It's a terribly sad time for Queen Elizabeth II. Not only did she lose her husband one month ago, but now one of her new puppies has died.
The Queen was given two puppies as a gift from her son Prince Andrew during Philip's final days to serve as a form of support. They were a surprise gift that came at the absolute perfect time. Both puppies were by her side when her husband was away in the hospital and have been a distraction in her time of grief since his death.
The Queen adored both of the puppies and is reportedly "devastated" that one, Fergus, has died. The puppy was just 5 months old.
The Queen had been frequently walking the puppies, Fergus and Muick, around the grounds of Windsor Castle. The dachshund-corgi cross and the corgi had only just been given to her in February. Of course, she imagined she would have much more time with both dogs.
The remaining puppy, Muick — pronounced Mick — is named after a beauty spot in Balmoral, Scotland. Muick is the last living descendant of the corgi Susan, who was given to the Queen on her 18th birthday. So it's really a special bond the Queen and this dog must share.
Still, the death of Fergus really couldn't have come at a worse time. An insider revealed that it's been heartbreaking for the Queen. "The puppies were brought in to cheer her up during a very difficult period," the source said.
"Everyone concerned is upset as this comes so soon after she lost her husband."
The Queen had been down to only one dog, a dorgi named Candy, after her the death of dorgi Vulcan in 2020. Many thought she was done raising new pups. But she took to the puppies right away. Fergus was named after the Queen's uncle, Captain Fergus Bowes-Lyon. He died in 1915 at age 26 in World War I.
The Queen obviously has such an immense love for animals. No matter what, the loss of a pet can be truly devastating. But right now, it's certainly bound to be a struggle for the already grieving Queen. Our thoughts are with her at this sad time.
