Life With Dogs: Reese Witherspoon Loses Her Beloved French Bulldog To Cancer

Actress Reese Witherspoon is a loyal dog mom to several furry friends, each with their own quirky personalities. Even after short periods of time, Witherspoon and her family closely bond to their dogs, so saying goodbye is heartbreaking.

Pepper the French Bulldog had an aggressive cancer in her later months. For a little while, Witherspoon thought the pup was getting better, but it quickly took a turn for the worst. Before she could process what was happening, Witherspoon had to say goodbye to sweet little Pepper.

French Bulldog Pepper — Image: @reesewitherspoon/Instagram

A Good Life

Pepper first joined the family in 2016. Throughout her life, she had two other dog siblings that are still alive today: Hank the Lab and Lou the English Bulldog. The family recalled that Pepper loved playing in the yard with Hank. She always got the “zoomies” when she was excited, and she would make silly pigeon-like sounds.

Witherspoon and her oldest child, Ava Phillippe, were heartbroken when Pepper passed away. They had both shared a close bond with the spirited pup. So, they each turned to their own Instagram pages to give her a proper goodbye.

Reese Witherspoon's Dogs — Image: @reesewitherspoon/Instagram

Phillippe was especially close to the French Bulldog because the little dog helped her through her high school years. Then, every time she came home from college, she had a beautiful reunion with the pup.

“I’ll always treasure the times when I’d come home from college and she would meet me at the door, jumping for joy, and I’d pick her up so she could lick my face,” wrote Phillippe. “She really knew how to make me feel special!”

Reese Witherspoon and Pepper — Image: @reesewitherspoon/Instagram

Rest in Peace, Pepper

Losing a dog is never easy, no matter how many times you go through it. Witherspoon and Phillippe shared emotional tributes to the dog amid their heartbreak. Hopefully, Pepper knows how much of an impact she had on her humans.

“Our sweet Pepper passed away yesterday. My goodness, she was such a loyal and devoted family member,” wrote Witherspoon. “I am so heartbroken, but I am also deeply grateful for all the love and comfort she brought our family. Now she’s in dog heaven where all great pets go.”

Reese Witherspoon and French Bulldog selfie — Image: @reesewitherspoon/Instagram

Phillippe added to that, saying how perfect Pepper was. When Pepper was alive, Phillippe would constantly remind the dog of how special she was. She also said that Pepper was a sweet, sassy dog who loved to cuddle.

Clearly, Pepper was a very well-loved pup. Her passing might’ve come sooner than everyone had hoped, but at least she spent her final moments surrounded by loved ones. Saying goodbye is tough, but Witherspoon made sure to do the right thing for Pepper’s sake. Rest in peace, Pepper. You truly were a great dog.