Ree Drummond, aka The Pioneer Woman, is grieving the death of one of her family’s oldest companions…her basset hound Walter.
Drummond shared the news on social media Wednesday night along with a series of photos of Walter. “Goodbye, sweet wonderful Walter. I’m going to bed early so I can turn off these tears and instead dream sweet memories of you, the most loving loyal pure-hearted doggie our family has ever known,” Ree wrote. “Go find your brother Charlie and have some fun, ol’ boy.”
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Ree and her family are proud owners of a number of pets that they keep at their sprawling Oklahoma ranch, but the blogger-turned-tv-star most often wrote about her beloved basset hounds, Walter and Charlie. According to Ree’s Pioneer Woman website, Walter was the family’s oldest pup at 12-years-old. His brother, Charlie, died in 2017 after being diagnosed with lymphoma.
A 2011 post by Drummond documented the arrival of Walter to their ranch. At the time, Ree shared that Walter was “skittish” and leery of his new human companions. But, he eventually warmed up to the Drummond crew, becoming a ranch staple and a welcoming party for those who visited the Lodge, the home where Ree films her Food Network show and fans are encouraged to visit.
Three years ago, the mom of four gave fans a look a day in the life of Walter and shared why she has such a soft spot for the pooch.
“Walter is the last remaining dog that reminds us of a time when the kids were little, and we make sure to show him how much we cherish him,” Ree explains. “He loves nothing more than being home, being loved on, and smelling like stale Fritos.”
Charlie and Walter inspired some of the items in Drummond’s line of home goods. The Charlie and Walter salt & pepper shakers and other basset hound-inspired products like throw pillows and blankets are fan favorites, a testament to just how loved these bassets were.
It’s clear that Walter was a dear member of the Drummond family and will be missed by fans and friends everywhere. Rest in peace, sweet Walter.