A former BBC Northern Ireland presenter has been inundated with support after announcing her dog died suddenly on a Co Donegal beach.
Wendy Austin took to Twitter to explain her beloved dog Mollie had been on Killahoey Beach swimming when the tragedy happened.
Sharing a photo of Mollie enjoying the beach, Ms Austin said: "On a sad personal note 5 minutes after this pic our beautiful loving kind and altogether awesome 6 year old flatcoat Mollie died doing a favourite thing swimming on Killahoey beach.
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"Thanks to all the kind people who helped her and us in our distress xx She was a truly noble dog."
In a later post, she added that it was “all so shocking” and said Mollie was a “lovely dog”.
The tragic news led to an outpouring of supportive messages for the former Good Morning Ulster presenter.
Television presenter Pamela Ballantine said: “Oh Wendy I am so truly sorry to hear this. How heartbreaking for you and your family to lose Mollie in such an unexpected and sudden way. Terribly sad.”
DJ Johnny Hero added: “So sorry to hear this Wendy.”
DUP MLA Edwin Poots tweeted: “Aww that's really sad. Beautiful dog.”
Ms Austin was one of the best-known faces and voices on BBC Northern Ireland, working on Good Morning Ulster, Talkback and Inside Business in the past.
She marked her last day at the BBC in 2020 and was described as one of its "most distinguished, most admired colleagues."
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