Tom Hardy’s tearful letter to his late dog Woody will break your heart if you’ve ever loved a pet

Hardy was deeply affected by the loss as he considered Woody his “best friend” and devoted confidant.

PUBLISHED 2 HOURS AGO

(L) Tom Hardy attends the UK Premiere of "Legend", (R) Tom Hardy's dog Woody attends the premiere with him. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L&R) Dave J Hogan)

Even the most experienced one of us may struggle to cope with the loss of a pet. Hollywood star Tom Hardy once penned a heartbreaking letter for his late pet dog after he succumbed to a health complication. The actor, otherwise private about his personal life, paid a tribute to his pup and recounted the beautiful time they spent together over the past few years. He expressed his remorse while reminiscing about the impact his dog had on people. The letter is available on his Tumblr page.

(L-R) Tom Hardy and his dog Woody attend the UK Premiere of — (L, R) Tom Hardy and his dog Woody attend the UK Premiere of "Legend" at Odeon Leicester Square on September 3, 2015 in London, England. (Image Source: Getty Images | Dave J Hogan)

The 48-year-old actor spent a good five years with his pet dog, Woodstock, a mixed-breed, before he passed away in 2017 at age six. As he battled the tough emotions and the void of losing a beloved pal, Hardy wrote a tear-jerking letter in his memory just two days later, as reported by Inside Edition. “Woody affected so many people in his own right,” the Venom star penned. He described the situation as an “unusual circumstance” that warranted a public acknowledgement of Woody’s personality and contributions in his life.

Representative Image Source: Pexels| Cottonbro Studio — Man writes a letter. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Cottonbro Studio)

With a heavy heart, the actor revealed that Woody struggled with an aggressive form of polymyositis for a “very hard and short” six months leading up to his death. Hardy was deeply affected by the loss as he considered Woody his “best friend” and devoted confidant. “Woody was the bestest of journey companions we ever could dream of having. Our souls intertwined forever,” Hardy disclosed. He did not fail to note that Woody had been by his side through thick and thin.

Photo of a late dog in a frame next to a collar on a table (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Uberphotos)

The actor cherished the joy his pet dog brought into his life. Recalling a conversation with a friend, Hardy shared a special message. “A friend told me, ‘He was special, bro, a shining example of man’s best friend. He burnt very, very bright and, those that burn very bright sometimes burn half as long.’” The A-lister first met Woody on the Georgia sets of the film Lawless in 2012. He was a stray and homeless, which encouraged Hardy to adopt him. The duo remained inseparable and made appearances together at film premieres, photo shoots, sets, and red carpet events. Woody’s presence in Hardy's life was also recognized in TIME magazine's most influential animal list, where he took the 73rd spot.

Man traveling with his dog. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Zen Chung)

According to a Facebook post by Cuddle Buddies, Hardy has since preserved his love for dogs and now shares his life with a new French Bulldog named Blue. The doggo reportedly accompanies him on his travels across the world. Pet bereavement is an emotional challenge for many owners. While society still makes terms with it, the loss can feel overwhelming and may trigger physical effects, including changes in appetite, fatigue, insomnia, and excessive stress and anxiety. Some may also isolate themselves or struggle to adjust to their new routine without the pets, per CPD Online College.