“Today really is hard for me,” the tennis pro wrote in a touching Instagram post alongside a collage of photos with her dog. “My special friend … 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 continued, “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.”
She posted multiple photos paying tribute to Jackie, including a shot of the pooch in her tennis bag captioned, “My angel,” and another one with a special message from Williams and her other two dogs to Jackie. “Lauralei, Chip, and Mommy miss you so much. We will never forget u. thank you for the kindness and joy you brought us.”
