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Russell (AKA Russ, Russellpuff, Fussle, My Dear Sweet Dog) was a velcro dog and he claimed me as his person early on. He was always by my side and made me feel loved unconditionally. I have never had such a special bond with a pet.
I loved all of our time together. Our slow, quiet walks; watching our neighbourhood from our stoop; and his enthusiastic help with chores: laundry (jumping into the pile of clean clothes while I folded), changing the bedding (squeezing under the fitted sheet while I made the bed), dishes (licking the dishes while I loaded the dishwasher), and gardening (laying in the fresh cool soil after planting or transporting something new). I especially loved seeing how happy Russsell was at the beach. He did not like to swim, but he loved to play with the waves, dig himself into a cool hole in the sand, and snooze under a tent I made with a towel draped over my legs.
We adopted Russell from a rescue the day after lockdown started, on March 14, 2020, when he was three months old. We soon found out that he was a fearful little guy, so our main objective was to help him gain confidence so he could feel good in the world and enjoy life. He became a happy, playful dog with our family, while his routinely aloof, grumpy nature with strangers made our neighbours laugh. Russell helped us form our community where we live, having met so many people because of our daily walks with him.
Russell died on the evening of May 10, 2025, after being hit by a car in front of our house. His life ended far too soon and we will always remember the joy he brought to our lives.
Exclusive Members-Only Webinar:
A conversation on the human face of shelter and rescue work with Dillon Dodson
Join us for this exciting event
We are delighted to invite you to an exclusive members-only webinar featuring Dillon Dodson, veterinary social worker, Director of Social Work at the Toronto Humane Society, and Vice President of our partner organization, the International Association of Veterinary Social Work. This special event is designed to shine a light on the human side of animal welfare work in rescues and shelters.
Event Details
Date:Â Thursday, October 30th, 2025
Time:Â 7:00-8:00 PM, ET
Platform:Â Zoom (registration required)
Join the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement today and create a special online memorial for your pet. Enjoy 20% off a Silver or Platinum membership— offer ends September 7.
In honor of Rainbow Bridge Memorial Day (August 28), we are offering a 20% discount on Silver and Platinum memberships throughout the entire month of August. By joining us, you will have the unique opportunity to create a lasting online memorial for your pet, complete with photos and stories you can cherish.
This year the Association of Pet Loss & Bereavement (APLB) is participating in Giving Tuesday, December 3rd. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.Â
Please give generously. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those grieving the loss of their cherished pets.
This year the Association of Pet Loss & Bereavement (APLB) is participating in Giving Tuesday, on December 3rd. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.Â
Please give generously. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those grieving the loss of their cherished pets.
