’s death last week.
“You left paw prints on our hearts from the moment we brought you home, so many wonderful adventures, all the places where we roamed,” the poem read.
It continued: “The rainbow bridge came to call you, our time came to an end, you were never just a dog but always our best friend.”
Lisa Armstrong shared a moving poem to mark the sad loss
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Ms Armstrong also uploaded a photograph of Hurley resting by a fireplace, accompanied by the words: “Forever our boy.”
The 12-year-old Labrador was the last remaining connection between Ms Armstrong and her ex-husband, Ant McPartlin, following their 2018 divorce.
The beloved pet was put to sleep last week after veterinarians determined he was too unwell to recover.
Mr McPartlin, 50, is understood to have left a Britain’s Got Talent press conference at the Ham Yard Hotel in Soho upon learning of Hurley’s condition, with sources describing him as “very upset.”
Ant McPartlin and Lisa Armstrong in 2007
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The Geordie presenter is understood to have joined his former wife at a veterinary practice in west London, near his home, where they made the heartbreaking decision together.
It is believed the moment marked the first occasion the pair had been in the same room since their split eight years ago.
According to reports, both were able to say their goodbyes, with Mr McPartlin present as Hurley passed away peacefully.
Family members are said to have been on hand to comfort the former couple during the difficult moment.
Lisa Armstrong shared the sad news on Instagram
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Hurley held profound significance for both Mr McPartlin and Ms Armstrong, who adopted him in 2013 after experiencing difficulties conceiving during their marriage.
When the relationship ended, a fierce dispute over the dog’s custody ensued, with Mr McPartlin understood to have instructed his legal team: “She can have anything she wants, except the dog.”
The pair eventually agreed to share Hurley, though they avoided direct contact.
Mr McPartlin’s presenting partner, Declan Donnelly, reportedly acted as intermediary, transporting the Labrador between their respective homes.
Lisa Armstrong shared a series of heartbreaking posts about her beloved dog, Hurley
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Mr McPartlin has spoken openly about how Hurley supported him through his struggles with alcohol and drug addiction.
“There’s a loyalty and a love and a companionship with Hurley that you can’t describe,” he told The Sun. “He never tells me off and is always pleased to see me.”
Sources claim McPartlin has since departed the country to process his grief, finding it too painful to remain in the home where Hurley lived.
“He’s inconsolable. He absolutely adored Hurley and, naturally, he’s devastated,” an insider revealed. “He said he couldn’t be around Hurley’s things as he grieved.”