Former BBC Breakfast anchor Louise Minchin has announced that her beloved golden Labrador Waffle has died after 12 “happy years” as her family mourns
Louise Minchin’s beloved dog has passed away. The 56-year-old broadcaster shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, revealing how “bereft” she, her husband David, and daughters Scarlett and Mia are following the loss of their golden Labrador Waffle.
Alongside an adorable photograph of the “affectionate” pup frolicking on a verdant hillside overlooking the sea, Louise penned: “Our lovely, affectionate, loyal Labrador Waffle has died after 12 long happy years. We are bereft.”
Waffle is survived by her sister, Ruby. The former BBC Breakfast presenter’s touching memorial to Waffle sparked an overwhelming wave of sympathy from Louise’s famous friends and devoted followers in the comments.
Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden, 66, responded: “Oh Louise… I’m so sad for you… they break your heart when they go but the 12 years together will never leave you x (sic).”
Television host Steph McGovern, 43, added: “Oh no. Gutted for you all xxxx (sic).”
One devoted Instagram follower shared: “So, so sorry. They definitely leave their paw prints on our hearts. Sending hugs.”
Another supporter commented: “Heartbreaking to read this. So sorry for your loss. The love and memories you shared will remain with you forever.”
A third admirer added: “I’m so sorry @louiseminchin that’s very sad for you. Waffle sounded like a really special companion.”
In her 2024 column for Platinum magazine, Louise disclosed that she had to cease running with her dog Waffle as the pooch was no longer “moving as fluidly as she used to” and seemed “a little stiff around the hips” in the mornings.
Despite having to switch from running to walking with Waffle, Louise fondly recalled the joyous memories they created together, including their riverside runs.
She penned: “This summer, Waffle will turn 13, and although she is still incredibly fit and I still want to run, I have very sadly got to the point where I have decided to stop running with her.
“She isn’t moving as fluidly as she used to, and in the mornings, she is a little stiff around the hips, so reluctantly, for her benefit, I have changed our runs to daily walks.
“That suits our other Labrador, Ruby, who we got when Waffle was six.
“Ruby has never shared our enthusiasm for moving quickly, and she is much less hardy when it comes to nasty weather. If it is so much as drizzling, she refuses to leave the house, and will do anything to skirt around a puddle so she doesn’t get her paws wet.
“Waffle and I, on the other hand, have the same attitude to mud and puddles: we see them only as a minor inconvenience and splash straight through them, arriving home in need of a bath.”
Louise added: “I can’t count exactly how many miles I have run with Waffle, but what I can count is the happy memories.
“The time we have spent together outdoors has been golden, and if we have to go at a slower pace, so be it. I am happy as long as she is beside me.”
