Bella Hadid shared heartbreaking news with fans on Instagram on Sunday, announcing that her beloved family dog, Dexter, had passed away. The 29-year-old model posted a series of photos and videos honoring her black dachshund, officially named Dextern Le Hoyn.
Alongside the images, she reflected on the deep bond Dexter shared with her family. “Rest in Peace to our 4-legged human son,” Bella wrote, opening an emotional tribute that underscored how much more he was than a pet.
A Poetic Tribute to a Once-in-a-Lifetime Companion
Bella’s message unfolded as a poem written from “auntie” to Dexter, capturing his spirit and presence in their lives.
“A poem from auntie to our Sir Hoyn Dextern the Third,” she began, adding, “Small body, Big and old in soul, Wise like Yoda, A face like a baby, heart of a warrior, eyes that showed you have been on this planet many, many times.”
She reflected on the lessons he brought to the family, writing, “Six years of the sweetest pie in all the land. Who taught us, how to love harder, nap deeper, and take guarding your people very seriously.”
Bella also highlighted Dexter’s special connection with her brother, sharing, “You chose my brother as your son, and he chose you right back as his. two peas in a pod, heart to heart, inseparable in every lifetime.”
Gigi & Yolanda Hadid Honor Dexter’s Memory
Gigi Hadid and her mother, former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Yolanda Hadid, joined in mourning, each offering their own heartfelt messages.
Gigi commented on Bella’s post, writing, “Omg Dex w puppy beans is tooo cute.” Yolanda added, “RIP our beautiful angel.”
Bella noted the depth of the family’s loss. “Your Oma @yolanda.hadid lost her bestie, grandson, chilling buddy, sleepover partner, best friend for life. @anwarhadid lost half of his heart.”
“We all lost a piece of joy from our lives,” she wrote, before closing, “Run free, sweet Dexter. We love you so much.”
Dexter’s Bond With Anwar & the Loss That Changed Everything
Dexter was adopted in 2020 by Bella’s brother, Anwar Hadid, and his then-girlfriend, Dua Lipa. He quickly became a constant presence in Anwar’s life and a source of comfort during a deeply difficult period.
Anwar revealed the loss a day earlier, sharing that his “best friend in the whole world passed away.” He credited Dexter with helping him survive one of the darkest chapters of his life.
“You came into my life when i wanted to end my life every day. And you left me today…. Im more ready than ever to live this beautiful life,” he wrote. “I had hoped it would be with you my little son… but i know you are with me in every single life time.. SEVEN!!! 7️⃣ now i got to fly solo. Ill miss you my angel. DEXTER!!!!! SOUR-PATCH KID.”
Gigi, Yolanda & Mohamed Hadid Share Emotional Tributes
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for God\'s Love We DeliverGigi Hadid later shared a photo of her daughter spending time with Dexter, writing, “Fly high lil Dexter. We loved babysitting you. You were a special, wonderful nephew and cousin (and best son to @anwarhadid). We’ll miss you so much. Rest easy.”
Their father, Mohamed Hadid, also paid tribute. “We have loved this beautiful creature,” he wrote. “He lived in my house with Anwar for two beautiful years. He has the most beautiful face and eyes. We will miss him.”
In her own loving message, Yolanda Hadid reflected on Dexter’s purpose. “Some souls choose fur so they can love and guide us more easily,” she wrote, adding that he came into Anwar’s life “to love, protect, and comfort my son.”
“Run free, sweet angel,” she concluded. “You served your mission on earth and now you will be your daddy’s guardian angel in heaven. Oma loves you Dexter, you will be missed and live in our heart forever.”
For the Hadid family, Dexter was not just a dog. As Bella later wrote, he was “a human in a dog,” whose love and presence will forever be remembered by his family.
Very sorry for your loss. I sympathize with you as we lost our precious little multi poo last summer. Still grieving. These family friends with fur and four legs are the ones who keep us living and smiling.