Stacey Solomon has spoken of her "struggle" after her dog Theo died last year.
The former X Factor contestant appeared on today's edition of Loose Women via satellite from Pickle Cottage. Wednesday's episode was anchored by Christine Lampard and featured Linda Robson and Janet Street Porter on the panel.
A topic discussed on the show was whether it was embarrassing to grieve the death of a family pet. Stacey lost her dog Theo on Boxing Day last year and disagreed with the claim as a family pet is a "huge part of your life".
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Stacey said Theo's death was "devastating" and left a "huge hole" at Pickle Cottage. She added: "I felt the guilt of 'did I love her the day before enough'? I really struggled with losing her. It's the little things you don't realise you're gonna miss.
"Even just thinking about her and talking her I get really emotional. Animals are a massive part of our life and I don't know what we would do without them."
The I'm A Celebrity winner has since added rescue dog Teddy into her home as a companion for Peanut, who she said was "depressed" after Theo's death.
She added: "I felt guilty about making that decision because I did feel like I was replacing Theo. It doesn't take anything away from Theo and how much we loved her, but he has given Peanut a new lease of life. It was the best decision we made, albeit a hard one."
Viewers following the show on Twitter supported Stacey's view and took to the social media platform to share how difficult it is to lose a family pet.
Lou said: "I'm not embarrassed to say I'm still heartbroken having recently lost my beautiful dog Rocco three weeks ago we had 12 great years with him the house is too quiet he's missed immensely everyday & he's irreplaceable"
Eils added: "The pain of losing a furry friend is something else. I lost my 13yo in July and think of him everyday. He was with me from the moment he was born (family dogs) and I held him to the end. His absence continues to be felt everywhere. Animals truly are a gift"
Lisa commented: "People who don’t particularly care for dogs won’t understand how upsetting it is. They’re not just a dog they’re family imo!"
Blossom posted: "Only those that have lost a pet will truly understand how heartbreaking it is."
Loose Women airs weekdays at 12.30pm on ITV and ITV Hub
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