Tess Daly devastated after she accidentally killed pet pooch Minnie: 'It’s a dog owner’s worst nightmare'
It is indeed a sad day for Tess Daly. The famed TV presenter is currently coming to terms with the tragedy she caused after she accidentally ran over the family's beloved dog Minnie. The 'Strictly Come Dancing' star knocked down the Maltese Shih Tzu after builders reportedly left a door open at her home.
The little pooch could not be saved, as per Mirror, which reported that Minnie never recovered after being hit by the car when the 49-year-old star returned home. Fans of the star would recall that this is the second time inside three years that Tess and her family have suffered a shocking bereavement.
Previously, the family lost their Labrador Sam in 2016 to what was believed to have been lungworm, which is a lesser-known disease in pets. Speaking to The Sun, the star said on Sunday: "I’m devastated by this terrible accident. It’s a dog owner’s worst nightmare."
Tess also spoke of the immense emotional shock that the Maltese Shih Tzu's loss had caused to the family. She continued, "It has had a huge effect on the whole family and we are heartbroken at losing Minnie. This has, and continues to be, a very emotional time for us all.”
Tess' devastated daughters Phoebe and Amber too joined their mum and dad Vernon in the Maldives after the family decided to continue with their planned holiday. The couple reportedly took the break to help comfort the girls, who still have their tiny Chihuahua Blue for comfort.
A source said to the media outlet: “Tess is absolutely beyond heartbroken. She and Vernon have drummed it into the girls that they must never, ever let the dogs out and sure enough, the animals always stayed indoors. But they have had the builders in, carrying out various bits of repair work in the courtyard."
The source continued, "One of the laborers foolishly left the front door open — and Minnie escaped. Tess had been out for the morning and as she drove back in and up the driveway she was too high up in her 4x4 to see Minnie suddenly bolt out."
The same insider said, "It all happened in a flash and there was absolutely nothing she could do. But it was sickening. Minnie was like another child to Tess and Vernon and to lose a member of the family in such a tragic, hideous way is understandably devastating.”