I typically use this blog for training and inspirational posts. I’d like to shift gears for this particular entry however. Those who have followed me for any amount of time have likely seen or heard of my dogs Tank and Jayda. I have shared many of their pictures and stories on Facebook. Tank’s picture was even included in my Infinite Intensity book. Following the book’s original release in 2005, Tank became known by many as the RossTraining mascot. Dog lovers from around the world have emailed me regularly about him for many years now.
Unfortunately, as many of you know, Tank passed away earlier this week. Since his passing, I have literally received hundreds of messages from people all around the world. Based on the outpouring of kindness, I wanted to thank everyone for their encouraging words and support. As every dog lover knows, it is devastating to see one of our four legged family members pass.
For those who have asked about Tank, he was actually in good health as recent as a few weeks ago. It was my other dog Jayda who first became sick. Since she was diagnosed with lymphoma, Tank stood by her side every moment and was visibly saddened by her illness. His heart took a sudden turn for the worse last week and he died in my arms of a heart attack. I truly believe he died of a broken heart. Mine is also broken as a result.
We now continue to fight with Jayda against her lymphoma but she’s unfortunately not expected to last much longer. Although we will continue to fight the inevitable, I wanted to give both dogs at least one more mention on the site. Both have been man’s best friend and then some. They have shared time with me at work and in the gym for what seems like an eternity. They have been the most loyal and loving companions to me and my family. I am already lost without Tank and can only imagine what it will feel like to lose Jayda.
Update – A week after writing this entry, Jayda passed away as well.
In closing, I sincerely appreciate all of the kind words that I’ve received. I could have never imagined so many people taking an interest in my two best buddies. Losing one unexpectedly while preparing to lose the other has been quite difficult. It is times like this when I fall back on the Henry Rollins quote listed below. Such words have never failed me.
“The Iron is the best antidepressant I have ever found. There is no better way to fight weakness than with strength.”
I look forward to getting back to updating the site regularly in the next few days.
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“The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog.” – George Graham
Our best friends…
I m very sorry about your loss. I still got my first dog and I dread the day I ll have to let him go. I can only imagine how you must feel… =/
Brutha no words can describe it, but I know that Tank is in a better place, if its in the plan for Jayda, than I pray that GOD gives her, you, and your family as much peace and understanding as possible.
The tribute was nice. I train with my Pitbull Mutt “Rocky” and losing him would be devastating. Thank you for reminding me how important our buddies are!
I share your pain. I just had my little friend of 13 years put down because her liver was failing. Very difficult time. Still hurts 🙁
Great tribute to your dogs Ross. Sorry for the tough times you are going through. Man’s best friend may pass from our lives but never from our hearts. God bless your family in this time and stay strong.
He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.)
When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself.
He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant.
His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me… whenever… wherever—in case I need him. And I expect I will—as I always have. He is just my dog
Sympathies.
What a great dog Comet, my border collie, was. My life was enriched by having him in it, and those were my thoughts as we unexpectedly had to put him down. As sad and painful as an end to a situation may be, it shouldn’t be allowed to cancel out or obscure the great things that preceded it.
Força Ross!!!!!
My deepest condolences for your loss. Losing family members is hard, but bittersweet. The love you have for them never leaves…
Thank you for your words of inspiration over the years, stay strong
I’m truly sorry for your loss. People who don’t love animals or who aren’t dog lovers have no idea how attached someone can become to their “best friend.” BTW, I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t like animals, especially dogs. Two beautiful dogs. I know you can’t replace Tank, but maybe a new pup would help. It did for me when I lost my friend.
I’m sorry to hear about your loss. I really did like how you incorporated Tank into Infinite intensity. He will definitely be missed.
I’m sorry for your loss , I’m a great lover of dogs, grew up on a farm with loads of them snapping at my heels, they were wonderfull friends.
They were a massive part of my childhood
Have always, and will always be man’s best friend. They live on in the memories that they leave behind.
Having to put down my best friend is the hardest thing I have ever done, I feel your sorrow.
Sorry to hear that Ross, unexpected losses are very difficult to deal with. I never knew you had dogs until you posted this. I come to your site for inspiration, motivation and learn more about training the body. As I read through your blog over the years, you seem to be great human being towards the world. As of today I see you are a great friend towards your dogs. My heart goes out to you and your family. If was your neighbor, id give ya a big man hug. Hate seeing sad things happen to good people. Peace
My sincere condolences to your loss!
This might sound corny ! but it’s best to look at it like they would be playing and hanging out waiting for you on the other side. Eventually, we all have to go there.. and that’s when you will all reunite!
So sorry to hear Ross. My heart goes out to you mate.
My heart goes out to you and your family Ross , I have been there a few times with my pets Try and think about like this you loved your canine buddie and gave them a lovely home where they were lucky enough to be cherished and adored , I salute you as an animal lover .
May your pain ease soon
Ray
UK.
I’m sorry to hear, I’ve lost some best friends in my time too. It does get easier with time even though it doesnt seem so at first. Take lots of pictures and give Jayda whatever burger, meal or awesome treat you might think is fitting in these last few weeks. Take care
Ross, very sorry to hear of your loss. We lost our little guy back in September and now are very busy with our boxer puppy, Rosie.
We always say we’re not going to get another dog, but deep down, we know we always will. Can’t imagine life without one.
The loss of a pet can bring a grown man to his knees. It’s not easy.
Bob
so sad reading this ross tears rolling down my face as i write .i lost my 2 beauty’s zuffa and fedor …so i know what you are going through ..but i got another boy …enso ..and i like to think that there spirt lives on through him ..hang in buddy …keep strong ….
Ross , so sorry to hear of the passing of your dog and friend Tank.
My dog , Brandy passed away 6 yrs ago , he was 17yrs old and was part of our family . I loved him.
Our dogs are loyal and are part of our families.
So sorry to hear, we had to put our pup down a couple mths ago also. It was rough but the memories and pictures always make us smile. Take care
“I have sometimes thought of the final cause of dogs having such short lives,and I am satisfied it is in compassion to the human race; for if we suffer so much in losing a dog after an aquaintance of ten to twelve years, what would it be if they were to live double that time” Sir Walter Scott
My dog Jake died over 7 years ago and I still think about him, to this day he makes me smile. I know how you feel and I wish you well.
Very sorry to hear about your loss and I hope Jayda can remain comfortable in whatever time she has left.
Stay strong and cherish the moments and memories they have blessed you with.
Kevin
Ross, sincerest sympathies to you and your family. Your loyal readers feel your pain and are thinking of you.
I have never had a truer friends then my dogs and I have loved them all. I am very sorry to hear of your loss and know its heart breaking to have one pass away slowly to cancer.
Man – I’m so sorry to hear about your companions, Ross. Such a heart breaking turn of events.
My prayers go out to you.
So sorry to hear…I think it’s one of the worst losses to go through.
Always a very sad time when a long time companion passes away, all the best Ross for you and your family
I lost my golden retriever, Lucas, suddenly about two years ago, and it still stings sometimes when something reminds me of him. Wishing you all my sympathy.
My condolences to you, Ross, and all others who have gone through loss recently. I know the feeling all too well.
As always though, things will get better and there will be more animal companions in your future.
All the best.
My condolences.
Our pets become a significant part of our lives and families and it hurts so much to lose them.
So sorry for your loss. Losing a pet it the worst feeling. They are the only family member you actually choose.
Take care
Ross, so sad to read this news … I know how it feels and I’m affraid to feel it again, as my dog is getting old
hang on !
peace …
Moving stuff Ross…chin up mate.
Sorry for your loss Ross. Tough when you lose a good friend.
I’m so sorry for your loss Ross.
Sorry for your loss, lossing a friend is always hard.
I bought II and NG back in 2008 but didn’t get back to you for a week or two at the time, Ross, to thank you for your prompt service as we had just put our boy, a beautiful Bullterrier, down. When I did let you know about the swift delivery to Spain you got back to me to let me know you were sorry for our loss. It really meant a lot, that some stranger on the other side of the world might alleviate our suffering a little bit with some words of kindness. I’m so sorry that you’re going through the exact same thing right now. I hope the family is getting through it together. My thoughts are with you all
Ross
Jesus….how heartbreaking to lose a beloved dog and to know that your other beloved dog will also be gone soon as well.
I just lost my best friend, my 13 yr old Doberman three weeks ago and am still heartbroken.
Truly sorry for your loss…
Sorry Ross…didn’t see that Jayda is gone as well.
How truly sad.
Man, that’s rough. Losing both in the matter of a few weeks, my condolences. Really sorry to hear about your loss.