RIP MR CHAI
Love Island’s Molly-Mae devastated as new puppy dies just six days after Tommy imported it for her as a birthday gift
LOVE Island's Molly-Mae Hague's beloved new puppy Mr Chai has died after suddenly falling ill - just days after boyfriend Tommy Fury gave it to her.
The 21-year-old former villa star - who was slammed after revealing the pup had been imported from Russia for her birthday last week - shared the devastating news on Instagram today.
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She wrote: "Tommy and I are utterly heartbroken and shocked to even be writing this.
"Our beautiful new puppy Mr Chai was taken ill in the last few days and tragically has passed away.
"Chai became our whole world in the short time we had him and we couldn't have take any better care of him.
"We loved him so much and he brought us so much happiness than we can describe."
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The reality star continued: "We are really hoping that we can get some clearer answers in the coming days whilst we wait for details and more information from the veterinary experts.
"Myself and Tommy are completely in shock and truly devastated. In a world currently full of tragedy and loss, we understand there are far greater issues than this, we just need to share this information in order to start the process of trying to accept and over come this awful situation.
"We are asking for some time and respect so that we can come to terms with this immense sadness and loss of our beautiful puppy."
Molly-Mae’s representative told The Sun Online: “Molly and Tommy will release more information relating to the death of Chai as and when they receive it, right now this is a sad time for all and we are trying to understand more.”
Daniella Dos Santos, vet and President of the , told The Sun Online: “We don’t know the detail of what’s happened in this very sad case, but when puppies die suddenly it may be due to a deadly infection.
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“It is very uncommon for puppies to die but imported puppies are considered to be at a higher risk of having health issues due to poor breeding, lack of veterinary care, malnutrition and difficult journeys to the UK.
“The best thing you can do to spare the heartache of losing a pet is to do your research, go to a reputable breeder or rehoming charity in the UK, and always use the to make sure you have a healthy, happy puppy.”
The devastating news comes nearly one week after Molly was first gifted the pup, who went on to have his own Instagram account.
He was purchased from Cheshire-based breeders Tiffany Chihuahuas & Pomeranians.
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Breeder Elena Katerova, who runs Tiffany Chihuahuas & Pomeranians, previously failed to tell another customer, Jane Martin, her Pomeranian puppy had had a mental splint inserted into its leg six weeks before she bought it for £5,000.
While she was at the centre of controversy again in 2018 when she appeared on This Morning with three chihuahuas as viewers complained the dogs looked “terrified."
Taking to her Instagram Story last week, Molly excitedly shared pictures of a dog pen and bowls as she awaited the dog's arrival.
She explained: "Sat waiting for you, little monster. An hour before I become a dog mum. Has anyone ever received a puppy at night? What are you meant to do? Put them to bed or stay up with them??! Honestly, this is going to be so entertaining."
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Molly added: "He was meant to be here on my birthday btw guys but he's coming from Russia so there were delays etc."
Horrified fans flocked to social media to slam Molly-Mae's choice to import her pet - with some outraged by her decision not to adopt an animal in need from the UK, and others worried about the global pandemic.
Russia closed its borders to foreign visitors in March due to coronavirus, with the decree extended indefinitely last month.
One wrote: "MOLLY MAE’s F***ING DOG IS COMING. From. RUSSIA. THe ignorance, I’m so disgusted."
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Another added: "Wait Molly Mae is having a puppy shipped to her from Russia? There’s literally so many dogs sat in adoption centres and they choose to get a dog shipped from another country wtf is that about?"
Veterinary surgeon Jess Welburn, who owns , warned against buying a puppy imported from abroad.
She said: “There are regulations that apply to bringing in dogs from abroad. They need to be vaccinated but I have seen dogs with false vaccine records so you can’t be entirely sure.
“They also risk bringing in other diseases into the country.
“You should also never get a puppy without visiting and seeing the mum and how she is kept because otherwise you risk fuelling puppy farming. Rescue centres are full to the brim.”
Love Island's Molly Mae and Tommy Fury get a new puppy called Mr Chai
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