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Lindsey Vonn Shares News Of Devastating Family Loss

Hearts are breaking today for Olympic skier, Lindsey Vonn, who just lost a beloved member of her family. Yesterday, she shared the news on Instagram that her sweet Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Lucy, has crossed the rainbow bridge.

Lucy was 9 years old, and as Vonn stated in the beautiful tribute she penned about the pup in the caption, "...From the very first moment until the very last, she brought so much light and love to me and everyone she met. We traveled the world together, skied, hiked, biked, explored, went down waterfalls, up in air balloons, to the Olympics… we went on SO many incredible adventures together, and created so many memories that I am beyond lucky to have shared with her.

Based on these images and Vonn's heartfelt words, it's clear she shared a special, unbreakable bond with this wonderful pup.

She's received an outpouring of support those who knew how much Lucy meant to her.

Nina Dobrev expressed her sadness for Vonn, saying, "I'm SO sorry. Sending you so much love Linds 💔❤️💔❤️💔."

Reese Witherspoon added, "Oh friend... I'm so sorry😢 . Sending you big hugs. ❤️"

And Carla Cordoves chimed in with, "My heart breaks reading this. I'm so so sorry, Lindsey. She was a true companion and best friend, always with you through the highs and the lows. It's a terrible pain and there's nothing one can say that can help, but even so I am wishing you much light through this time and that you find solace knowing you gave her an absolutely amazing life. ❤️"

Vonn ended her tribute with:

"Lucy, you will always be my light. Until we meet again…I love you my princess ❤️"

She also added:

"Thank you to all of the incredible Veterinarians who helped her over the years and especially over the last days. You all did everything possible to save her and I will be forever grateful 🙏🏻"

"My big boy Leo is thankfully still in remission and going strong at 12 years old. It's back to how it all started… just me and Leo. Thankful I still have him 🙏🏻"

Leo is Vonn's mixed-breed dog, who is currently in remission from canine lymphoma.

The loss of a beloved pet is something we never really get over, and when they leave this earth, they also leave a hole in our hearts forever. Maybe the old saying is true that "we don't deserve dogs." But one thing's for sure, those of us who have the privilege of caring for them are eternally grateful for the unconditional love they bring into our lives.

Our hearts go out to Lindsey during this difficult time, and we hope she can find peace in knowing just how happy and loved Lucy felt every single day.

"I Need All The Luck I Can Get": American Ski Legend Lindsey Vonn Shares Heartbreaking News

Lindsey Vonn Shares Heartbreaking Family News

Lindsey Vonn (Photo By Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images)

Lindsey Vonn closed out her remarkable comeback season with a historic second-place finish in a World Cup super-G race. She became the oldest female Alpine ski racer to earn a World Cup podium by nearly six years. But even as she celebrated a triumphant return to competition, Vonn faced devastating personal news.

The 40-year-old skiing icon revealed that her beloved 9-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Lucy, is suffering from kidney failure. Vonn, who has long been inseparable from her dogs, shared that the prognosis is grim.

She immediately returned home to Utah to be with Lucy, putting vacation plans on hold.

Lindsey Vonn with her pet (Photo Via Instagram/ @lindseyvonn)

Vonn had planned to relax on the beaches of the Bahamas after an intense season, but Lucy's diagnosis changed everything. "I've got to go figure it out… I need all the luck I can get," Vonn said, acknowledging the difficult road ahead. Known for traveling the world with her dogs, she previously shared that she only flies private when accompanied by them.

Her deep connection with her pets has been evident throughout her career. Three months ago, during training in Copper Mountain, Colorado, Lucy waited inside a warm lodge while Vonn was out on the slopes. Now, the skier is preparing for her final moments with her loyal companion.

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Meanwhile, her other dog, Leo, has had his battle. Vonn announced in November that he had been diagnosed with cancer, but two months later, she shared the good news that he had completed chemotherapy. "Leo's doing really good," she confirmed. "He's here, and he's happy."

Despite the emotional turmoil, Vonn remains grateful for her extraordinary season. Reflecting on her comeback, she described her podium finish as "a mix of joy, relief, pride, and appreciation." She compared the emotions to her gold-medal-winning performance at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

As she turns her focus to the future, Vonn is already planning equipment testing in Europe, with an eye on the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. But for now, her priority is Lucy. "I love the sport, but my dogs are my family," she said, facing another challenge.

Also Read: Skiing Icon Lindsey Vonn Involved In Scary Crash In Italy

This Boutique Dog Breed Is Less Than 15 Years Old

While many established dog breeds stretch back hundreds and even thousands of years, several of today's popular breeds only emerged within the last few decades. These newer breeds are usually created by intentionally crossing two existing breeds to produce specific traits. Mixed-breed dogs have always been around, but these "designer dog" breeds differ in that the parents are deliberately chosen and bred to produce certain characteristics in their offspring.

The cockapoo, a cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle, is one of the earliest examples of a designer dog breed, originating in the United States during the 1960s. Soon after, the widespread popularity of the Labradoodle, a cross between a Labrador retriever and a poodle, sparked a new age of various "doodle" breeds. Let's explore some of these most recent designer dog breeds from oldest to the newest, along with their origin and why people love them!

15. Goldendoodle (1990s)

Goldendoodles often have their own unique appearance depending on which traits they inherit from their parents.

©Deanna Oliva Kelly/Shutterstock.Com

The Goldendoodle is one of the most recognized designer dog breeds today. A cross between a golden retriever and a standard poodle, the breed is meant to combine the golden's calm and gentle nature with the poodle's low-shedding coat.

Monica Dickens began intentionally breeding Goldendoodles as guide dogs back in the 1960s, but the breed's popularity didn't take off until Amy Lane established a formal Goldendoodle breeding program in the 1990s. Then in 2002, Lane created the mini goldendoodle by crossing a golden retriever with a miniature poodle.

14. Poochon (1990s)

Poochons love their humans and many hate being alone.

©Radovan Zierik/Shutterstock.Com

The poochon is a cross between a bichon frisé and a toy or miniature poodle. It was developed in the 1990s when "doodle" breeds were on the rise, bred with the goal of creating and intelligent and loving companion dog. Originating in Australia, poochons are typically sweet and affectionate dogs who love to play. These cute designer dogs stand 9 to 15 inches tall and weigh 6 to 20 pounds.

13. Malshi (1990s)

Malshis are often "Velcro dogs" and love being with their owners.

©PHATCHARADA DUEANDAO/Shutterstock.Com

The Malshi stands out for its non-American origin, having been developed in Australia during the 1990s. Breeders aimed to create a hypoallergenic lap dog, resulting in a designer breed known for its intelligence, affectionate nature, and big personality.

Standing between 10 and 11 inches and weighing just 6 to 8 pounds, Malshis have beautiful silky coats like their parents. Both parent breeds, the Maltese and the Shih Tzu, have ancient lineages stretching back thousands of years.

12. Chorkie (1990s)

Chorkies are often very vocal.

©Ian McGlasham/Shutterstock.Com

The Chorkie is a pint-sized pup with a very big personality. This designer breed emerged in the 1990s when small companion dogs were all the rage. A cross between a Chihuahua and a Yorkshire terrier, Chorkies developed as a unique alternative to the popular Chihuahua.

Intelligent and easily trained, Chorkies are known for their playful nature and utmost devotion. They usually weigh around 10 pounds and stand between 6 and 9 inches tall. Their small size makes them easily portable, allowing owners to bring them along on outings.

11. Cavachon (Late 1990s)

Many Cavachons don't like being separated from their owners.

©iStock.Com/Wirestock

The Cavachon, a cross between a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a bichon frisé, was developed to create a small, trainable dog with fewer health issues than its purebred parents. It was first intentionally bred in 1996 and quickly gained popularity as a designer dog breed.

Cavachons thrive on companionship, enjoy playtime and training sessions, and love being by their owner's side. Their small size also makes them well-suited for both houses and apartments.

10. Pomchi (1990s / Early 2000s)

The Pomeranian descended from sled dogs in the Arctic while the Chihuahua originated in Mexico.

©Flabygasted/Shutterstock.Com

The Pomchi, a popular designer pup from the 1990s and early 2000s, is a cross between a Pomeranian and a Chihuahua. This combination produces an affectionate, lively dog who is always eager to play.

Pomchis are intelligent and clever dogs who love being with their humans. Despite their small size, they can make excellent watchdogs as they are quick to alert their families with a warning bark. Pomchis are usually 5 to 8 inches tall and weigh only 3 to 7 pounds.

9. Yorkiepoo (1990s / Early 2000s)

Some Yorkipoos are hypoallergenic.

©My Bokeh Life/Shutterstock.Com

The Yorkiepoo (or Yoodle) is a designer breed from the United States. Breeders intentionally cross a Yorkshire terrier with a miniature or toy poodle to create a small, low-shedding companion dog. These designer dogs are known for their intelligence and adaptability, making them great dogs for many types of lifestyles and families.

Yorkiepoos are usually 7 to 15 inches tall and weigh 3 to 15 pounds. They come in a wide range of colors and markings, and their hair can vary from curly or wavy to soft or straight depending on which traits they inherit from their parents.

8. Aussiedoodle (Late 1990s / Early 2000s)

Aussiedoodles are affectionate and friendly dogs with a lot of energy.

©Steve Bruckmann/Shutterstock.Com

Also known as the Aussiepoo, the Aussiedoodle is a cross of an Australian shepherd and a poodle. Depending on the size of the poodle parent, Aussiedoodles range from 30 to 70 pounds and stand 10 to 15 inches tall. This designer breed originated in the United States during the late 1990s and early 2000s alongside many other poodle crossbreeds. Aussiedoodles have curly or wavy coats of various colors.

7. Chiweenie (Late 1990s / Early 2000s)

Chiweenies are often protective and make surprisingly effective alert dogs.

The Chiweenie is another small designer dog that was popularized in the late 1990s and early 2000s. A charming cross between a Chihuahua and a miniature dachshund, this breed was developed to create a small, versatile companion with the affectionate nature of both parent breeds. Breeders also aimed to create a dog that looked like a dachshund but with less of an elongated body, which can cause back problems.

Chiweenies are tiny dogs that typically stand 8 to 10 inches tall and weigh between 5 and 12 pounds. Despite their petite frames, however, they are energetic and playful.

6. Shih-Poo (2000s)

With their poodle traits, shih-poos are often easier to train than purebred shih tzus.

The Shih-poo is a popular designer dog breed from the 2000s. The breed was developed to combine the affectionate companionship of the shih tzu with the poodle's low-shedding coat and ease of training. Shih-poos can have many different coat types, from curly or straight to short or long. They typically stand between 8 and 18 inches tall and weigh 8 to 18 pounds.

Shih-poos thrive on human interaction and don't like being left alone. Shih-poos prefer being with their owners whenever they can, whether cuddling or simply being in the same room together.

5. Morkie (2000s)

While they may weigh less than 10 pounds, the fearless nature of a Morkie more than makes up for its small size.

The Morkie is a delightful companion dog that combines the best traits of the Maltese and Yorkshire terrier into one small and adorable package. Originating in the 2000s, Morkies typically stand 7.5 to 10 inches tall. But despite their tiny size, they are surprisingly robust, blending the Yorkie's tenacity with the Maltese's sweet demeanor.

Both parent breeds have well-established histories dating back to at least the 1800s. Yorkshire terriers originated in Scotland and England and are known for their small size and feisty personalities. Maltese dogs, on the other hand, are an ancient breed by the Greeks, Romans, and Phoenicians for their gentle nature and playful personalities. As a result, Morkies are often playful and affectionate, adapting well to many different environments.

4. Bernedoodle (2003)

Bernedoodles are athletic dogs that need plenty of exercise.

Like many dog owners, Sherry Rupke fell in love with the Bernese mountain dog but was concerned about the breed's health issues and short lifespan. So, in 2003, she began breeding Bernese mountain dogs with poodles, hoping to mitigate some of the breed's genetic weaknesses. The resulting Bernedoodles are energetic and athletic, with improved health compared to Bernese mountain dogs.

However, like other designer dog breeds, each Bernedoodle has its own unique personality and appearance, reflecting various traits they inherit from their parents. Generally, Bernedoodles are known for their minimal shedding, friendly and cheerful personalities, and loyal companionship.

3. Australian Cobberdog (2004)

The term "cobberdog" means "dog-friend", reflecting the breed's purpose as a therapy dog.

The Australian cobberdog has a somewhat complicated history. In the 1980s, Labradoodles (a Labrador retriever and standard poodle cross) gained popularity in the United States due to their playful nature and robust health. Meanwhile, breeders in Australia began developing their own genetic lines of Australian Labradoodles. Although they sometimes incorporated American doodle lines, the major difference between the two was that Australian breeders focused on companionship and assistance dog qualities, aiming to create an ideal therapy dog. As such, they began including breeds like Irish water spaniels, curly-coated retrievers, and cocker spaniels in their breeding programs.

Then Beverly Manner came along, further refining her Australian Labradoodle line by adding Irish soft-coated wheaten terriers. This resulted in a distinct new breed, now known as the Australian cobberdog. The Australian cobberdog is now recognized as a "developing breed" by the Master Dog Breeders and Associates in Australia.

2. Pomsky (2010s)

Pomskies typically weigh between 20 and 30 pounds and stand 10 to 18 inches tall.

The Pomsky, a relatively new designer dog breed, emerged in the 2010s, with the first intentional breeding in 2012. These cute pups are a cross between a Siberian husky and a Pomeranian — a challenging pairing often achieved through artificial insemination.

Pomskies often look like fluffy, miniaturized huskies, and many retain a puppy-like appearance even as adults. Unfortunately, they are also prone to inheriting genetic health issues from their parents, including epilepsy, patellar luxation, heart disease, hip dysplasia, and collapsing trachea.

1. Golden Mountain Doodle (2013)

Golden mountain doodles can have many colors and coat variations.

Sherry Rupke — the same breeder who created the Bernedoodle — is the mastermind behind the golden mountain doodle. After developing the Bernedoodle, Rupke continued to research and refine her dog breeding, aiming to create the ideal alternative to the Bernese mountain dog. In 2013, she introduced the golden mountain doodle. This hybrid breed is a carefully balanced mix: 50% poodle, 25% golden retriever, and 25% Bernese mountain dog.

Golden mountain doodles are prized for their allergy-friendly coats, intelligence, calm demeanor, exceptional loyalty, and friendliness, effectively combining the most desirable traits of the three original parent breeds.

The post This Boutique Dog Breed is Less Than 15 Years Old appeared first on A-Z Animals.

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