Country singer/songwriter Miranda Lambert is mourning the loss of her beloved rescue dog, Thelma, who she adopted on May 1, 2016. On that day, Lambert adopted two Great Pyrenees…Thelma, and Louise, to watch over her farm outside of Nashville.

In a touching Instagram tribute, the Grammy winner said:

Yesterday we had to say goodbye to our sweet Thelma. She spent her days lounging in the barn and her nights keeping watch over all of us. She lived the last 8 years with no fences, just freedom to do what she did best. Love and protect.

Adding, “I loved her with all my heart.”

Thelma’s counterpart, Louise, is now retired from her guardian duties, and she spends her time “getting all the more love and snuggles” from her family.

Miranda, who has been honored with more Academy of Country Music Awards than any artist in history, is well-known for her deep love of animals, and her efforts to to help rescue homeless pets. She acknowledged the sorrow of losing a beloved companion while noting that it is worth the heartache, “It hurts so bad to say goodbye to these sweet companions but their love is always worth it. How lucky are we do get to have friends like Thelma. I am so proud to have been part of her story.”

The House that Built Me artist ended her post with a touching goodbye and a reminder to adopt, “We all miss you Telm Telm Y’all don’t forget , love a shelter pet.”

Rest easy Thelma.

(Images via Instagram screenshot)

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