Colton Underwood is mourning the death of his beloved dog Sniper, who became pretty famous through Colton's social media activity and his appearances on The Bachelor's 23rd season.
ADVERTISEMENT
Colton announced Sniper had passed away Wednesday on Instagram.
RELATED LINK: 'BACHELOR' SPOILERS: NEW SPOILERS ABOUT PETER WEBER'S FINAL 2 PICKS AND FINAL ROSE CEREMONY REPORTED
"Today i said goodbye to Sniper. he was my boy, my buddy and my best friend," the former The Bachelor star, 28, captioned a slideshow of sweet photos of his black Labrador retriever.
"I want to thank you for always being there for me. for getting me through some of the darkest times in my life. for always making me smile no matter what was going on in life. for finishing my left overs. for taking the blame of so many farts when [Cassie Randolph] and i started dating."
ADVERTISEMENT
Colton also thanked Sniper for "always looking" at him "with love" in his eyes.
"I love and miss you already buddy. i promise to be the man you think i am. everyday," Colton added.
Colton also posted a photo on Instagram Stories of himself snuggling with Sniper on a couch.
"Love you pal!" Colton wrote alongside the image.
Comments from fans and Bachelor Nation poured in, wishing Colton well and offering their support during this difficult time.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Love you and Snip so much," Cassie commented.
Jason Tartick and Blake Horstmann -- who competed against Colton for Becca Kufrin's heart on The Bachelorette's fourteenth season -- also gave their condolences.
RELATED LINK: PETER WEBER EX-GIRLFRIEND MERISSA PENCE: VICTORIA FULLER BROKE UP FOUR MARRIAGES IN OUR HOMETOWN!
"Colt, I'm so sorry to hear this man! Sniper was such an amazing dog and you gave him the best life. Thinking of you guys!" Jason wrote.
And Blake commented, "Oh man so sorry bud! He was an awesome dog."
ADVERTISEMENT
Becca's current fiance, Garrett Yrigoyen, also noted Sniper had a "great life" with the charity founder and former NFL athlete.
Colton, who is also dad to a German Shepherd named Kane, revealed on Instagram in December 2019 Sniper had helped him through mental health struggles over the last 14 years.
"This dude doesn't know how much he has helped me in his 14 years of life (103 in dog years) -- through depression, anxiety and stressful situations," Colton wrote of Sniper at the time.
"Having Sniper by my side has been the best remedy I could have ever hoped for. Love you buddy. Can't wait to see what this next year has in store for us my best friend."
Colton starred on The Bachelor in 2019.
ADVERTISEMENT
Dubbed "the virgin Bachelor" at the time, Colton ended his season prematurely by falling in love and selecting Cassie over his other two remaining bachelorettes, Tayshia Adams and Hannah Godwin.
RELATED LINK: 'THE BACHELOR' COUPLES NOW: WHO DID 'THE BACHELOR' STARS AND THEIR BACHELORETTE PICKS ACTUALLY END UP MARRYING? (PHOTOS)
Colton had made up his mind before even finishing out his round of overnight Fantasy Suite dates.
Cassie, however, attempted to quit The Bachelor because she didn't feel ready to get engaged. Colton therefore fought for her to stay and took all pressure off the table.
Cassie proceeded to meet Colton's family on the show and fall in love with him once filming wrapped.
The couple is still dating and going strong, but Cassie believes there is no reason to rush into an engagement or living together, although she says she can definitely envision a future with Colton.
RELATED LINK: 'THE BACHELOR' FRANCHISE COUPLES NOW: WHO IS STILL TOGETHER? (PHOTOS)
Interested in more The Bachelor news? Join our The Bachelor Facebook Group!