Gladiator star Russell Crowe has announced the tragic passing of his puppy, Louis.
The actor broke the news on Twitter, explaining that his “tiny, cheeky, [and] brave” boy had been hit by a truck, and despite the best efforts of vets, had lost his life.
“This is Louis the Papillion. 16 months old. Tiny, cheeky, brave. He won my heart,” he wrote alongside an image of the pup.
“Unfortunately today, on the second anniversary of my fathers passing, Louis was hit by a truck.
“We tried to get him to the vet, but he died in my arms while I was telling him how much we loved him.”
Condolences poured in through Russell’s comment section, with many noting that their hearts were breaking for his family in this difficult time.
“We are heartbroken for you and so deeply sorry for your loss. Louis will be in your heart forever. Sending all of our love, comfort, and strength,” wrote animal rights group PETA.
“So sorry to hear this Russel. My heart goes out to you,” said fellow actor Vincent D’Onofrio.
“I am so sorry! What a beautiful face and those eyes. I like to think our pets wait for us to join them one day, loyal as ever,” self-proclaimed ‘dog devotee’ Alicia Rancilio shared.
And as Today’s Michelle Stephenson summed it up, “Well this is just so heartbreaking”.
This is Louis the Papillion.
16 months old.
Tiny, cheeky, brave. He won my heart.
Unfortunately today, on the second anniversary of my fathers passing, Louis was hit by a truck.
We tried to get him to the vet, but he died in my arms while I was telling him how much we loved him. pic.twitter.com/zIwzUz8Ljx— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) March 30, 2023
Russell’s loss came as a sort of double tragedy, hitting him just two years after his father had passed away at the age of 85.
The 58-year-old made that painful news public through Twitter as well, writing at the time that “I arrived back in the bush last night. Today, although the sun is shining and the torrential rain has abated, this date will forever be tinged with sadness.
“My dear old man, my beautiful dad, the most gentle of men, has passed away.”
Despite the grief sure to be weighing heavily on his shoulders, Russell and his family will always have their happy memories with Louis – and Russell’s dad – to hold on to.
Like the dress up day Russell and Louis shared in December 2021, where Russell overcame his distaste for “dressing dogs up” to match his little friend.
After sharing that it wasn’t his thing – as well as a photo of the two with their heads together and a smile on Russell’s face – he went on to explain in a tweet that a friend had bought a Ralph Lauren polo shirt for “little Louis … so he can match with dad.
“I think the other dogs on the farm are going to get jealous. Pretty funny.”
I’m not at all a fan of dressing dogs up, but, a friend bought little Louis a @RalphLauren polo so he can match with dad. I think the other dogs on the farm are going to get jealous. Pretty funny. pic.twitter.com/odmCZwfvA8
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) December 21, 2022
Images: Twitter
This article first appeared on Over60.