Paris Hilton's famous pooch, Tinkerbell, dies

NEW YORK, April 22 (UPI) -- Paris Hilton is arguably one of the most talked-about celebrities in American pop-culture history, and anyone who knows her knows the name of the socialite's favorite accessory -- her famous pooch, Tinkerbell.

To the hotel heiress' dismay, the 14-year-old Chihuahua has died. Hilton, 34, announced her heartbreak Tuesday on Instagram, citing old age as the reason for the pup's passing.

"I am so sad & devastated," she wrote in a post similar to that of any forlorn dog-owner. "I feel like I've lost a member of my family. She has such a special & incredible soul. We went through so much together. I can't believe she's gone."

Through 14 of The Simple Life star's most infamous years as an "It Girl," Tinkerbell was there, albeit in a purse. Paris Hilton bought her from an online breeding company in 2002, TMZ said. Tink was Hilton's first dog.

As of January, Paris owned eight dogs in total, including a $13,999 Pomeranian named Mr. Amazing. Although Tinkerbell is gone, her owner's lap of luxury will most likely never go unfilled.