Reese Witherspoon Shares A Touching Farewell To 'Family Pet And Pack Leader'

Reese Witherspoon is mourning the loss of her cherished canine companion, Hank.

The actress shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, calling her Labrador Retriever the "best family pet." Known for her love of dogs, Witherspoon once humorously declared that if she were a dog, she would be a 'Yorkie,' contrasting her personality with that of a Rottweiler.

As Reese Witherspoon grieves the loss of her furry family member, it is evident that Hank's absence will be deeply felt.

For over 14 years, Hank was a beloved member of Witherspoon's family, bringing boundless joy and love into their home. Taking to her Instagram story on Tuesday, the mother-of-three shared the sad news that her cherished Labrador had passed away.

In the touching post, Witherspoon posted a poignant photo of Hank sitting in front of a welcome mat outside a black door. "We will miss your sweet spirit, Hank," Witherspoon wrote, capturing the profound sense of loss felt by her family.

"Thank you for being the best family pet and the pack leader," she added, along with a pink heart and a dove emoji, symbolizing her deep affection and gratitude for her loyal companion.

Hank's passing marks the end of an era for the Witherspoon household as they say goodbye to a pet who was not just a dog but a cherished family member.

Witherspoon's love for dogs is no secret, and she added a playful twist by imagining herself as a canine. In a playful Instagram video earlier this year, the 48-year-old took her canine obsession to a whole new level. 

Wondering which breed she would be if she were a pup, Witherspoon embarked on a hilarious self-analysis. She confidently declared, "I think I'm a Yorkie," emphasizing her small stature and big personality.

Witherspoon contrasted this with the fiercer breeds, stating, "Or, you know what I'm not? I'm not a Rottweiler. I'm not a Doberman Pinscher." While she considered the possibility of being a Golden Retriever, the charming Dachshund truly captured her heart. 

In a moment of pure whimsy, Witherspoon even admitted, "I saw one of those golden ones at the mall, and I picked it up, and I almost put it in my purse."

Still on the hunt for her canine lookalike, Witherspoon playfully encouraged followers to send in photos of their furry friends. In the post captioned, "Dog lookalike submissions are open," the TV personality also promised to personally meet any dog that bears a resemblance to her.

She enthusiastically announced, "If somebody out there has a dog that looks like me, I will come meet your dog. Oh I will. But, I've got to agree, send me a picture. I will come meet your dog."

To add an extra layer of fun to the contest, Witherspoon jokingly requested that any winning dog be renamed "Reese Witherspoon."

She even shared an example, posting a photo of herself with her friend Candace Nelson's dog. "This is my friend @candacenelson's dog and I have to say... we kind of look... related," she quipped. 

As Witherspoon embarked on a quest for her canine lookalike, she also set her sights on finding love once more. Earlier this year, The Blast reported that the actress has reportedly dipped her toes back into the dating pool after her split from husband Jim Toth.

Sources close to the producer revealed, "Reese hasn't been out on too many dates, but she's been set up with a few friends of friends." While she is enjoying the process, the actress is reportedly "taking things very slowly."

"In an ideal world, she'd love to meet someone special in 2024 and eventually settle down again," the insider added.

While the end of their marriage undoubtedly marked a challenging chapter, Witherspoon and Toth were able to navigate the divorce process with mutual respect.

The former couple, who announced their separation in March 2023, reached a settlement that prioritized the well-being of their son, Tennessee.

Legal documents revealed that Witherspoon and Toth opted for joint physical and legal custody of the youngster. In a testament to their amicable split, neither party would be paying child support, as they agreed to share expenses equally.

The divorce settlement also addressed the division of their assets. Thanks to a prenuptial agreement, the couple's finances were divided without the need for spousal support.

As Reese Witherspoon navigates the recent loss of her beloved dog Hank, her journey reflects a blend of heartache and hope.