Pets and food are two of my favourite things, as you might have already guessed, so it's a shame to hear Rick Stein's little dog, Chalky, has died.
The Jack Russell was famous for its on-screen antics with the tv chef, and an emotional Rick has even posted an obituary on his website.
It recounts some of Chalky's "mighty capers" but perhaps not surprisingly omits to mention that he once dispatched a rabbit owned by Tomorrow's World presenter Judith Hann!
I'm a big fan of Rick's seafood recipes, although he's not my favourite tv chef. That accolade goes to Clarissa Dickson Wright - who shot to fame in the Two Fat Ladies series.
Clarissa's a larger than-life character - someone who's spent a fortune on good living, an ex-drinker, a plain speaker and someone who is passionate about the rural way of life.
She was due to cook me lunch once a few years back, but we had to cancel because her fellow Fat Lady, Jennifer Paterson, died suddenly the day before. (Clarissa, if you're reading this, I'd still love to take you up on your offer of lunch!)
Clarissa's always taken the view that most things can be cooked and eaten. Let's hope she doesn't get her hands on poor Chalky!
Shame - poor old chalky was the real star of the show.