Andy Murray has paid tribute to his “loyal and protective companion” Rusty in an emotional post on social media – just two years after the death of his first border terrier Maggie
Andy Murray has revealed his heartache after the death of his border terrier Rusty, with the tennis icon admitting: “The house feels empty without you in it.”
Murray, who announced his retirement from tennis this summer, already lost his first border terrier Maggie in 2022 after 14 years and is now grieving again – paying tribute to his “loyal and protective companion”.
“You were the most loyal and protective companion our family could have wished for,” he said in a post on Instagram. “You were so patient and gentle with the kids and we all learned so much from you. The house feels empty without you in it.
“The noise you made when you wanted a plate to lick or a biscuit to chew on or when you wanted anything for that matter was infuriating at times! But today we would do anything to hear it again, Love you ruzz rest easy poppet x”
Murray and wife Kim had Rusty since 2011 and had only recently warned pet owners to “give your pets a big cuddle tonight because it stings when you can’t anymore” after the loss of Maggie.
He said in his 2022 announcement about Maggie: “Today our family said goodbye to this amazing little dog. She was a huge part of our family and our first pet so this really hurts.”
Murray’s relationship with Rusty captured the hearts of many after the dog appeared on a show with comedians Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan, where the pair were given a look into the tennis star’s daily life.
The comedy duo were left in stitches when Murray revealed his “dog voice” while calling Rusty during a walk in the park.
Murray is facing lots of changes in his life after hanging up his racquet. The Scot this week announced he was set to coach his old rival Novak Djokovic.
Announcing the news on social media, Djokovic said: “We played each other since we were boys, 25 years of being rivals, of pushing each other beyond our limits. We had some of the most epic battles in our sport. They called us gamechangers, risk-takers, history-makers.
“I thought our story may be over, turns out it has one final chapter. It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner. Welcome on board, coach Andy Murray.”
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