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Samantha Armytage mourns heartbreaking family tragedy: 'So sad'
The TV star says her heart is 'completely broken' following the loss.
Samantha Armytage has shared a heartbreaking post on social media announcing that her beloved dog Banjo has sadly passed away.
The Farmer Wants A Wife host took to Instagram on Tuesday evening to share a gallery of snaps with her Labrador Retriever over the years alongside an emotional caption paying tribute to her pet.
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard,” she wrote, quoting Winnie-the-Pooh author A. A. Milne.
“Three weeks ago yesterday, I said goodbye to my darling boy, Banjo. My heart is completely broken.
“He was my best mate, my baby & my shadow… & I don’t know what I’m going to do without him.”
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Samantha went on to detail that Banjo had been staying with her dad near Wagga Wagga and they assumed he was bitten by a snake.
“It was very sudden and I want to thank our vet who fought so, so hard to save him. We are all so sad,” she continued.
“There is another star in heaven these days. Vale Banjo.”
Samantha's followers share their support
The former Sunrise host was quickly flooded with messages of condolences from her followers, including Jess Rowe, Ricki-Lee Coulter, and The Morning Show hosts Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies.
“Sending all my love honey. I know how much he meant to you,” Rebecca Gibney shared, followed by Catriona Rowntree who said, “So sorry to hear that, our cat recently passed in the same manner, truly heartbreaking”.
Sunrise weatherman Sam Mac also left a comment sending his support and shared a sweet memory he has of Banjo.
“I remember so clearly the first time I met Banjo & we had him on air,” he detailed. “Just as the segment started, he got an erection. His comedic timing was always on point. Thrilled to say we’ve had no erections on air since that day.
“I saw the love you had for Banjo & you gave him the best life. Something to be ever so proud of. He’ll always be a part of you. Sending big love.”
Samantha, who is married to businessman Richard Lavender, regularly documented Banjo’s adventures on social media since he entered her life in 2016.
She has been enjoying a much quieter life in the countryside since quitting Sunrise in 2021, and is set to host the upcoming season of Farmer Wants A Wife alongside Natalie Gruzlewski.
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