Reese Witherspoon Mourns Death of Her Dog Hank

Reese Witherspoon is mourning the loss of a precious pooch. 

The Legally Blonde star—who shares kids Ava, 24, Deacon, 20 with ex Ryan Phillippe as well as Tennessee, 11, with ex Jim Toth—shared that her family lost one of its oldest pets. 

“We will miss your sweet spirit, Hank,” Reese wrote in an August 6 Instagram Story. “Thank you for being the best family pet and pack leader.”

In addition to Reese’s note, Ava shared her own thoughts on losing the family’s dog. 

“14 ½ years of pure love & constant tail wagging,” the 24-year-old wrote in her own Instagram post August 6. “The job was ‘family pet’ & he excelled at it. Thanks Hanky for reminding us that every day is the best day ever.”

And Reese’s ex Jim also commented a red heart emoji to Ava’s post, adding, “He took great care of us.”

The Witherspoon family, especially matriarch Reese, is known for their love of pets. After all, Reese often shares photos with their dogs, which includes labrador Major and bulldog Minnie Pearl, in addition to the late Hank.

In 2022, Reese shared a snap of some of the family’s pooches with the caption, proving just how integral they are to her family. 

“Holidays are just better with dogs!” Reese wrote in a post at the time alongside photos of the family’s pups. “Lots of dogs.”

And the Little Fires Everywhere star’s love for animals is certainly being passed on to her kids. After all, Ava rescued her own pup Benji in 2020, and often shows him off on her own Instagram. 

“Everything I give him, whether it be energy, patience, love, etc., Benji gives back to me in his own unique way,” Ava wrote in a heartfelt post commemorating her dog’s rescue day. “I’m so proud of how far we’ve come since day one. I’m delighted to celebrate this crazy smart, handsome, and goofy guy being part of my life today and for years to come.”