Andy Murray has been flooded with messages of support after the tennis icon revealed his Border Terrier, Rusty, has died.
The three-time Grand Slam winner revealed the news on Instagram, penning a sweet tribute to his furry companion.
Murray wrote: "You were the most loyal and protective companion our family could have wished for.
"You were so patient and gentle with the kids and we all learned so much from you.
Andy Murray has been flooded with messages of support after the tennis icon revealed his Border Terrier, Rusty, has died
PA
"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."
And fans have provided Murray with support, with one user writing: "Aw so sorry. The ultimate price of a dog’s love is such a hard one & such a hard one to see your kids experience too. Be kind to yourself, it takes time. Hugs to you all."
A second said: "So sorry. It's a grief like no other."
Another wrote: "Sorry for your loss Andy, lost our dog two weeks ago & still feels odd."
A fourth stated: "Utterly heartbreaking Andy , feel for you all . Yes the house is so empty, but the heart is full of the love they gave. Hugs to you all."
A fifth said: "So much more than ‘just a pet’! Your family member will be sorely missed."
And a sixth wrote: "Oh Andy, I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a family member is the worst. Rusty was so loved by all of you. Thinking of you and your family xx."
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Murray and his family previously had another Border Terrier called Maggie May.
Maggie sadly died in 2022.
A year before her death, Murray explained how much dogs mean to him.
The Briton told PetsPyjamas that his dogs help him to 'switch off' and that they 'would win an award for loyalty', too.
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Murray also said: "Sometimes I find it hard to unwind after a match or if I’ve had a particularly tough training day, but I love taking them for walks or throwing a ball for them in the garden, or even just sitting with them on the sofa.
"I find that helps me relax."
Meanwhile, Murray's next career move has been announced after he retired from tennis earlier in the year.
The two-time Wimbledon champion is set to coach Novak Djokovic at the 2025 Australian Open.
Andy Murray will coach Novak Djokovic at the 2025 Australian Open
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Some have dismissed the Serb as a faded force given he failed to win a major in 2024.
But Djokovic will be hoping his alliance with Murray can lead to him winning a record 25th Grand Slam title.
