Russell was born in Strasburg, Colorado in July of 2003. We picked this little bundle of joy from a group of 13 wild little springers.  He sat on my lap for the long drive home while I was blissfully unaware that he had a serious case of Giardia.  He let me know as soon as I got him out of the car. The first of his many lifelong ailments. He ended up being a victim of bad breeding, having chronic ear problems and hip dysplasia.. The breeder offered to take him back, but I had sealed the deal with my heart the day I met him.

Russell went on to live 12 years 9 months as a treasured member of the family. He was preceded in death by his brother Chuck whom he loved dearly.

Russ graduated from Grumpy Growlers class at BVHS with honors in 2010. He would put those skills to use for the rest of his mlife on his daily walks with his Mom.

He also loved his little brother, Rocket the cat, and taught Rocket that dogs know how to play gently with cats too. The two of them loved to sit on the back porch together watching for birds.

Russ had a unique wiggle that we called the snake slither and always presented anyone who entered his home with a big rubber bone which he kept by the front door to have ready on a moment's notice.

He lost his hearing completely several years ago but learned sign language without missing a beat.

He loved his family with every fiber of his soul. He loved treats, especially Milk bones and the ice cream he got after his daily walks. Did I mention that he LOVED treats and would do many tricks for them?

We are all gonna miss you my friend, especially your brother Ted and sister Alison.

Run free my sweet boy, we'll see you when we get there. Love you to heaven and back.

Mom and Dad