26 October 2023 , 18:23
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TV host Jeff Stelling has been left devastated by the death of his beloved dog - who he revealed had been suffering from ill health.
The 68-year-old Sky Sports presenter said he was ‘heartbroken’ by the death of his dog, named Stan, who he revealed had died just days after explaining he was ill. Jeff - who helmed Gillette Soccer Saturday for Sky Sports from 1994 until 2023 and also hosted the Champions League between 2011 and 2015 - said there had been nothing he could do to save his beloved pet.
Taking to social media on Thursday, Jeff shared his heartbreaking news - which struck a chord with many of his followers. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, the sporting pundit shared a photo of Jeff posing on a beach with a rainbow hanging in the sky above him.
Jeff wrote alongside the image: "Heartbroken today. Stan lost his battle. For 12 years he gave us unconditional love. He was never aggressive, even with our cats and welcomed everyone with a Croc in his mouth and a furious tail wagging. We tried everything but in the end there was nothing left we could do.”
On Thursday, Jeff announced Stan had passed away (Twitter)
Jeff had been keeping fans up to date with Stan's condition (X/Twitter)The update came less than a week after Jeff revealed Stan was not feeling well. He wrote last Saturday: “Tonight guys you can support as many teams as you like. I don’t care. I don’t care much about football tonight tbh. My best mate for 12 years Stan is tonight fighting for his life in hospital. I know some people will think it is pathetic but right now he is all I care about.”
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And Jeff had previously thanked fans for showing their support for the charcoal coloured pet. He wrote on Sunday: “Thanks to all the kind people for their comments about my dog Stan. Many asked for updates. He had blood transfusions overnight and has tubes coming from everywhere you can imagine. It is very hard to see. But he is hanging on in while the vets try and find the causes of illness.”
Fans and followers of Jeff were also saddened to hear of Stan’s passing - with many sharing condolences via the messaging site. One fan offering support wrote: “Sorry to hear that Jeff I know the feeling but you gave him a great life and will have great memories of him.”
While another typed: “Awww so sad. They’re part of the family. They leave a massive space when they go. Beautiful animals.” And a further fan wrote: "Sending you all our love, thoughts and condolences Jeff. So sorry for the loss of Stan."