Serena Williams reveals her pet dog of 16 years has passed away: 'I miss her so much'

The tennis star said she got the terrier two weeks before winning her first Grand Slam

Serena Williams said she was heartbroken (Getty)

Celebrity cannot insulate the hurt, wealth cannot lessen the pain. When a pet that has been a companion passes, it is a rare sense of loss.

On Tuesday, tennis star Serena Williams opened up about the death of her 16-year-old dog, Jackie.

“Today really is hard for me. My special friend which I got at 17 (2 weeks before I won my very first Grand Slam) left me today,” she wrote on Instagram.

 

Today really is hard for me. My special friend in which I got at 17 (2 weeks before I won my very first Grand Slam) left me today. She was 16 years young and up until a few days ago was still sprinting. Her poor body gave out this morning and she had a way of telling me it was time for me to be brave and let her go. With my dad by my side we were able to say a loving goodbye. She was with me from 1999 until today and I miss her so much. I got out of the shower this afternoon and she was not there to lick my leg as she always did everyday to remind me how much she loved me. I feel so lucky to have such a special friend. Give your dog, cat, pet a big hug. #breakingheart #bff Jackie Baila Pete Williams I will miss you and your memory will live forever.

A photo posted by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on Nov 24, 2015 at 10:52am PST

“She was 16 years young and up until a few days ago was still sprinting. Her poor body gave out this morning and she had a way of telling me it was time for me to be brave and let her go. With my dad by my side we were able to say a loving goodbye.”

Williams said she and her pet, a Jack Russell terrier, had been inseparable since 1999.

“I miss her so much. I got out of the shower this afternoon and she was not there to lick my leg as she always did everyday to remind me how much she loved me,” she said. “I feel so lucky to have such a special friend. Give your dog, cat, pet a big hug.”