Ruth Gibbins, the grieving sister of late One Direction star Liam Payne, has faced another profound loss with the death of the family dog, a labrador named Brit.
A Devastating Blow Following Tragedy
The beloved pet, who was 13 years old, was put to sleep in early January 2026. This heartbreaking event comes just over a year after the tragic death of her brother, Liam, who fell from a hotel window in Argentina in October 2024.
Brit was originally a gift from Liam to his sister, purchased as a celebration after he won a BRIT Award. The dog's name was a playful nod to the award itself.
An Emotional Tribute to a 'Best Friend'
Ruth shared a series of cherished photographs on Instagram, painting a picture of Brit's life as a central part of the family. The images included moments of the pair snuggling on the sofa, Liam walking the dog, Brit dressed in an elf costume, and even wearing flowers for Ruth's wedding day.
In a lengthy and emotional caption, the mother-of-one wrote: "Oh Brit Beau. Heartbreakingly we had to have Brit put to sleep yesterday. For 13 years she has been the most perfect girl."
She recalled the dog's joyful presence through life's major milestones, describing Brit as "always for comfort or celebration." Ruth fondly remembered the puppy who "chewed walls and toes" and the "dignified old lady" she became.
Navigating a World of 'Tiny Losses'
This loss compounds an already difficult period of grief for Ruth. She recently revealed her anguish upon learning that part of the senior school she attended with Liam is being demolished.
"Hearing part of our senior school is being knocked down and having such clear memories of Liam waiting by my locker to ask for money off me all the time, feels like all of him is being removed from the planet," she wrote.
She ended that poignant note with the words: "A thousand tiny losses every day," capturing the ongoing nature of mourning her brother.
Liam's Partner Kate Cassidy on Love and Moving Forward
Meanwhile, Liam Payne's girlfriend, model Kate Cassidy, has been openly discussing her own journey through grief. In a recent TikTok video, she addressed how any future relationship would need to accommodate her enduring love for the singer.
"I want to make something clear. Whoever I end up with in my future will have to accept the fact I will always love Liam," she stated firmly. She described Liam not as a famous figure, but as her boyfriend, best friend, and the person she believed she would spend her life with.
Kate has shared moments of quiet reflection, including a video of herself watching a sunset with the dog she and Liam shared, as she looks towards a future she once imagined differently.
Followers flooded Ruth's tribute to Brit with messages of support. Many expressed comfort in the thought that the loyal labrador is now reunited with Liam, offering a small silver lining in a time of compounded sorrow for the Payne family and their close circle.
