AFL star Tom Mitchell revealed his heartbreak after his four-year-old golden retriever Macy was killed in a “freak accident at the park” over the weekend.
The Collingwood midfielder took to social media over the weekend, revealing he held her in his arms as she passed away.
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Posting a series of pictures on Instagram, including a heartbreaking image of Mitchell patting her while she was covered by a blanket alongside his other golden retriever Nala. The 2018 Brownlow Medallist has received a mountain of support and well wishes.
He wrote: “The best memories over the last 4 years.
“Nala and I are heartbroken after a freak accident at the park. Grateful to hold her for her last 10 seconds before she passed in my arms.
“We hope they have unlimited snacks and all of your favourite TV shows in dog heaven. The RSPCA have lost their favourite ambassador and we have lost our best friend.”
He later added: “Big thanks to @darcy_cameron and @billyframptonngb for helping me try and save her.”
His teammates and players around the league rallied around him after the announcement, commenting mostly with hearts for the star’s tragic loss.
But it’s at home Mitchell revealed the loss has hit hard — and not just for him.
“The trauma of what happened will be there for a while,” he said via the Herald Sun. “Nala is noticeably effected. She cries at night and keeps looking around the house for Macy during the day.”
Macy was an RSPCA ambassador and the organisation’s Victorian branch paid tribute to Macy.
A RSPCA Victoria spokesman said Macy “couldn’t have been matched with a better human and doggo sibling”.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the unexpected passing of Macy, ambassador extraordinaire and friend to us all here at RSPCA Victoria,” he said.
“Her gorgeous smile and cheeky personality will be sorely missed.
“We send our condolences to Tom Mitchell, Nala and the whole family during this time.”
Mitchell moved to the Pies in the off-season after he was traded from Hawthorn during the 2022 trade period.
It was a three-way trade as Collingwood got Mitchell and Pick 25, Geelong got Ollie Henry and Hawthorn got Cooper Stephens, Pick 41 and Pick 50.
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