Podcaster and television presenter Vogue Williams has made a poignant and emotional admission about a devastating family loss that left her feeling heartbroken. The ITV star revealed that the passing of her cherished dog Winston last year was the most recent occasion she experienced profound sadness.
Heartfelt Confession on Podcast
During a recent episode of her popular Vogue and Amber podcast, which she co-hosts with her sister Amber Wilson, Williams opened up about the intense grief she felt. The conversation, which centred on emotions and personal experiences, led Williams to reflect on Winston's death.
"The last time I felt unbelievably sad was when Winston died," Williams confessed. "Like, I couldn't, it was literally like my heart was broken and I was like, 'How am I going to feel better about this?'"
A Beloved Family Member
Winston, affectionately known as Winnie, had been a significant part of Williams' family for an impressive fourteen years. The presenter has previously described him as a "huge part of the family" and paid tribute to him on social media as "one in a million."
The former I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! contestant explained that Winston had been experiencing health issues "on and off" towards the end of his life. Williams admitted she had feared she might need to make the difficult decision to have him put to sleep.
Natural Passing at Home
Ultimately, Winston passed away naturally in September at the family home, with Williams sitting beside him. She described how he lay down by the front door and died peacefully without any distress.
"To be honest with you I actually did feel really lucky because I was really stressed about that, or it happening during the night when he was on his own," Williams explained. "And then this morning he just lay down by the front door and he just died. He didn't squeal or anything."
Podcast Colleagues Offer Comfort
On her other podcast, My Therapist Ghosted Me, Williams discussed the loss with co-host Joanna McNally, who offered words of comfort and understanding. McNally acknowledged the sudden nature of the loss, despite Winston's known health struggles.
"It's so sad. It felt very sudden. Even though we knew he was sick it felt very sudden," McNally remarked. She went on to highlight what she saw as a positive aspect of the situation.
"Winston is one of the few animals I've ever heard of to die naturally in the arms of their owner," McNally observed. "Most pets from my experience, they get really sick, they have to be put down, I think there's something really sweet about the fact that you were with him. In that he died of natural causes."
Final Happy Memories
Williams shared that she had taken Winston for a "big long walk" the day before he died, during which he played happily with the family's other dog, Bertie. These final joyful moments provided some comfort amidst the grief.
Decision About Future Pets
The experience has led Williams to make a firm decision about future pet ownership. The mother-of-three declared that she won't be getting another pet after Bertie passes away, wanting to avoid going through such painful loss again.
"I swear to God I'm never doing it again," Williams told McNally. "After Bertie I'm never getting any pets again, it's just too sad. I've been crying non-stop today and it's a horrible feeling."
Williams concluded by expressing her hope that Winston had "gone to a better place," finding some solace in the peaceful nature of his passing and the loving memories they shared during their fourteen years together.
