Lisa Armstrong Shares Heartfelt Poem for Late Dog Hurley on Instagram
Lisa Armstrong, the ex-wife of television presenter Ant McPartlin, has posted a deeply emotional poem on her Instagram Stories as a tribute to their late dog, Hurley. The beloved pet, who was 12 years old, was recently put to sleep after a joint decision by both former spouses, following a veterinary assessment that revealed he was too ill to recover.
Joint Custody and Bitter Divorce Battle Over Hurley
Ant McPartlin, 50, and Lisa Armstrong, 49, had shared custody of Hurley after their split in 2018, which followed 11 years of marriage. Their divorce involved a bitter custody battle over the dog, with sources indicating that Ant was adamant about not surrendering full custody, reportedly telling lawyers, "She can have anything she wants – except the dog." This arrangement led to the TV presenter's chauffeur ferrying Hurley between their homes to avoid direct contact.
Hurley played a significant role in Ant's life, as he previously credited the dog with helping him overcome struggles with drink and drug addiction. In a 2019 interview, Ant described Hurley's loyalty and companionship, noting, "There's a loyalty and a love and a companionship with Hurley that you can't describe."
Poignant Instagram Tribute and Final Moments
On Monday, Lisa Armstrong, a makeup artist for Strictly Come Dancing, shared the poem Rainbow Bridge on her Instagram Stories, accompanied by a snapshot of Hurley by a fireplace with the caption, "Forever our boy." The poem expressed themes of family and friendship, with lines such as, "A part of our family, you were never just a pet" and "You left paw prints on our hearts from the moment we brought you home."
According to reports, Ant rushed to join Lisa at the vet hours after attending a Britain's Got Talent press conference in London. Both were present as Hurley peacefully passed away, with relatives providing comfort during this difficult time. Lisa also posted an Instagram image showing a girl releasing hearts into the sky, symbolising the loss.
Background on Hurley and Recent Developments
Hurley was adopted by Ant and Lisa in 2013, during their marriage, as they struggled to have children. Lisa had regularly shared photos of Hurley on social media, referring to him as her "baby boy." Her last post with him marked International Dog Day in August last year.
In other news, Ant became a father for the first time in May 2024, welcoming a son named Wilder with his wife Anne-Marie, whom he married in 2021. The couple also owns two Maltipoos, Milo and Bumble. Meanwhile, Lisa has reportedly split from her actor boyfriend Grant Kilburn, with sources describing it as a sad but amicable parting.
This tribute highlights the enduring bond between the former couple and their cherished pet, underscoring the emotional impact of Hurley's passing on both Ant and Lisa.
