The Thanksgiving weekend has turned heartbreaking for Caitlin Clark, as she was forced to confront a loss heavier than anything she has faced on the court. On November 29, 2025, Clark took to her Instagram to reveal that her beloved dog Bella, a companion and a family member who had been by her side for nearly a decade, had passed away.

“We are gonna miss you puppy💛. Gave us so many good memories 💛,” she wrote with a picture of her golden retriever sitting in a bed of autumn leaves. The Fever guard also posted a then-and-now collage, in the same pose with her dog, writing, “Not much changed in 9 years.” And it’s enough to tell anyone that this wasn’t just a pet, this was family.

Bella came into Caitlin Clark’s life when the WNBA star was just a 14-year-old kid in Des Moines, and, since then, she has been a constant presence throughout her journey, staying by her side long before the cameras and packed arenas arrived.

Even during the COVID years, when she was playing for Iowa, and the fans were made of cardboard, Clark used to bring a cardboard cut-out of her dog to the games. Her family, at times, would show up with Bella’s face on cutouts, and over time, she became her “lucky charm.”

Through all the milestones and pressure, Bella was one of the few constants who saw Caitlin Clark away from the hardwood: the wins, the losses, the off-days, and the late-night reflections, and with her no more, fans took to social media to pay their respects.

Fans Send Prayers After Caitlin Clark’s Heartbreaking Loss

As soon as Clark shared the news, fans expressed just how deeply Bella’s passing resonated with them. One fan wrote, “rest in peace bella 💔💔💔”, capturing the raw sadness felt across the community.

For others, the loss struck a more personal chord. A fan shared a heartfelt tribute of their own, writing, “Losing a pup is losing a family member full stop. My heart is heavy today with your loss, Caitlin. May Bella rest easy and forever frolick with my pup Finn, and all the rest of the good boys and girls in the sky. Until we meet them again.”

Earlier this year, Clark honored Bella in one of the most personal ways an athlete can: through her game. On June 14, in a game against the New York Liberty, Caitlin Clark dropped 32 points, made 9 assists, and secured 8 rebounds, to lead the Fever to a 102–88 win. But something was different about this game!

In the game, she was seen wearing a special player-exclusive Nike Kobe 6 Protro colorway she helped design herself, called “The Bellas.” A tribute sneaker inspired by her longtime companion, with an insole that had Bella’s picture. After the win over the Liberty, she even explained the design of the shoe.

“Nike asked me what I wanted to do with some of the Kobe’s that I wear throughout the season. And my dog is really important to me, it’s my childhood dog that I grew up with, so the shoe is basically all golden, and obviously, the tongue of the shoe is pink for a Golden Retriever, or any dog really. And then on the sockliner of my shoe was a picture of my dog,” she said back then during an interview.

Now, losing her dog comes at an already emotional time for Clark; her 2025 WNBA season ended just after 13 games as she dealt with back-to-back injuries. Left quad tightness in preseason, a quad sprain that cost her five games, Groin issues, and a bone bruise in her ankle ruled her out in early September.

One fan reacted with disbelief, posting, “No way CC lost Bella Thanksgiving weekend 😭🙏🏼.” Whereas another wrote, “Heartbroken for Caitlin today and sending her endless love, strength, and support. Losing a dog is losing family, and no one deserves that kind of pain. Hoping the memories bring Caitlin some peace. Rest in peace Bella, you are so loved.🩶🐾.”

Just a few days ago, Clark got her first-ever invitation to USA Basketball senior national team training camp. The camp will take place from December 12th to 14th at Duke University. While it’s a dream come true for every athlete, this will also mark the first time for the Fever player, who has to play without her biggest supporter.

Still, with Bella’s memory guiding her and the WNBA world standing with her, Clark won’t walk through this heartbreak alone. As another fan offered gentle words of comfort, writing, “Losing a small fur buddy is so hard. Peace & love to the smalls.”