Serena Williams is pals with plenty of famous athletes and celebrities, but her closest friend of all, perhaps, has been the one with four legs who achieved a different kind of success: Her beloved dog, Jackie.
Sadly, the pampered pooch passed away Tuesday at the age of 16. Serena, 34, posted a heartfelt Instagram tribute to "My special friend"—the one she she got at age 17 ("2 weeks before I won my first Grand Slam") who stayed by her side up until the very end.
Jackie, whose full name was Jackie Baila Pete Williams, "was still sprinting" up until "a few days ago," Serena wrote. But the adorable pup's "poor body gave out this morning," she noted, and Jackie "had a way of telling me it was time for me to be brave and let her go."
So Serena, with father Richard Williams by her side, was "able to say a loving goodbye" to her dear Jackie. "She was with me from 1999 until today and I miss her so much," she wrote. "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 had such a special friend."
The athlete Instagrammed another picture of "My angel" in her tennis bag. She also shared one of Jackie with her dog siblings Lauralei and Chip, writing, "[We] miss you so much. We will never forget u...Thank you for the kindness and joy you brought us."
Clearly Jackie lived a full live filled with lots of love.
On another note, watch the video below to see what happens when you try and steal Serena's phone.