Jenna Ushkowitz (left) shared a black and white photo with her dog Bear (right).Photo:Michael Tullberg/Getty; Jenna Ushkowitz/ Instagram
Michael Tullberg/Getty; Jenna Ushkowitz/ Instagram
GleeactressJenna Ushkowitzhas updated fans with some heartbreaking news — her beloved French bulldog Bear has died at the age of 9.
The podcaster, who hosts the iHeartRadioGleerecap podcastAnd That’s What You REALLY Missedalongside her best friend and formerGleeco-starKevin McHale, recalled the “pivotal moments” her adorable canine had shared with her. That list includes several cross-country moves and being in her wedding party when shemarried David Stanley in July 2021.
“You were there for so many pivotal moments from moving to NYC, moving back to LA to meet David, being in our wedding and being the only one to get ready with me, and getting roars of cheers walking down the aisle,” she recalled in the tribute to her treasured canine.
Ushkowitz, who shares daughterEmma, 15 monthswith Stanley, noted that her child’s “favorite word” is “Beah Beah.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.“You got me here and you’re leaving me in great hands,” she added, referring to her new family.
While Ushkowitz has yet to disclose what caused Bear’s death aside from suggesting that it was age-related, she hoped he was no longer in pain. “You have fought through so many health issues and I hope you’re free now, resting easy and pain free now, my sweet boy. I hope I gave you peace,” she wrote. “You will always, always, always be with me.”
She signed off her message, “We love you more than anything, Bear Bear. ❤️🪽 1/16/14-9/21/23.”
Ushkowitz and then-fiancé David Stanley included Bear in their engagement announcement in Aug. 2020.Jenna Ushkowitz Instagram
Bear was regularly featured on Ushkowitz’s social media over the years, even receiving his own special shoutout onNational Dog Dayon Aug. 26. Recently, he has been dealing with several health issues, which Ushkowitz had been keeping her fans up to date about.
A week before his death, Ushkowitz shared a photo of her holding Bear around his chest and giving him a kiss. “Mr 🐻 isn’t feeling well. Please send your healing energy his way ✨ ❤️,” she said.
After Ushkowitz wrote the post dedicated to Bear, she shared several more heartbreaking photos on herInstagram Story. These included photos of Bear enjoying a beach walk with emojis of angel wings attached to his back, and another of his paw nestled in Ushkowitz’s hand along with the caption “Forever ❤️ bonded.”
source: people.com
