Coco Austin postponed daughter’s birthday to mourn her dog

Coco Austin put her daughter’s birthday "on hold" to mourn her late dog.

The 37-year-old actress – whose real name is Nicole Natalie Marrow – has admitted she had to cancel her only child Chanel Nicole’s first birthday celebrations because she felt she needed to "honor" her pet pooch Spartacus, who died from complications during a knee surgery on Sunday (11.27.16).

The blonde beauty – who married rapper Ice-T in 2002 – took to social media to announce the news, she tweeted: "Cuz I’ve been mourning over Spartacus I put Chanel’s Birthday on hold (which was today) I feel I need 2 honor Sparty before a celebration (sic)."

The television personality revealed she was struggling to deal with the loss, and has posted a collage of images of the bulldog to her account thanking her fans for their support during the tough time.

She said: "My heart is hurting tremendously today. Sparty died after knee surgery complications.He was my 1st baby with Ice.There’ll never be another.

"Thx everyone for the loving messages. @CuteSpartacus was One of a kind. I feel his life was way too short. He touched everyone. I love u Spart (sic)."

Despite losing the family pet, the ‘Ice Loves Coco’ star has admitted her only child is the "best gift in the world".

Alongside a picture of her cradling Chanel when she was first born, she wrote: "One year ago yesterday I got the best gift in the world, #ChanelNicole Happy Birthday baby girl! The love I have 4 her no words can explain (sic)."

And the tiny tot is struck by the loss of the furry animal, which she considered her "big bro".

On Chanel’s own Twitter page an image of her cuddling up to her mother and Spartacus was shared, which read: "I lost my big bro Spartacus today after knee surgery. He was a cuddler & a lover.Had a short time w/ him but worth every minute of it (sic)."