Ruth Langsford became emotional as she returned to Loose Women for the first time since the death of her beloved dog, Maggie, who she adopted with her ex-husband Eamonn Holmes.
The presenter announced the sad news on Wednesday, October 14, telling followers it was "with a heavy heart" that her pet had "gone to sleep forever". The 66-year-old adopted the border collie cross from a Dogs Trust rescue centre in 2011 with her then-husband.
Emotional tribute to Maggie
Sharing a picture of Maggie with a champagne-bottle-shaped chew toy, Ruth wrote: "It is with a heavy heart that I tell you our beautiful Maggie has gone to sleep forever. She was 16 years old, and sadly, this was her time. Her passing was painless and peaceful, and we were with her until the very end."
She added: "We are so thankful to have had her in our lives for 15 years… she gave us so much joy & unconditional love. We will treasure our memories forever. Rest in peace our beautiful girl."
Return to Loose Women
On Monday, October 19, Ruth appeared on Loose Women and became tearful as she thanked fans for their support. "I just want to say thank you all so much for all your lovely messages," she said, before adding, "Obviously, my lovely Maggie passed away," and choking up.
Her co-stars Kelly Brook, Janet Street Porter and Jane Moore offered support. Composing herself, Ruth said: "I literally got home... It was her time. I said to people, and I am working my way through all your messages, thank you, it was her time. She was 16. It doesn't make it easier but you know..."
Final moments with family
Ruth described how her son, Jack, returned home to say goodbye, and they were with Maggie at the end. "It's very sad, but it was very peaceful," she said. "I have to say, before I had a dog, if somebody had said, because I believe Maggie waited for him [Jack], I really do, and if someone has said that to me before I had a dog, I'd have done an inward eye roll. I honestly believe she waited for him. She knew it was him, she licked his face and I'm so glad we were all there. But it was heartbreaking..."
