Carrie Fisher's dog Gary who she adopted to help manage bipolar disorder dies weeks before 13th birthday

Gary remained by Carrie Fisher's side in the hospital after she suffered a heart attack during an 11-hour flight from London to Los Angeles in 2016
UPDATED FEB 3, 2025
Carrie Fisher’s dog, Gary, who she adopted as a service companion for her bipolar disorder, died just weeks before his 13th birthday (Getty Images, @garyfisher/Instagram)
Carrie Fisher’s dog, Gary, who she adopted as a service companion for her bipolar disorder, died just weeks before his 13th birthday (Getty Images, @garyfisher/Instagram)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Carrie Fisher's beloved dog, Gary, has died just weeks before his 13th birthday.

The late actress adopted the French bulldog as a service dog to help manage her bipolar disorder and he remained a cherished companion throughout her life.


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Gary Fisher the Dog (@garyfisher)


 

Carrie Fisher's assistant Corby McCoin cared for Gary after her death

Following Carrie Fisher’s death, Gary was cared for by her assistant, Corby McCoin.

His death was announced on Sunday, February 2, through his Instagram account.

Gary’s Instagram account shared the news of his death. "This is the hardest post I have EVER had to make," read the caption on a photo of Gary.

"Gary crossed over the rainbow bridge to be with his mom Thursday night 💔💔💔 it has been a very hard 2 days without him," the post continued.


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Gary Fisher the Dog (@garyfisher)


 

McCoin, who cared for Gary after Fisher’s death, reflected on their time together.

"The first five years with Carrie and Gary were amazing and when she left us, Gary and I continued on for the next eight years," McCoin wrote, adding "He never left my side and he was truly my best friend."

Carrie Fisher's daughter Billie Lourd shares a tribute video featuring her mother and Gary

Corby McCoin also invited fans to honor Gary’s memory by writing, "His heavenly birthday is in three weeks and he would’ve turned 13. Let’s give him a proper send-off and share all your photos on the day. February 21, 2025 🐶."

Fisher’s daughter, Billie Lourd, paid tribute to Gary by posting a video of her mother and the dog at a sidewalk cafe on Instagram Stories.

Fisher’s daughter, Billie Lourd, paid tribute to Gary by posting a video of her mother and the dog (@/praisethelourd)
Carrie Fisher’s daughter, Billie Lourd, paid tribute to Gary by posting a video of her mother and the dog (@/praisethelourd)

Fisher had originally adopted Gary from Lourd as a service dog. "I live for Gary," Lourd said in a 2016 interview with 'Today.' "He was mine first, and she actually stole him from me because she fell in love with him," she said, as per People.

HOLLYWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 14: Actors Carrie Fisher (L) and Billie Lourd attend the World Premiere of
Carrie Fisher and Billie Lourd attend the Premiere of Walt Disney Pictures and Lucas film's 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' on December 14, 2015, in Hollywood, California (Jason Merritt/Getty Images) 

Gary accompanied Fisher on her travels around the world and attended numerous red carpet-events.

The dog remained by her side in the hospital after she suffered a heart attack during an 11-hour flight from London to Los Angeles in December 2016. Fisher died four days later at the age of 60.

Fans say, 'Gary is now one with The Force'

Gary’s death sparked heartfelt messages from fans, many of whom remembered his bond with Carrie Fisher.

"Gary is now one with The Force," one fan wrote on Instagram referring to 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens.'

Another added, "You just know Carrie is hugging him so hard right now somewhere."

"Carrie was waiting there to greet him. ❤️," another fan shared.

Many also thanked McCoin for caring for Gary over the years. "You were so great to care for Gary all these years! He was such a treasure. I’m sure he and Carrie are hanging out right now!" one person wrote.

"Oh Gary 😭 Please know that so many 'Star Wars' fans held him close to our hearts both before and after Carrie’s passing. Sending so much love❤️❤️❤️," another commented.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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