**Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi Grieve the Loss of Cherished Rescue Dog Augie**
Television veteran Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, are experiencing a period of mourning following the passing of their much-loved rescue dog, Augie. The Beagle-Chihuahua mix, who had become a familiar face for the couple and their fans alike, died on 15 May, marking the end of a 12-year journey filled with affection and companionship.
Augie was adopted by DeGeneres and de Rossi over a decade ago, during a time when both were prominent figures on the American entertainment scene. DeGeneres, renowned for her long-running talk show, and de Rossi, an accomplished actress and businesswoman, provided their canine companion with a stable and affectionate home.
On 16 May, Ellen DeGeneres turned to Instagram to honour Augie’s memory, sharing a series of touching photographs that captured Augie enjoying life around their residence. In her post, she wrote: “We had to say goodbye to Augie yesterday. We rescued him 12 years ago and he was so grateful. He gave us so much love. He will be missed. There will never be another like him.” The heartfelt message resonated with many followers, highlighting the profound bond that often develops between owners and their rescued pets.
The couple’s loss came amidst a period of change and reflection. Following the conclusion of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in May 2022, which capped a significant chapter in the comedian’s career, the pair opted for a quieter life, relocating to the English countryside. Their decision followed a period of public scrutiny and a media backlash surrounding the show’s final season, sparking a move which many saw as a search for tranquility and privacy.
Their new home is situated in the picturesque Cotswolds, an area celebrated for its scenic landscapes and rural charm. The move, which attracted some attention after the couple was spotted at a local pub owned by Jeremy Clarkson, host of ‘Clarkson’s Farm’, marked a stark contrast to their previous life in Los Angeles.
Portia de Rossi, who withdrew from acting prior to their move, has since been focusing on her business endeavours with General Public, an art curation and publishing company. Meanwhile, DeGeneres has maintained periodic communication with fans, often sharing updates on their life in England as well as refuting a recent rumour regarding flooding at their property. In December, reports surfaced claiming the couple’s six-bedroom Cotswolds estate was affected by severe weather, but DeGeneres publicly denied any damage, reassuring fans that their farmhouse remained unscathed.
Demonstrating their enduring partnership, DeGeneres recently commemorated the couple’s twentieth anniversary with a heartfelt tribute on social media, underscoring the strength of their relationship. “Twenty years ago today we began this relationship not realising what a long beautiful adventure this would be. You are the best thing that ever happened in my life,” she wrote, praising de Rossi for her ongoing support and guidance.
According to reports from TMZ, the couple’s relocation to the United Kingdom was influenced in part by the outcome of the 2024 US presidential election, which saw Donald Trump elected once again. While the precise motivations for their move remain private, it is clear that both DeGeneres and de Rossi have embraced a slower pace of life away from the spotlight.
The loss of Augie has no doubt cast a sombre mood over their new chapter. For many, Augie represented more than just a pet; he was a constant companion through some of the most tumultuous years of DeGeneres and de Rossi’s public and personal lives. Messages of condolence have continued to pour in from fans and animal lovers alike, many of whom understand the unique grief that follows the loss of a cherished pet.
Although Augie is gone, the impact he had on DeGeneres and de Rossi endures. Both have used their profile to promote animal adoption and welfare, and Augie’s story serves as a reminder of the deep connection that can be forged through rescue—a legacy of love that continues to resonate beyond the couple’s household.