Ashley Benson, known for her role in the popular TV series “Pretty Little Liars,” has announced the passing of her cherished pet dog, Olive. The Shih Tzu Maltese mix tragically passed away after being a loyal companion for 17 years, and Benson shared her heartfelt tribute on Instagram to commemorate their time together.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Ashley-Benson-dog-060926-88252f69574840b79849795c01ad362d.jpg)
In a poignant post shared on June 8, the 36-year-old actress expressed her deep sorrow over the loss of her beloved dog. Accompanied by a series of photographs capturing their moments together, Benson began her message with, “My sweet baby girl. You have been by my side for 17 years. You were my best friend. My first child. My whole heart.” The emotional tribute highlighted the profound bond she shared with Olive, stating, “Thank you for giving me the best 17 years of my life.”
The images featured in her post showcased Olive in various stages of life, from lounging on the sofa beside Benson to playfully holding a chew toy. One particularly touching photo depicted the dog being cradled over Benson’s shoulder as if she were an infant. In her closing remarks, Benson noted, “Most loyal, loving, kind, fun, and gentle baby I’ve ever met. Mommy will miss you. My heart is in a million pieces.”
Benson’s grief did not go unrecognised, as her former co-stars from “Pretty Little Liars” reached out to offer their condolences in the comments section of her post. Lucy Hale reminisced about meeting Olive, expressing her knowledge of the deep affection Benson had for her pet, saying, “I know how much you loved her & will continue to. Love you, Ash. I know this is tough.” Additionally, Keegan Allen and Tyler Blackburn also offered words of comfort, sending love and hearts in response to the heartbreaking news.
I. Marlene King, the executive producer and showrunner for “Pretty Little Liars,” also shared her sympathies, reassuring Benson that Olive was in a better place. “I know she is chasing butterflies with Romeo and Juliet,” King commented, further empathising with Benson’s sorrow and offering her support.
Benson has previously spoken about her unique bond with Olive, affirming in a 2018 interview that her pets felt almost human to her. She remarked on Olive’s personality, saying, “Olive likes her independence. She is mostly, like, by herself unless she wants to cuddle.” This gentle independence is part of what made Olive such a cherished member of Benson’s family.
During the filming of “Pretty Little Liars,” which spanned seven seasons and recently celebrated its 16th anniversary, Olive frequently accompanied Benson to the set. Benson fondly recalled moments where she would receive updates and photos of Olive while filming. “She’d always be at the soundboard, doing all the little monitor things,” she later shared about Olive’s presence on set, emphasizing the joy her dogs brought her in both her personal and professional life.
Reflecting on the importance of her pets, Benson acknowledged the comfort they provided during stressful times. “Coming home after a long day and being able to be with my dogs is the best thing ever,” she shared. The actress noted that the companionship of her dogs helped alleviate her stress, adding, “You can’t ever be sad when you have a dog, ever. They make you in the best mood possible.”
Benson’s heartfelt tribute to Olive illustrates not only the depth of their connection but also the profound impact pets can have on our lives. As she navigates this painful loss, it is clear that the memory of her beloved dog will remain etched in her heart for years to come. The bond between a pet and their owner is undeniably special, and Benson’s emotional farewell serves as a reminder of the love and companionship that animals provide throughout their lives.