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Serena Williams' announces loss of her dog, Jackie

By Marilyn Malara
Serena Williams, seen here on the red carpet at Woman of the Year Awards on Nov. 9, is mourning the loss of her pet dog Jackie. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
1 of 3 | Serena Williams, seen here on the red carpet at Woman of the Year Awards on Nov. 9, is mourning the loss of her pet dog Jackie. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo

WASHINGTON, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- Serena Williams' longtime pet dog, Jackie, has died.

The famed tennis player shared several photos of the late canine, full name Jackie Baila Pete Williams, on Instagram following her loss.

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"Today is really hard for me," Williams wrote in the caption of a photo montage posted Tuesday. She explained she adopted the pup when she was 17-years-old, "(2 weeks before I won my very first Grand Slam)."

"She was 16 years young and up until a few days ago was still sprinting," Williams continued. "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."

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.

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A photo posted by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on

Williams shared another photo of the multi-colored dog sitting in her large tennis bag, writing a simple "My angel," in its caption. "We will never forget u," she wrote alongside another post. "Thank you for the kindness and joy you brought us."

My angel

A photo posted by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on

Jackie- Lauralei, Chip, and Mommy miss you so much. We will never forget u. ❤️ thank you for the kindness and joy you brought us.

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A photo posted by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on

The tennis athlete recently made headlines when she shared a dramatic story of her confrontation with an alleged cell phone thief. In a lengthly Facebook post, Williams outlined the series of events that led up to her chasing down the supposed thief and retrieving her phone.

"I jumped up, weaved my way in and out of the cozy restaurant (leaping over a chair or two) and chased him down," she said. "He began to run but I was too fast...I was upon him in a flash!"

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