(Image: James Manning/PA Wire)
Monty Don has announced the death of his beloved dog Patti.
The 71-year-old broadcaster and horticulturist, best known for presenting Gardeners’ World, shared the news on social media.
He wrote on Instagram today (Tuesday, August 25): "I have sad news.
"Our lovely Patti died suddenly this morning after a very short illness.
"She was much loved and lit up our lives.
"We are all heartbroken."
Fans and friends have since flooded the post with messages of sympathy.
Presenter Matt Baker said: "Thinking of you Monty - As I always say, the reason we love our dogs so much is because the only time they break our hearts is when they leave us."
Journalist Lucy Siegle also shared her condolences.
She said: "I’m so so sorry for you all.
"What a beautiful sweet dog.
"I loved catching glimpses of her in your garden."
Another posted: "My thoughts to all in the Don household, human, canine and otherwise."
Meanwhile, one commented: "Oh dear - your beautiful little girl who brought much joy - it was always a lovely treat to find a Patti pic in your insta posts.
Along with Nigel's golden retriever Ned, Patti could often be seen wandering around the garden in episodes of Gardeners' World.
Monty Don shares how dogs helped him through depression
Monty Don has previously spoken about the comfort his dogs have given him during difficult times.
When his golden retriever Nigel died in 2020, he said: “I think if you suffer from any kind of mental illness, whether be it depression or anxiety or whatever, having someone to look after, who returns that attention with completely unqualified love, is very powerful, it’s powerful medicine.
“There’s just the basics – if you have a dog you have to take it for a walk, which means you have to go outside, you have to put your boots on and put a coat on and as anybody listening knows, when you are depressed, you don’t do any of that.
“If you get out of bed you just sort of eat badly, you don’t do what you’re supposed to do, you don’t do what you want to do because you don’t really want to do anything and so on and so forth, so having a dog that needs food and water and a walk and attention and who just loves you is extraordinary."
Do you follow Monty Don's advice around the garden? Let us know in the comments.