Martina Navratilova is renowned for tennis career but she also possesses a deep love for animals, especially dogs. She has been a vocal animal rights advocate since 1995, which is when she joined hands with PETA, campaigning against cruel practices like live animal exports and inhumane university experiments. And just like any animal lover, she also shares a deep connection with her own pets. She once shared, “I’ll do some running with the dogs, ride a bike; if I go to gym it’s usually for cardio.” Navratilova consistently uses her platform to champion animal welfare, and it’s clear she won’t stop anytime soon!

On June 25, an X user shared a heartbreaking video. The clip showed a dog being abandoned by his owner in public. The dog waited outside a black Lexus in the middle of traffic, standing on his hind legs, trying to get his owner’s attention. The owner in the car ignored him and proceeded to drive away. The user later updated the dog’s situation writing, “Thankfully, Chico was rescued and found a forever home. You can drive a Lexus, but if you lack compassion, that’s no real status.❤️ for Chico. #AdoptDontShop.”

Martina Navratilova did not let this pass. She quoted the original video with the words, “Find this a******, please!!!!” Her frustration mirrored viewers’ feelings. But she then found solace in the dog’s happy ending. She added in a subsequent post, “Well, Chico is better off obviously, in his new home!!!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼” It really must sting to see someone abandon a furry pal. Navratilova knows the pain well—she once nearly lost her own.

Back in 1986, her Shiba Inu, Yonni, disappeared from her pack of four. She plastered the neighborhood with flyers, offering a generous reward for his return. The frantic tennis champ eventually reunited with her wandering pup.

Navratilova has never hidden her love for animals. Her wife, Julia Lemigova, shares the same passion. The couple’s dog, Lulu, is already a beloved family member and they aren’t stopping there. Not long ago, Lemigova posted a sweet farm-life moment. She was seen petting a baby goat with pure affection. She captioned the video, “Unconditional love🌈♥️.”

Martina Navratilova’s dedication to animal welfare is both long-standing and personal. Her advocacy with PETA dates back to 1995, making 3 decades of commitment. She speaks out against cruel animal experiments and live animal exports and she also makes tangible contributions! In 1998, she donated her winnings from ‘Celebrity Jeopardy’ to PETA. And in 2001 she also contributed $1,000 to fund an anti-fur ad in Women’s Wear Daily.

Her personal philosophy on animal rights shapes her lifestyle. She once stated, “I haven’t bought any leather articles for a very long time. My ideal is to be able to avoid all animal products, in food as well as clothing.”  So imagine how heartbroken she must have been to see a dog being abandoned. Especially, when her own receives such royal treatment!

Martina Navratilova shares just how pampered her pup is

After her 2022 Wimbledon commentary, Navratilova and Lemigova craved a break. They packed up and headed to France for a getaway. Their dog, Lulu, tagged along—and honestly, she looked like she was having the best vacation of all.

Social media buzzed as vacation photos spread. Navratilova posted a picture of herself holding Lulu at the beach, captioning it, “I think Lulu enjoyed our dinner:).” Fans adored it. One user pointed out how content Lulu seemed. Navratilova replied with, “Of course she is:), gets carried when she doesn’t want to walk, goes everywhere, gets plenty of food and sleep. I mean!!!!” She even snapped a shot of the beach view—couldn’t resist sharing the scene.

Earlier this year at Indian Wells Open, Navratilova was spotted with British ATP No. 1 Jack Draper. What a feel-good story! With Navratilova constantly speaking up for those who can’t, you just know she’s got more up her sleeve. She shared a heartwarming Instagram snap with Draper, the semifinalist, who bonded with her Miniature Dachshund, Lulu. The image showed Draper holding Lulu, prompting Navratilova to caption it: “Lulu has a new fan !!”

Now, with Martina Navratilova speaking up for those who can’t, you just know she’s got more up her sleeve. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!