Lifestyle Pets Celebrity Pets We Lost in 2021 Saying goodbye is never easy, especially for these stars who loved their pets like family By Diane J. Cho Diane J. Cho Diane J. Cho was the Features Editor of PEOPLE Digital from 2019 to 2022. She worked at the brand for nearly four years covering news, features, human interest, evergreen, holiday gift guides and more. She launched the How I Parent and What It's Really Like to Be …. digital series and has interviewed several celebrities and influential leaders within the entertainment industry. Prior to joining PEOPLE, Diane worked at Bustle, VH1 and Complex. She received her bachelor's degree in Journalism from Rutgers University and her master's degree from Columbia Journalism School. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 24, 2021 12:33 PM Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos 01 of 27 Freshie Kid Cudi/ instagram Kid Cudi revealed in an emotional Instagram post on Aug. 24 that his beloved bulldog died peacefully earlier in the week. "I held his hand and whispered in his ear to let him know I was there while he slipped away. I told him he was a special boy, my best friend, that he was perfect and that I loved him and I'll miss him so so much. I felt his heart stop beating and felt his last breath," he wrote. "My life will be a lil more empty with him gone. To anyone that has lost a pet, I feel your pain," wrote the rapper, who welcomed the pup more than a decade ago. "I am a complete mess. I cry at random moments of the day," he added, calling Freshie his best friend. 02 of 27 Bella Demi Lovato/Instagram Demi Lovato took to their Instagram Story to pay tribute to their family's dog Bella, who recently died. "RIP beautiful girl," Demi wrote, including their sister Dallas Lovato's post about their late Shih Tzu. Dallas' Instagram tribute to Bella included a slideshow set to "Still Holding Out for You" by SHeDAISY and a sweet dedication in the post's caption. "Bella girl, you have no idea the impact you've had on ALL of our lives ... You picked us to be your family. And from that day on we were never the same," Dallas wrote in part. 03 of 27 Baker Erin Napier/Instagram HGTV star Erin Napier announced on July 24 that her family's dog had died. Alongside a photo of 3-year-old daughter Helen cuddling their pup, the Home Town star wrote, "all dogs go to heaven ❤️." "We (and especially she) will miss Baker," Napier continued. "Thankful for the 12 years he lived." 04 of 27 Jessi Miranda Lambert shared the sad news that she had to say goodbye to her rescue dog Jessi after 13 and a half years together on Instagram. "I found her and her brother Waylon on the side of the road in Oklahoma in Jan 2008 in the middle of a sleet storm. They were 6 weeks old. My mom was in the truck with me and we were listening to the 'I am Jessi Colter' album. That's how they got their names," she wrote on July 29. "We lost Waylon last October but we got to have Jessi just a little longer. But the truth is they belong together. They always have. I know she missed him terribly and we are so thankful to have had extra time." She added, "I can't put into words what a dogs love does to a heart. But if you have one you already know." 05 of 27 Polly Kelly Osbourne and Polly. kelly osbourne/ instagram Reality star Kelly Osbourne revealed on July 22 that her Pomeranian died due to a pulmonary heart defect. "I promised myself that I would take a break from social media for the summer... however I thought I should let you all know that this week I lost my Polly 😭 to pulmonary heart defect," Osbourne announced on Instagram. "She has been by my side for 6 years. I do not [know] how to go on without her. To say I'm devastated is an understatement," the singer continued. "I have never felt pain like this. I have lost my shadow. I don't think I will ever get over this. My heart is broken. I am broken!!!" 06 of 27 Violet Mae Jenna Dewan and fiancé Steve Kazee revealed on July 16 that their beloved dog Violet had died suddenly. The two shared their own tributes in a pair of emotional Instagram posts. "Violet was the sweetest lady i ever knew, the best sneaky kisser in the world and the calm amongst the chaos always," Dewan wrote on her Instagram. "Everyone who met you loved you and it is one the greatest privileges of my life to have had the last few years with you. The bond you and Steve shared comes around once in a lifetime and our entire family misses you beyond words." Kazee added on his, "Life will never be the same without her. Her passing was sudden and has left us all in shock but we are focusing on the memories because they are some of my most precious. Violet was a good dog." Dewan adopted the dog into her family when she met Kazee, who first got Violet as a puppy in 2012. 07 of 27 Pippa John Legend Instagram The 10-year-old French bulldog's parents John Legend and Chrissy Teigen are mourning the loss of their little pup. The two shared the news on Instagram on July 15. "We're going to miss our little Pippa. This pic is her living her best life: on the road with her dad, wearing pearls," Legend wrote in his tribute. "She was smart, fancy and didn't take any s---. She gave us so much joy for 10 years," Legend added. "We love you Pippa!" Teigen wrote in her tribute, "our beautiful little pippa just died in my arms, not long ago. ... Thank you for giving us your whole life." 08 of 27 T'Challa Real Housewives of Potomac alum Monique Samuels revealed on Instagram that her African grey parrot was "killed in a freak accident" on July 1. Samuels went on to write that she "barely can utter his name without crying," adding that the pain of losing T'Challa is "indescribable." She wrote that she is "forever grateful for T'Challa and how he changed my life and my family's life" and ended her note with, "I'm not okay but I'll keep pushing as I always do. Rest my beautiful baby 🙏🏽💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔." 09 of 27 Bob Naomi Watts' 20-year-old pup has died. The actress shared the sad news on Instagram on July 7, writing, "My Darling Bob. What an honor to have had you in our lives." She added, "You'll be living on in my heart and soul forever." 10 of 27 Leroy Brown Lenny Kravitz Instagram Lenny Kravitz announced the death of one of his dogs on Instagram on June 21, sharing the heartbreaking news alongside a slew of photos of his beloved pup. "Leroy Brown 2009-2021. Thank you for sharing your life with me," the "American Woman" singer wrote. "You blessed me with unconditional love while watching me go through it all. You were next to me during my best and my worst. We circled the globe over and over together, teaching each other what we could. You were the best. A true Bahamian Potcake. Jojo and I are missing you deeply." 11 of 27 Champ President Joe Biden with dogs Champ and Major. Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden are mourning the death of their beloved German Shepard, who died on June 19 at the age of 13. "Our hearts are heavy today as we let you all know that our beloved German Shepherd, Champ, passed away peacefully at home. He was our constant, cherished companion during the last 13 years and was adored by the entire Biden family," they wrote in a statement on Twitter. "Even as Champ's strength waned in his last months, when we came into a room, he would immediately pull himself up, his tail always wagging, and nuzzle us for an ear scratch or a belly rub. Wherever we were, he wanted to be, and everything was instantly better when he was next to us," the statement continued. "We love our sweet, good boy and will miss him always," they added. 12 of 27 Larry-Steve Alexa Bliss/Instagram; Inset: Steve Granitz/WireImage WWE superstar Alexa Bliss announced the death of her pet pig on Instagram on May 25. Alongside a photo of her holding one of his hooves, the wrestler revealed that Larry-Steve died one day before his fourth birthday. "This morning, Larry-Steve gained his Angel wings. 🐽" wrote Bliss, née Alexis Kaufman. "I'm so sorry we couldn't find you the help you needed in time. Some people didn't understand. But I want you to know Larry, YOUR LIFE MATTERED. 🐽🖤." "We are completely heartbroken," she added. 13 of 27 Gizmo Naomie Olindo. Naomie Olindo/Instagram. Inset: Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Former Southern Charm star Naomie Olindo is in mourning following the death of her favorite feline. "I have very sad news to share today. Gizmo went to be with my dad in heaven over the weekend at 18 years old," Olindo wrote on her Instagram Story on May 3. "To say this little cat lived a FULL life is an understatement," she added, sharing a photo of her cat with her father, who died in 2019 after a battle with esophageal cancer. 14 of 27 Missy Dan Smyers/INSTAGRAM Dan + Shay's Dan Smyers and his wife Abby announced some sad news in May via Instagram. "Our hearts are broken to share the news that sweet missy/tiny/little one has passed away," the singer wrote along with several adorable photos of his late furry friend. The musician continued, "We knew when we adopted her at age 16 with terminal cancer that our time together would be limited, but it's still never easy saying goodbye to a loved one." "She was safe in our arms as she left us peacefully, and for that we are grateful," Dan added. 15 of 27 Fergus Queen Elizabeth. CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images Fergus, one of two new puppies given to Queen Elizabeth while her late husband Prince Philip was in the hospital, has died. "It's all very sad," a royal insider told PEOPLE of the May news of the death of Fergus. Fergus is thought to have been a dorgi (a corgi crossed with a dachshund), and was named after the Queen's late uncle Fergus Bowes-Lyon, who died during World War I in 1915. The other dog is named was Muick after a favorite spot near Balmoral Castle. Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the story that first appeared in The Sun. The newspaper said the Queen, 95, was "devastated" by Fergus's death. 16 of 27 Josie Kerry Washington and her dog Josie. Kerry Washington announced that her Shih Tzu-Yorkshire Terrier mix had "crossed over and transitioned into a world beyond this one" in an Instagram post on May 17. "To say that Josie was a member of our family doesn't even come close," the actress wrote. "She was my fur baby companion girl. She was my partner. She went places with me and experienced things that no one else ever did or ever will. She was a witness to my life and to my journey and me to hers. My heart unfolded when I met her and she will always live in the very fabric of my being." She added: "With enormous love in my heart, I will be donating to @wagsandwalks in her name. We adore you Josephine Baker Washington Asomugha." 17 of 27 Bo On May 8, former first lady Michelle Obama shared that their family dog Bo had died at 12 years old after battling cancer. "As a family, we will miss Bo dearly," she wrote on Instagram. "But we are thankful that he lived such a joyful life full of snuggles, games of fetch, and evenings spent lying on the couch." President Barack Obama wrote in his tribute to Bo, "He was exactly what we needed and more than we ever expected. We will miss him dearly." 18 of 27 Gus Michael J. Fox with his dog Gus. Michael J. Fox/INSTAGRAM Michael J. Fox said his final goodbye to his 12-year-old dog Gus on April 21. "Gus — great dog and loyal friend, we'll miss you," Fox wrote on Instagram, before referencing several pages from his 2020 memoir, No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality. In addition to his Instagram tribute, Fox also posted numerous photos of himself with Gus throughout the years on his Instagram Stories. 19 of 27 Cinnamon Emmy Rossum and her dog Cinnamon. Emmy Rossum/Instagram Emmy Rossum paid tribute to her "best boy" and rescue dog Cinnamon on April 9. "We lost our best friend of nearly 14 years today," Rossum began on Instagram, writing that her pup "was loved" by her family — including husband Sam Esmail, their dogs Sugar and Pepper, and their cat Fiona. "He loved eating, sleeping, and traveling. He loved barking at children and eating discarded pizza crusts off the street," she continued. "He loved being carried and he loved being loved." "I will always be his mother," Rossum added. "He was my best boy." 20 of 27 Fendi Danielle Staub with her dog Fendi. Danielle Staub/instagram Former Real Housewives of New Jersey star Danielle Staub announced the death of her Chihuahua Fendi on April 7. She honored her "sweet little baby girl" by thanking her for "giving me the best 14 years anyone could ask for" on Instagram. "You are my best friend, companion and continuous source of joy!" Staub continued. "I am lost without you but I want you to find your Peace." Calling Fendi an "angel," the reality star added, "I love you more than words. RIP my little one." 21 of 27 K-Ball Taraji P Henson. Taraji P Henson Instagram; Rich Fury/Getty Images Taraji P. Henson is mourning the loss of her French bulldog, who died in late March following complications from surgeries. The actress revealed on Instagram that K-Ball had breathing issues and that "his trachea was the size of a straw," which meant normal activities became "very difficult for him." "He had two surgeries and his Lil body couldn't take it," she wrote. "I gave you the best three years ever. Private jets vacations shopping movie sets photo shoots the best dog food money could buy and ALL OF MY LOVE!!! Jesus this is hard and yes I AM A WRECK!!!" 22 of 27 Ellie "Before Catherine, before my kids, before all the Bachelor stuff, there was Ellie," Bachelor star Sean Lowe wrote on Feb. 24 on Instagram after announcing that he had said goodbye to his dog Ellie. Wife Catherine also shared an Instagram tribute to Ellie, writing, "Thank you for letting me be your dog mommy and being the most patient, obedient, loving friend. You have been so loved Ellie girl and I'll miss you every day. Thank you for opening your heart to us a sliver because we know your heart belongs to your daddy ❤️" 23 of 27 Buddy James Marsden and Buddy. James Marsden/instagram "He was love. He was healing. He was the center of our little universe and our best friend," James Marsden wrote of his late dog Buddy on Instagram on Feb. 16. "Rest In Peace, our sweet Buddy, and we will meet again. ❤️," Marsden added. 24 of 27 Khloe Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kyle Richards revealed on Feb. 16 that her sweet pup Khloe had died. "My dogs are my other children and it hurts so much to think that she is gone," the star wrote on Instagram, alongside a slideshow of photos of small pooch and her family. She added, "Littlest dog with the biggest attitude. I will be forever grateful for the 16 years we had with her 💔" 25 of 27 Valentino Ellen Pompeo honored her 16-year-old toy poodle Valentino with a touching Instagram clip of the two of them hugging on Feb. 5. "Everyone who knows me knows our bond was on another level... what a blessing this bond was," she wrote in the clip's caption. "As heartbroken as I am I will remember the good times💔" 26 of 27 Indy "Although there is a hole in my heart right now, that only time can heal, knowing you're at peace now gives me comfort," Ashley Greene wrote on Instagram of her dog Indy, who died at the age of 8 on Feb. 3. "Heaven gained a very special angel," she continued. "Thank you for being our girl." 27 of 27 Elvis Cameran Eubanks. cameran eubanks/instagram Former Southern Charm star Cameran Eubanks announced on Jan. 24 that her dog Elvis had died. "He was a special little guy who brought joy to so many people," she wrote on Instagram of Elvis, who was buried "under a magnolia tree in the country" by husband Jason Wimberly. "I'm sure it will be the most Beautiful tree," she continued. "The Pastor who married us and Christened Palmer said some beautiful words. He said God gave us animals and we will be with them again. ❤️" Eubanks adopted Elvis in August 2019 after his previous owner — a neighbor of the family — moved the North Carolina.