Monty Don has emphasized the importance of prioritizing pets, revealing that he once postponed putting his dog down for six weeks because he couldn’t face the grief.
The Gardeners’ World presenter, well known for his beloved canine companions who often accompany him on the show, admitted he still feels “endlessly guilty” for delaying the decision to euthanize his dog, Beaufort. At the time, he was in the middle of writing a book and couldn’t bear the thought of saying goodbye.
Speaking at the Hay Festival, Don shared that he has buried four dogs, describing the heartbreaking experience as the “final act of love.”
“I feel endlessly guilty… I had one particular dog, a beautiful, beautiful dog… very much a one-man dog. His mother came from the Arctic, and there was just that piece of ice in his soul that couldn’t be tamed,” he recalled.
“He was very old—14 years old, a large dog with failing kidneys and in pain. But I wasn’t emotionally ready to cope with his death, and I had six more weeks to finish writing a book.
“So he suffered for those six weeks just so I wouldn’t have to, and that was an act of complete selfishness. I realized afterward that you can’t do that. You have to put the dog first—it’s kinder and better to prevent unnecessary suffering.”
Monty Don has previously opened up about his struggles with Seasonal Affective Disorder and the various methods he has used to manage it, including medication and cognitive behavioral therapy.
He shared that having dogs around has been “incredibly” beneficial, but after losing Beaufort, he made a promise to always prioritize his dogs’ well-being as a “final act of love.”
“My view is that when you bring a puppy or a rescue dog into your life, you’re making a commitment—it’s a contract. You promise to care for them in life and to care for them in death. That responsibility is yours,” he explained.
“The reality is, they will likely pass before you do. That is the gift, and that is your duty. You can’t avoid it—it’s part of loving them. It’s unbelievably hard, it breaks your heart. I’ve buried four dogs, and it never gets easier. But if you truly love them, letting them go when it’s time is the final act of love.”
Monty Don, who has had dogs since childhood, shared that he always brings a new dog into his home when his current companion reaches six or seven years old. This, he explained, helps prevent the “great void” that comes with their passing.
Monty Don has expressed deep regret over delaying his beloved dog Beaufort’s passing, acknowledging that his own fear of grief caused unnecessary suffering. In a heartfelt reflection, he admitted that he should have put Beaufort’s needs first, recognizing it as an act of love. He spoke of his enduring guilt, emphasizing that he has learned from the experience and now vows to always prioritize his dogs’ well-being, ensuring they do not suffer for his sake. Through his tribute, Don honored Beaufort’s memory, carrying forward the lesson that true love means knowing when to let go.
**”Beau, my beautiful boy, I am so sorry. I failed you when you needed me most. I let my own fears and grief cloud my judgment, and in doing so, I made you suffer longer than you should have. That was not fair to you. You gave me nothing but love, loyalty, and companionship, and in return, I hesitated when I should have been strong for you.
You were always by my side, and I should have honored that bond by putting your needs above my own pain. I hope you can forgive me. If love alone could have saved you, you would have lived forever.
I miss you every day. I see you in the garden, in the quiet spaces where you once lay, in the rustling leaves, in the changing seasons. You were a part of my soul, and you always will be.
If I could go back, I would do right by you. But all I can do now is promise that I have learned, and that I will never let another one of my dogs suffer for my sake. I will love them enough to let them go when the time comes, as I should have done for you.
Run free now, my dear friend. I hope you knew, even in those last moments, how deeply you were loved.”**
Losing His Best Friends: The Pain of Saying Goodbye
Beaufort was not the only loss Monty Don has endured. Over the years, he has had to say goodbye to several of his beloved dogs, each departure leaving a hole in his heart.
Nigel: The Nation’s Favorite Garden Companion (Died May 2020)
Perhaps the most well-known of Monty Don’s dogs was Nigel, his golden retriever who became a beloved fixture on Gardeners’ World. Nigel was more than just a pet—he was Don’s shadow, following him through the garden, appearing alongside him on television, and charming audiences with his gentle nature.
Nigel became so popular that he even had his own social media presence, with a playful Twitter account referring to him as the “lead presenter” of Gardeners’ World, while Don was the “faithful assistant.” Fans adored him, and at one point, Nigel received more Christmas cards than the rest of the Don family combined.
In 2020, Don had to face the heartbreaking reality of Nigel’s deteriorating health. The retriever suffered from repeated seizures and was eventually diagnosed with a brain tumor. On May 4, 2020, Nigel passed away, just days before his 12th birthday.
“It was a lovely day, and he was in great form, but at lunchtime, he suddenly had a very bad seizure, and he never recovered,” Don wrote in a moving tribute. “He slipped away quietly.”
Nigel’s passing was a deeply emotional moment for Monty Don. In the days and weeks that followed, he openly grieved, sharing that his garden felt empty without his loyal companion trotting behind him.
Losing Nell: Another Heartbreaking Farewell (Died October 2023)
Three years after losing Nigel, Don was once again faced with a devastating loss—this time, of his golden retriever, Nell.
Nell had joined the Don household as a young and mischievous pup, bringing a lively spirit to the garden. While she never quite had Nigel’s television presence, she was just as cherished, often appearing alongside Don on social media.
However, in 2023, tragedy struck once again. Nell was diagnosed with cancer, and despite all efforts to keep her comfortable, she eventually succumbed to her illness in October. Don shared the heartbreaking news on social media, writing:
“I was holding her in my arms as she slipped away. It never gets easier.”
This loss hit just as hard as the others, reinforcing the inevitable truth that the joy of having dogs is always shadowed by the pain of losing them.