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Kelsea Ballerini asked for “all of the big love and prayers and healing energy” as her dog, Dibs, who has been battling cancer for more than a year, undergoes “a surprise surgery.”
Ballerini, 32, shared a photo of Dibs on her Instagram story on Wednesday morning (September 24). She wrote: “baby boy has a surprise surgery today. We would appreciate all of the big love and prayers and healing energy you can send his way. It’s gotten him this far. ❤️”
Ballerini first opened up about Dibs’ cancer battle in August 2024, as she was getting ready to release her highly-anticipated fifth studio album, Patterns. She said at that time that her dog was “not in pain, and luckily it hasn’t spread further. …It’s a complex and emotional time. He’s been my baby and my steady for the last 9 years and very much alongside this whole journey with us all. I know so many of you care about him and are sending him prayers and love, and from my whole heart… thank you. He’s wagging his tail right now no doubt saying thank you, too.” In December 2024, she responded to an Instagram user who asked about Dibs, explains that he’d “had another round of chemo today and is hanging tough. Truthfully, his original prognosis was 4 months. That was 4 months ago, but he’s still steady and happy, so every day is a gift and I’m a little extra grateful we get the holidays together this year. 🤍”
In August, Ballerini shared a sweet glimpse of her dog running alongside her on the beach and said, “almost forgot this is the whole point 🥹. happy one year of fighting cancer, best friend. ❤️” Hundreds of TikTokers responded with heartfelt comments supporting Dibs. Ballerini wrote in a tribute when she celebrated Dibs’ 10th birthday in June that he’s “my best friend forever and I’m so grateful we get to celebrate double digits of life together. You’re kicking cancer’s a** 🤍😭 …the biggest thank you to everyone who has been keeping Dibby in your prayers and sending him sell wishes. He loves you and we’re so grateful. 🤍”