It was meant to be a celebratory week at the Lachey household. Vanessa Lachey, star of NCIS: Hawai'i, celebrated Thanksgiving with family and then got ready to embark on a tour for her new cookbook, Life From Scratch, which comes out November 30. But first, she took to Instagram to share some heartbreaking news with her fans. Her beloved Yorkiepoo, Wookie, passed away at age 15.
Vanessa told Today that she considered Wookie, who was named after a Star Wars character, to be her first born. "Wookie's our first born. Heās the oldest guy, and honestly a lot of times he's the most high maintenance. He's picky with his food, he's the loudest, he needs the most attention. But, hey, that's what comes with being the oldest."
Vanessa and her husband Nick, who stars on Alter Ego, have three children together, Camden, Brooklyn, and Phoenix. Nick said the pup prepared him for fatherhood. He told Today, "Wookie was definitely a good training groundāa good trial for real parenthood...Heās always been a part of our family, and always traveled with us, and been a part of everything weāve done. So we love the old boy."
Vanessa shared a photo of her sweet pup running, with the caption, "š My Beautiful Wookie. You made me a Mama and us a family. You taught me more than you will ever know. The last 15 years have been the best years of my life, a HUGE part of that is because of you. Everyone Loved you, Mr Wookerson. Now all the doggies in Heaven get to have you. We Love You & will miss you. ā¤ļøš¾"
Fans and fellow celebrities alike commented with their condolences and words of support. Kerry Washington wrote, "Sending you all love and condolences," and Carrie Ann Inaba said, "Iām so sorryā¦. šSo much love to you allā¦ he will be surrounded by so much love in Doggie heavenā¦ ā¤ļø" Tiffani Thiessen commented, "Ahh honey, we are so sorry. Sending you lots of hugs to help your broken heart."
Nick posted his own tribute to Wookie on Instagram. He wrote, "Iām at a loss for words this morningā¦.last night we lost a part of our family. He was a part of every Christmas card, every family photo, every kids birthday, every pool partyā¦..he was a part of EVERYTHING. He welcomed all three kids home from the hospital, welcomed me every morning when I woke up, whether it was in NYC, Cincy, LA, or finally Hawaii. He was a lover of life, people, pine cones, and many a squeaky toy. He was truly a part of our family and he will be missed terribly. That said, he lived a long, blessed, beautiful life and we will always have the many memories of him to take with us forever. Wookie, I love you buddy. None of us will EVER forget you."
Sending all our love to Vanessa, Nick, and their kids!
Katie Bowlby is Digital Director at Country Living, where she covers gift guides, product reviews, crafts, and TV shows like Yellowstone. Sheās currently stitching up a cross-stitch pattern for the magazineās next issue
