Losing a cherished pet is a heartache few truly understand. Jessica Pegula, a fierce competitor on the tennis court, is also a devoted dog mom to Maddie, Tucker, and Dexter. She has watched them grow from playful pups into loyal adults. Her deep bond with her furry family reveals a softer side beneath her athletic drive. Recently, Pegula faced the painful loss of another beloved pet—a blow that resonates beyond the court.
On May 22, Jessica shared the sad news of her Labrador, Tucker’s passing. She posted a loving photo of the brown dog on Instagram and wrote, “Unfortunately on Tuesday we lost Tucker in just under a few hours – out of nowhere. My heart is filled with so much sadness. I didn’t even want to post this but everyone knows how my dogs are a huge part of my life. If someone were to ask me how the pups were doing back home I’d burst into tears. We love you and miss you so much. Not even 2 years since we lost Dex. I hope you’re with your favorite brother in doggie heaven. ” This sad news comes after she lost her first dog, Dexter, back in July 2023.
After winning the 2023 Canadian Open, she dedicated her victory to her late dog, Dex. “This one’s for you Dex, thanks for looking out for me down here ,” she wrote, sharing a heartfelt moment with fans. That bittersweet win made her next big triumph at the 2025 Charleston Open in April even more touching. She brought Maddie, her mini Australian shepherd, on stage for the trophy ceremony. For Pegula, dogs aren’t just pets—they’re family.
Later on X, she added, “I’m so sad and honestly at a loss for words. Having both Dexter and Tucker gone now in such a short amount of time feels wrong in so many ways.” Pegula was clearly very attached to both furry friends. She never fails to show her love for them.
After losing Dex to cancer, Jessica Pegula made a bold move to care for her pups’ health. She partnered with Maev, the fastest-growing pet brand in the U.S., known for its human-grade raw dog food. “Really excited to partner with @meetmaev in all seriousness after Dex passed away from cancer we switched to raw immediately for the other pups,” she shared on Instagram in February. She noticed big changes—better breath, healthier weight—and it wasn’t just a promo deal; it was personal.
Pegula opened up to Sports Illustrated’s Serve On SI about her dog nutrition journey. “Years ago, I even started making my own raw food because I knew it was better for them, but it was time-consuming, and I couldn’t keep up with it. After losing a dog, it became even more clear to me—why would I cut corners on something so important to their overall health and longevity?” She researched and found Maev, a unique, human-grade raw food that stands out in the pet market.
Jessica and her husband, Taylor Gahagen, share their lives with three dogs: Tucker, a chocolate Labrador, Maddie, and of course, the late Dex. Their October 2021 wedding celebrated this love, featuring all three pups in the ceremony. Inspired by her passion for dogs, Pegula also started a nonprofit charity for service dogs, turning her affection into action.
Pegula’s charity organization dedicated to giving service dogs a better life
Jessica Pegula and her husband, Taylor Gahagen, aren’t just dog lovers—they’re dog champions. Together, they have taken their passion a step further by founding ‘A Lending Paw.’ This nonprofit rescues dogs and matches them with new families, turning love for pets into real-life impact.
Their charity has a twofold mission: making service dogs affordable for those who need them and giving rescue dogs a fresh start through training. Jessica summed it up perfectly: “We wanted to help people afford service dogs. Not only is that about dogs helping people, it’s about people helping dogs, because we only work with rescues. It goes both ways.” It’s a beautiful partnership between humans and their four-legged heroes.
Jessica’s dedication even shows up on the court. At the 2023 US Open’s Stars of the Open exhibition, she was accompanied by Ace, a yellow Labrador service dog. Ace, part of the K9s for Warriors program that trains dogs to assist veterans with PTSD, joined her during pre-season. Pegula proudly embraced her role in Ace’s journey, highlighting her deep connection to the cause.
Tennis may be Jessica’s profession, but her heart beats for animal welfare. Her devotion to dogs isn’t just about companionship—it’s a lifelong mission filled with passion and purpose, making her story both inspiring and genuine.
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