21 October 2023 , 15:06
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Love Island star Faye Winter has issued an emotional statement to fans after the death of her 'childhood friend.'
The beauty said she had "no words" after her 17-year-old Golden Retriever passed away. Faye, who stared on the dating reality show back in 2021, shared a picture of her pooch on Instagram alongside the sad statement. The 28-year-old shared with her 1.2 million followers on Saturday, October 21: "Yesterday we said goodbye to my longest childhood friend of 17 years. You would of been 18 next month, and what an incredible 17 years you gave us.
"You never wanted for anything, you came to us terrified of men and became out dad's best friend. You loved unconditionally and gave everything right up until the end. Our hearts are broken and anyone that knows our family counts you as a part of it. We love you Blondie, go chase them bunny's darling.
"As a family, we just want to say thank you to Chris and Natasha @vetsforpetsuk in Newton Abbot, their kindness and support over the last years and in her final moments has been unmatched. We have no words."
Faye made the sad announcement on Instagram (Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty)
Faye described her dog as her 'longest childhood friend' (faye__winter/Instagram)The devastating news comes a month after Faye thanked her new puppy, Bonnie, for helping her through a breakup. The star also credited the one-year-old pooch with aiding her move from London to Devon.
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She previously told OK!: "I never would have gotten through the stuff I have without her. Everything else in my entire life changed and she was my constant. She was the one there when I was crying. So we've built this incredible bond. I owe her absolutely everything.
"When the judgment was pouring in, there was so much going on around me and I had to move down to Devon, still trying to work out this world - she was always there with a waggy tail and a beautiful, happy face."
Faye has shared her love of dogs to her followers in the past, and even hosted a birthday party for Bonnie. She set up balloon arches in her garden alongside a backdrop which read "Bonnie's 1st birthday" .
Doggy cupcakes were on offer as well as a canine-friendly birthday cake. Faye rose to fame during her time on Love Island which saw her have a rocky relationship with Teddy Soares. But it was not to last and in February this year, she announced their split on social media.
Faye wrote: "I wanted to let you know that after lots of time and consideration, Teddy and I have decided to go our separate ways. Thank you all so much for supporting our relationship and sharing the journey with us. I'm forever grateful."