Human Interest Animals Celebrity Pets Jenna Dewan Mourns the Death of Her Dog Meeka: 'You Showed Me I Could Become a Mother' The actress wrote that she and the late dog, who died at age 18, “had more eras than" Taylor Swift By Bailey Richards Bailey Richards Bailey Richards is a writer-reporter at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2023 and interned with the brand in 2022. Her work has previously appeared in digital publications like Paper Magazine and TV Insider. People Editorial Guidelines Published on May 29, 2024 03:38PM EDT Jenna Dewan with her late dog, Meeka. Photo: jenna dewan/Instagram Jenna Dewan is mourning her “first baby” — her dog, Meeka. On Wednesday, May 29, the 43-year-old actress shared a goodbye post dedicated to Meeka — who died on May 28 at age 18 — including several photos of herself with the pup throughout the years, as well as snaps of Meeka with her kids, daughter Everly Tatum, 10, and son Callum Kazee, 4. The Rookie star also penned a sweet message to the pup, writing that she and the late canine “had more eras than” together than Taylor Swift. Pregnant Jenna Dewan Says Co-Parenting with Ex Channing Tatum Is 'Always a Journey': 'You Learn as You Go' “Yesterday I had to say one of the hardest goodbyes as my first baby, Meeka, crossed over the rainbow bridge,” Dewan wrote. “I knew this day was coming and yet it still feels completely surreal to be writing this. Meeka- you and I have had more eras than TS." She continued, “18 years (!) of going through literally everything with me by my side.. you showed me I could become a mother, and then was by my side as I became one for the first time with Evie. And you never even liked kids.” “You have been with me to locations all around the world and also sat by my side during a global pandemic quarantine postpartum with Callum,” she continued. “You were the queen diva, quietly ruling the house and I will never be able to express how much I will miss you. You were the biggest gift and I am grateful I can still feel you with me.” Jenna Dewan's dog Meeka with her son Callum at 1 month old. jenna dewan/Instagram Jenna Dewan Talks Being Pregnant with Her Third Baby at 43: 'Just Get It Done' Dewan also shared details about the pup’s final moments, writing that Meeka gave her “the most peaceful crossing over we will never forget.” “Somehow even in your last moments, you knew what I needed,” she wrote. “I love you so much and even though my heart is broken to lose you in the physical, I know you will always be around and watching over all of us and especially ushering in this new soul.” Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Jenna Dewan's daughter Everly with her dog Meeka in matching costumes. jenna dewan/Instagram The actress is currently expecting a child with fiancé Steve Kazee, the couple’s second child and Dewan’s third. She shares Everly with ex Channing Tatum. Dewan and Kazee’s child will join not only Everly and Callum, but also the couple’s latest addition, rescue pup Wylie, whom Kazee gifted the actress in 2021. The Step Up star announced she and Kazee had adopted the pup on Instagram in December 2021, writing, “He is the perfect fur baby birthday gift from @stevekazee and the best holiday gift for our family.” Jenna Dewan's 3 Kids: All About Everly, Callum and Rhiannon News of Wylie’s adoption came several months after the couple said goodbye to a different pup, the couple's previous dog Violet Mae, whom the couple lost suddenly in July 2021. In a post at the time, Kazee thanked Wylie "for helping to heal our broken hearts." Close