Kelsea Ballerini is facing something every dog mom dreads.
The “Love Me Like You Mean It” singer asked fans for their well-wishes after sharing that her beloved dog Dibs, who was diagnosed with cancer in August 2024, would be undergoing an unexpected medical procedure.
“Baby boy has a surprise surgery today,” the 32-year-old wrote in a post on her Instagram Stories Sept. 24. “We would appreciate all of the big love and prayers and healing energy you can send his way. It’s gotten him this far.”
Last year, Kelsea—whose three-year romance with Outer Banks star Chase Stokes recently ended—shared the devastating news of the goldendoodle’s diagnosis.
“We have discovered that Dibby has inoperable cancer in his heart,” she said in an Instagram Stories post at the time. “He’s not in pain, and luckily it hasn’t spread further. We’re going to start him on the ‘big’ meds to try to make sure he can have as many comfortable and happy days (weeks, months) left as possible.”
But while the Voice star had an optimistic outlook, she admitted that Dibs’ health made for a “complex and emotional time.”
“He’s been my baby and my steady for the last 9 years and very much alongside this whole journey with us all,” she continued. “I know so many of you care about him and are sending him prayers and love, and from my whole heart… thank you.”
Amid his cancer journey, Kelsea and Dibs have continued to make sweet memories together. In June, she shared a photo of her four-legged companion wearing a multi-colored party hat and “Birthday Boy” bib as they celebrated a special milestone.
“Happy 10th birthday my sweet Dibby Doo,” she wrote on Instagram Stories alongside the sweet snap. “You’re my best friend forever and I’m so grateful we get to celebrate double digits of life together. You’re kicking cancer’s ass.”
To see more adorable celebrity pets, keep scrolling…
Sydney Sweeney
The Euphoria actress introduced her pup Sully in April 2025, writing on Instagram, “He’s become my set best friend, my bowling partner, my nap buddy, mutual water enthusiast, and travel companion.”
Brie Larson
Brie, who was already a dog mom to pooch Six-Thirty, welcomed her newest addition on Instagram in October 2024, writing, “Proud to announce there’s a new *star* in my life.”
Kevin Costner
The Yellowstone star introduced his new dog to the world in February 2024, writing on Instagram, “I’m already in love with this special guy.”
Sarah Jessica Parker
The Sex and the City alum adopted the same kitten Carrie Bradshaw takes in during the second season of And Just Like That.
Jimmy Fallon
Party crasher! The late night talk show host’s dog Gary joined him as he perfomed a remote opening monologue during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Taylor Swift
T.Swift is arguably our favorite cat lady, especially when she posts pics with her cat Meredith. She took her love for cats to another level by starring in the movie Cats.
Kaley Cuoco
The Big Bang Theory actress has many four-legged friends keeping her busy at home.
Ariana Grande
“Guess what everyone it’s time for me to post THIS photo again. happy birthday to the light of my life. my gooooszeeessskeh. i love u i love u i love u,” the “Dangerous Woman” singer wrote in honor of her dog.
Jennifer Aniston
Dogs will always be there for you! The Friends star loves cuddling up to her dog Clyde.
Jeffree Star
The makeup mogul is a proud parent to multiple Pomeranians.
Emma Chamberlain
The YouTuber’s cat Frankie sure knows how to photo bomb! Frankie and sibling Declan also have their own Instagram account with nearly 200K followers.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
“Our pre-workout ritual. We throw on ‘Rocky Mountain Way’ from Joe Walsh and get to rough housin’. He’s definitely ‘on one’ and feelin’ himself today cause he killed a lizard,” the actor wrote on Instagram. “He also knows when I lay down its a trap! Smart boy. Let’s get to work.”
Zendaya
The Euphoria star gushed about her four-legged friend, “Missing my son…I get to see him in like 3 days #NoonyinNY.”
Liam Hemsworth
“Nothing beats riding your horse on the beach,” the Hunger Games alum joked.
Ice T & Coco
This family loves their bulldogs! King Maximus and Princess Alexus have their own Instagram page, too!
Russell Wilson
The Seatttle Seahawks quarterback brought this adorable pooch home to Ciara. “New Pup Alert!!! Welcome to the Wilson Family!” he captioned the precious pic.
