Chrissy Teigen has shared her grief over the loss of her beloved family dog Penny. The loss comes as pet ownership in America reaches record highs, with more than 65 percent of households including a pet as a family member.
The 39-year-old model/social media star revealed the three-legged French bulldog — who passed away at the age of 11 — was born on the day she married husband John Legend and had been there for “every baby, every loss, every joy.” French bulldogs have become increasingly popular in recent years, ranking as the second most popular dog breed in America.
“Our beautiful little tripod queen, penny, passed on peacefully in her sleep today,” she wrote in a post on Instagram. Studies show that pets passing in their sleep is one of the most peaceful ways to go, offering some comfort to grieving families.
“Born the same day John and I got married, 11 years ago, she was there for us for every baby, every loss, every joy. The average lifespan for French bulldogs is typically 10-12 years, making Penny’s life a full and complete one.
“She loved nothing more than being loved, having her nub rubbed and destroying any ball she could get her paw on, even til her last weeks.” Research indicates that maintaining playful behavior until the end is often a sign of a happy and well-cared-for pet.
“Never forget that while every pup is just a few chapters in your long life, for them you are their entire book, their entire lives,” she went on to add. This sentiment resonates with many pet owners, as studies show that dogs form deep emotional bonds with their human families that last their entire lifetime.
“Oh penny. We were so beyond lucky to have you. Say hi to Puddy and Pippa for us. You are all together again.” The reference to previous pets highlights the multiple losses many families experience over time.
“I loved this girl. We will miss you, Penny,” Legend commented on the post. Experts say that sharing grief publicly can help both the bereaved and others going through similar experiences.
The tragedy comes just weeks after the family was forced to evacuate their home in Beverly Hills due to the wildfires which raged across southern California. The 2024 California wildfire season has already affected thousands of residents and their pets.
The couple — who are parents to Luna, 8, Miles, 6, Esti, 2, and 19-month-old Wren — fled their mansion and decamped to a hotel along with all their pets, including their bearded dragon Sebastian. Emergency preparedness experts emphasize the importance of including pets in evacuation plans.
“[Four] dogs, 4 kids and a bearded dragon walk into a hotel,” Chrissy updated fans on Instagram to tell them they were safe. The increasing popularity of exotic pets like bearded dragons has led to more inclusive pet evacuation guidelines.
“Don’t worry, Sebastian made it. We would never forget Sebastian, how dare you guys? He is with us,” Chrissy later added in a video. Reptile experts note that bearded dragons can form strong bonds with their human families, similar to traditional pets.
The family’s home survived the fire and they were able to return in time for Esti’s birthday. Statistics show that proper evacuation procedures significantly increase the chances of both human and pet survival during natural disasters.
The loss of Penny highlights the deep impact pets have on family life, with research showing that the grief experienced after losing a pet can be as intense as losing a human family member. The American Veterinary Medical Association recognizes pet loss as a significant life event that can require professional support and counseling.
