Winnie. That’s the name of two of the three dogs the Kelce family has been associated with since 2017. One of them is the K9 officer Jason Kelce and his family co-sponsored in Haverford Township. And the other one? Well, the other Winnie – the Winnie who’d been in the Kelces’ life since May 2017 – was “God’s gift to earth,” their “firstborn child.” So, as they lost the Irish Wolfhound, Travis Kelce was among the first to mourn with them.

In an Instagram post, Kylie Kelce announced that Winnie had sadly passed away on Thursday. She shared a carousel of Winnie – everything from lying in the garden and basking in the sunshine to spending time with the Kelce family. Kylie penned a beautiful note for the departed soul, recalling how it all began. She wrote, “When I was in high school, I had a folder on my desktop labeled ‘God’s gift to earth.’ It was images of Irish Wolfhounds [sic] that I had collected from Google.” 

“I had fallen in love with the breed when I was young and never let my fascination with them fade. It all lead me to Winnie and holy sh*t did she live up to the hype.” But as she passed away, Kylie couldn’t help but feel extremely – and understandably – sad. “She was everything I had hoped for in a wolfie and more. I lost part of my soul today, but I know she is at peace. I love you, Winn. You will always be my first born child,” she concluded.

In mourning with Kylie and Jason, Travis Kelce showered his love and support as his brother and sister-in-law navigated this challenging time. “You [gave] Winn an amazing life, Ky!!” he wrote. Having dated Kayla Nicole for almost five years, Travis’ ex-girlfriend developed a close relationship with Kylie and Jason as well. Showing her support as well, Nicole shared a heartwarming message. “Winnie girl. What a sweet life she lived.”

A picture in the carousel that struck a chord with almost everyone was one from Kylie and Jason Kelce’s wedding day. Winnie, who was the flower girl for the special day, looked intently up at Kylie, who reciprocated Winnie’s love. Another equally heartwarming photo featured Jason Kelce petting Winnie. Seeing how much the Irish Wolfhound meant to the Kelces, many of Jason and Kylie’s NFL colleagues shared their condolences, too.

Eagles cornerback Darius Slay’s wife, Jennifer, wrote, “Aww Kylie, I’m so sorry! 😢 the worst! 💔” Carly Teller, wife of Browns guard Wyatt Teller, expressed, “I’m so sorry, Kylie 💔” Winnie was loved by more than just the Kelce family, and that’s precisely what Annie Elliot, wife of Eagles placekicker Jake Elliot, wrote, “We love you Winnifred❤️‍🩹”

Rest in peace, Winnie! Apart from Winnie, Kylie and Jason Kelce have another dog of the same breed, whom they put on the “naughty list” last Christmas.

Kylie and Jason Kelce’s dogs were partners in crime

Jason Kelce and his wife adopted Baloo just a year after Winnie came into their lives. As part of their tradition, they were trying to take photos for their Christmas card, but Winnie and Baloo made it quite challenging. In a video shared by Minted in December 2023, Kylie mentioned that it was hard to control their dogs, especially Baloo, who she jokingly said was on the “naughty list” for stealing food.

Jason added that Baloo would eat anything he could find, even chocolate, which is unsuitable for dogs. He said, “The vets are like, ‘Hey, don’t give him chocolate.’ We’re not givin’ him chocolate, he’s choosing chocolate.” The couple humorously shared their struggles with getting their dogs to behave for the photoshoot during the Christmas home party.But in the end, the couple had a perfect click as the two dogs finally posed with family, wearing reindeer headbands. With Winnie’s death, these moments will forever be in the hearts of the Kelce family.