Thomas Rhodes never expected to lose his best friend so suddenly. Russell was Tom’s Golden Retriever and most trusted companion. Russ as he was known by Tom and his family, had been a part of their lives for ten years, giving them days of love, laughter and joy that they will all never forget.

For any pet owner, death is one of the hardest and worst stages for anyone to go through. Like humans though, animals have their time to leave us.

Their owners know Golden Retrievers for their gracious, sweet and calming sense of nature and loyalty, but to Tom, Russell was so much more than that.

“Russ had such a strong character and funny personality. He literally was my best friend and was like a brother to me. I grew up with him from the age of ten and loved everything about him.” Tom said.

He added: “He was a loving, caring dog, who wanted to please everyone and fell in love with everyone he came across.”

In Russ’s final days, Tom knew what was going to happen. However, he had never anticipated it would happen as sudden as it did. At the time, a person can’t help but wonder why things happen so quickly, which is hard for any one to get their head around. For Tom, this was one of the most heart-breaking situations he had ever been in.

Russell loved to chew on his cuddly toys, (he went through many!) going on long walks around Clumber Park, but most of all being there for the family and being the loving, trustworthy dog to Tom that he was.

“Russell was also an extremely playful dog. He still acted like a puppy at the age of 10. He greeted you with such excitement every time you came home from work and walked through the door. He really acted as a ‘stress relief’ and ‘pick me up’ if you were ever having a bad day.”

Memories are one of the best things any of us can have: they allow us to remember the good times and can help us move on.

“Russ also showed his loving nature and obedience by jumping up and trying to hug you if you were every upset in front of him. He would always try to comfort you.”

Tom said how he had some of the best and funniest memories of Russ that he will always think of and cherish: “All in all Russell was a really special kind of dog. One of a kind. I feel as though nothing and no one will ever replace him.”

Russ’s legacy will always live on for Tom and his family. Russell will always be remembered by Tom, as the greatest dog and most loyal friend.

“He will always have a place in my heart and I will never go a day without thinking about him.” 

If any of you are struggling to cope with the loss of a pet then 'The Loss of a Pet'  by William Sife acts as a guide to helping people cope and grieve when their pet dies.