Buster the trampolining dog from John Lewis’ iconic Christmas ad dies aged 12 and we’re absolutely heartbroken-Louise Griffin-Entertainment – Metro

Biff, the dog who played the trampolining dog Buster in John Lewis’ iconic Christmas advert, has died at the age of 12.

The beloved boxer starred in the retailer’s 2016 ad, often referred to as one of their best ever.

Set to One Day I’ll Fly Away, the advert followed a little girl named Bridget, whose parents work hard through the night to build a trampoline in the back garden for her to wake up to.

As snow falls overnight, an array of animals end up having a bounce on the new toy and, when Bridget finally gets her surprise, she sees Buster has got to it before her.

Biff’s owner, Jen Patten, shared tributes to the pup on social media, writing: ‘Fly high our beautiful, special boy, we shall miss you forever.’

She added in another heartbreaking message: ‘One of our last photos. People say, he had a wonderful life with us, but in reality, we had a wonderful life with him.’

Ms Patten said (via MailOnline): ‘Biff was a very much loved family member, and everyone that met him loved him too.

‘His fame gave us the opportunity to raise funds for animal charities.

An icon (Picture: John Lewis/YouTube)

Jen shared various snaps of Biff over the years (Picture: Jan Patten/Deadline News)

‘Biffy and I had a really special bond, and no matter what I asked of him, whether it would be new tricks, displays, meet and greets, or photos with children, adults, and animals, he would happily oblige, with the patience of a saint.

‘At home, he was pure joy, making us smile every day. I don’t know if you are aware but boxers are known as the clowns of the canines, and even though Biff would be professional at the right time, he never ever lost the ability to make us laugh. We shall miss him so much.’

Heartbreaking news (Picture: Jan Patten/Deadline News)

She went on to say: ‘In the early hours of yesterday morning, he began to have seizures, which we couldn’t bring him back from, so we had to let him go.’

This year’s John Lewis ad has also tugged at the heartstrings, following a man who learns to skateboard (with a few bumps and bruises along the way) ahead of fostering a teenage girl.

Set to a new version of Blink-182’s All The Small Things, it’s definitely got people in the feels.

The retailer is also supporting Action for Children and Who Cares? Scotland, two of the leading charities in the UK.

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