Monty Don’s Beloved Dog Nigel Has Died At The Age Of 12

Sad news was reported on Twitter by the presenter of The Gardeners’ World. The post came on May 11, as the 64-year-old television presenter said that his dog, Nigel, had “slipped away quietly.” It seems as if there wasn’t any pain involved.

Monty Don wrote the following in tribute to his dog:

“I am very sorry to announce that Nigel has died. He slipped quietly away with no pain or suffering and is now buried in the garden with lots of tennis balls. Rest now, old friend. See you in the sweet bye and bye.”

Nigel was often seen on the BBC Two program along with Nellie, Don’s other dog. He would follow Donald around the garden and loved playing with tennis balls.

In 2012, fans of the show got concerned about Nigel when he wasn’t appearing along with Don. He went on to tell the viewers of Gardeners’ World that Nigel was not on because he had sustained an injury.

I am very sorry to announce that Nigel has died.
He slipped quietly away with no pain or suffering and is now buried in the garden with lots of tennis balls.
Rest now old friend. See you in the sweet bye and bye.” pic.twitter.com/FNECBXuTFj

— Monty Don (@TheMontyDon) May 11, 2020

The dog had ruptured a disc in his spine, which is quite serious. He did it while doing something he loved, he was trying to catch a tennis ball. He was able to recover fully and even went back to the show.

People loved the golden retriever so much that Don even wrote a book about him, called, Nigel: My Family and Other Dogs.

The autobiography was released in 2016 and it was quite popular. It even was a Sunday Times bestseller.

A number of tributes were paid to Nigel after the social media announcement of his passing.

Dan Walker, the presenter of BBC Breakfast, responded, saying: “How grim to hear. Sorry Monty. He was a much-loved part of the GW experience.”

How grim to hear. Sorry Monty. He was a much loved part of the GW experience.

— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) May 11, 2020

Someone else replied saying: “Have just stood in my kitchen and had a cry. Funny how we can develop feelings and empathy for dog and owner, we’ve never met.”

Another fan wrote:

“Oh Monty. I’m so sorry. Such a heart-aching loss. He’ll always be in the nation’s hearts. Thank you for sharing his wonderful life every week with you in the garden. May there be endless tennis balls for him.”

RIP Nigel, our old friend.