People Pets

Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick's Dog Dies

By Amy Jamieson

UPDATED 01/10/2012 at 10:10 AM EST • Originally published 01/10/2012 at 07:00 AM EST

Kevin Bacon's photo Heading east today. Gonna miss these walks in

Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick are mourning a beloved pal. Their Lab mix Paulie, whom they adopted from a vet in 1999, died recently, Bacon announced Monday.

"Paulie 1999-2012. Sleep well old friend," the actor wrote on his WhoSay page next to a photo of Paulie.

The senior dog had been dealing with health issues in recent months. In November, Bacon posted a photo on WhoSay of Paulie sporting a bandage on his leg as he laid on the floor.

"My man Paulie home from the hospital," the actor shared.

Sedgwick told PEOPLE in 2009 that the lovable dog was named for a memorable movie character. "At six weeks he reminded me of Rocky [Balboa's] brother[-in-law] Paulie," she said. "It made no sense. It was a spur-of-the-moment thing. He looked like this little tough guy who the second he came into our apartment wreaked havoc."

On Tuesday, the actress thanked her Twitter followers for their support during this difficult time. "I so deeply appreciate the kind words about Paulie," she wrote.

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