Bobby Norris thought he was "cheating" on his deceased dog Beau when he adopted his new pet pooch Baby.
The ‘Only Way is Essex’ star never wanted to "replace" his beloved four-legged friend – who was tragically mauled to death by another canine in July – and confessed he felt pangs of guilt when he fell in love with his new furry pal.
He exclusively told BANG Showbiz at the Animal Hero Awards in London on Wednesday (07.09.16): "I had this whole thing in my head that I was cheating on him or trying to replace him. I wouldn’t want to replace him."
But, despite his initial reservations, the 29-year-old reality TV star thinks Baby was sent to him by Beau.
He explained: "I couldn’t have gone anywhere to get a new dog, I think because she was looking for a new home, I felt like Beau was sending her to me.
"I know that sounds really weird, but the fact she was the same breed but smaller, the fact she was a girl and the fact she needed a home kind of made me feel like Beau was letting me know that he doesn’t mind if I take her on."
Bobby was left heartbroken two months ago when he witnessed Beau being savagely attacked by another dog during his daily walk through Essex.
His beloved pup was later put to sleep due to the extent of his injuries and Bobby now has a phobia of big dogs.
He said: "I think because of what’s happened with Beau, it’s definitely left me with a bit of fear of big dogs."
Bobby Norris felt he was ‘cheating’ on Beau with new pooch
