"Terrible"

Designer Harald Glööckler mourns the loss of his dog

Harald Glööckler had to say goodbye to his dog "Billy".(Bild: Zengel, Dirk / Action Press / picturedesk.com)

Fashion designer Harald Glööckler mourns the death of his dog Billy, who accompanied him for years in life and on television. The Papillon dog died during the night at the breeder where he was born, said Glööckler. 

"I was on video and spoke to him because I didn't want him to die alone. It was terrible," said Glööckler. "But I think he wanted to go."

14 years at Glööckler's side
The dwarf dog, who accompanied him for more than 14 years, repeatedly had health problems with his heart and lungs, for example.

"'Billy' was my best, most loyal friend," said Glööckler. "We were together almost every second. An angel on four feet and infinitely important." In the end, he felt that the dog's will to live was waning.

No successor wanted at the moment
He does not want to bury his faithful companion. "He'll be cremated and I'll get the urn. I have nothing to do with cemeteries," said Glööckler.

Although he wants to "grow old with a dog", he is not currently looking for a successor for "Billy". "At some point, yes. But not now. You can't replace 'Billy'."