Heartbroken fundraiser Chris Lewis pays emotional farewell to his dog Jet
An ex-paratrooper who spent lockdown holed up on the uninhabited island of Hildasay with his dog Jet has paid a heartbroken farewell to his canine companion.
Chris Lewis met Jet on his epic fundraising trek across the UK coastline and the pair completed much of the adventure together.
Over recent months, however, Jet had been struggling with her health.
In an emotional Facebook post today (Sunday), Chris bid farewell to his “dearest most loving friend”.
“Our beautiful Jet, my best friend and my shadow has left us,” he wrote.
“She leaves behind a legacy few ever have.
“She helped fix me, she walked 17,000 miles, she helped me gain a family.
“She was loved by so many and helped raise over half a million for charity.
“Above all, I have lost the dearest most loving friend anyone could ask for.
“My heart is broken and a void shall remain that can never be filled.
“Her love and loyalty won the hearts of a nation and beyond.
“Jet, my friend, you are a legend.”
Chris also met his wife Kate on his fundraising walk and the couple have a son, Magnus, together.
The walk was in aid of the Soldiers’, Sailors’ & Airmen’s Families Association (Ssafa).
Stewart Thornton
I Feel your pain Chris nothing more heartbreaking than lossing a special dog they give you all the best things in life a bond that’s irreplaceable its happened to me a few times, it’s something that gets less painful over time but the feeling of you’ve lost something special never leaves you.
One ex soldier to another keep your chin mucker
Lindsey Horner
Chris, I watched you on your travels around the country with Jet . It was so courageous. You saved her and she saved you. She was an amazing loyal and loving girl and though life is changed, she will be with you forever until you meet again. I sympathise and totally understand your pain having just lost my boy. I cannot express the pain, heartache and emptiness I feel without him. I only hope he knew just how much he meant and was loved and life revolved around him and he can forgive me of any mistakes I ever made. My Finn, my life will never be the same without you.
Laura Mitchell
Sorry for your loss its really hard when you lose a special friend and companion nothing can prepare you for the sadness and pain it’s best to concentrate on the love and companionship you both gave to each other that will always stay with you Chris jet will be with you forever in your heart and mind God bless and keep you Jet