Take Jimmy Fallon, for example, and the love he felt for his family’s “first baby.”

On Tuesday, the Tonight Show host took to Instagram to share the devastating news that his family had lost their beloved golden retriever, Gary, a cherished companion who had been by their side for over 13 years.

In a deeply personal post, Fallon reflected on what Gary meant to their family, opening with a line that perfectly captured the weight of his heartbreak:

“She was the last name we signed on every birthday card.”

From there, Fallon painted a touching portrait of a dog who was so much more than a pet.

“She was our first baby, a therapist, a pillow, a