But the 38-year-old—who shares 19-month-old daughter Matilda with Tom—emphasized how much she loved Shirley, adding, "It was an excruciating decision for me."
However, she was able to place the pitbull mix in the care of her pet handlers Tony and his wife Angie a few years ago.
"This was for the safety of Shirley herself," the Oh Norman! founder explained. "I didn't want her to end up in a home that didn't understand her because she is so special and I've had her for so long. So, she'd been living the life out on the most beautiful farm with Tony and Angie for years, alongside other dogs that we rescued over the past few years."
She also shared that the 14-year-old dog had passed away following a short battle with a "very aggressive bone cancer that came on very quickly."
"What we had to do was the right thing to do for our family and really for Shirley," the Flight Attendant star noted. "She had an amazing life with us and an amazing last for years with Tony and Angie. I am devastated that she has gone over the rainbow bridge."
But Kaley and Tom, who often rescue dogs, aren't the only dog lovers in their family. In fact, the mom of one previously shared how they passed on their love for pets to their little one.
As someone who "thought I was going to be a forever dog owner" until Matilda came along, she told E! News last October that it's been a "dream" to have her daughter mesh with their family's dogs.
"My kid is so amazing, but being able to raise her around all of our animals in such a healthy way has been so special," she gushed. "It's been incredible."
For more details on Kaley and Tom’s family life, keep reading.
Matilda's First Thanksgiving
Kaley Kuoco shared this pic of herself and Tom Pelphrey with their daughter Matilda, 7 months, as they celebrate their first Thanksgiving as a family of three (and prepare for Christmas).
Welcome to the World
Kaley cuddled her baby girl following her arrival on March 30, 2023.
And Baby Makes Three
"How it’s going!" the Big Bang Theory star wrote on Instagram shortly after Matilda's birth. "Cheers to a year with you @tommypelphrey, eternally grateful for you and what we have. I love you, bub!"
Happy Family
Tom captioned this smiley family photo with a quote from poet Rumi, reading, “Be with those who help your being.”
Must Love Dogs
The more, the merrier! Kaley and Tom were joined by their beloved dogs during this adorable cuddle session with Matilda.
Snuggle Squad
"Tildy and our dogs were instant besties," Kaley wrote on Instagram, "especially her and Opal, who is pretty much Tildy's shadow these days!"
All Smiles
Little Matilda flashed a sweet smile during playtime with mom.
Kisses for Dad
Kaley gave Tom a sweet smooch during a family day out.
Mirror, Mirror
Tildy was dressed to impress on her first Father's Day with dad Tom.
Sweet Smooches
Kaley shared a precious moment with her baby girl during some mother-daughter time.
Look of Love
"Matilda’s mom is the funniest, kindest, bravest and most beautiful badass mom," Tom captioned this photo of the duo, adding that their baby girl "is incredibly fortunate to be surrounded and loved by some of the most amazing, strong, independent women there are."
Like Mother, Like Daughter
Matilda proved she takes after Kaley in this silly selfie.
Daddy's Girl
Kaley captioned this father-daughter snap of Tom and Tildy: "You are so special to me and everyone who knows you… best partner , best son, best friend , best brother, best uncle , best dog daddy , best part time therapist , best part time nutritionist, best part time trainer , best smoothie maker , best coffee barista , best tuna sandwich maker , best laugh, best heart , and you’re best role to date …. Best daddy! We love you!!!"
