Lin-Manuel Miranda mourns the loss of his beloved dog, Tobillo, sharing heartfelt memories of their 13 years together and the deep bond they shared.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Tony, Grammy, and Pulitzer-winning creator of Hamilton, has shared a deeply emotional tribute to his beloved dog, Tobillo, following her death.

On February 27, Miranda announced the passing of the 13-and-a-half-year-old pup in a heart-wrenching Instagram post. The 45-year-old star wrote that Tobillo “died peacefully in her sleep last night,” with both Miranda and his wife, Vanessa Nadal, by her side.

Tobillo had been an integral part of the Miranda family for over a decade, and Miranda’s tribute reflects the immense bond they shared. According to the post, the family first met Tobillo on Cabarete Beach in the Dominican Republic.

Miranda reminisced about the day they found her as a stray, noting that Tobillo “chose us” when she propped her front legs on Vanessa’s beach chair and nipped at her ankle. This playful and memorable encounter led to her name—”tobillo,” which means “ankle” in Spanish.

Miranda’s heartfelt post shared not only the pain of losing a family member but also the joy Tobillo brought into their lives.

He reflected on how she “knew exactly the heart to melt to make a better life for herself” and how her arrival coincided with a pivotal moment in his career—he was in the process of writing Dear Theodosia for Hamilton when she came into their lives.

“She turned us from a couple into a family,” Miranda shared, highlighting how Tobillo played a key role in shaping their lives together.

One of the unique characteristics of Tobillo, which Miranda fondly remembered, was her quirky behavior. Whenever she climbed onto a couch or bed, Tobillo would perform a strange dance, bucking back and forth like a “weird reindeer” before spinning around and collapsing.

It wasn’t until they returned to the beach a year later that the family realized the dance was a survival mechanism from her days as a stray—digging past the hot sand to settle into the cooler earth below.

In his emotional post, Miranda also described how Tobillo was more than just a companion; she was his “best writing partner.” The dog would accompany Miranda on his walks around the neighborhood, which he often took when he needed inspiration for his lyrics.

Miranda recalled how she was initially suspicious of their children but soon warmed up to them when she realized how much food they would drop and how much they loved to run and play with her.

Miranda’s love for Tobillo was evident in the memories he shared with her over the years, including the video of her performing her signature dance at the beach, digging a hole in the sand before lying down to rest.

The emotional tribute also included various photos from their time together, showing Tobillo enjoying life with the family.

One image showed Vanessa, pregnant at the time, curled up on the couch with Tobillo by her side, while another captured the dog accompanying the family on various adventures, including a walk with their son, Francisco.

The tribute ended with a bittersweet note from Miranda: “Thank you for choosing us, Tobi. Our hearts are broken, but it would be selfish to ask for more than the time you gave us.

Here’s to cool earth, and dropped food, and long, happy walks. I love you, and wherever I go, you are with me.”

In his tribute, Miranda also expressed his gratitude for the compassionate care that Tobillo received in her final days, thanking the Veterinary Emergency Group for their service and allowing him to stay by her side.

He also extended his thanks to friends, family, and fans who had shown support and love for Tobillo over the years.

“Thank you for the fan art and love for her over the years,” Miranda wrote, acknowledging how deeply Tobillo had touched the hearts of many.

For those who may not know, Tobillo had become a beloved member of the Miranda family and a constant presence in Miranda’s life. In a 2014 interview with The New York Times, Miranda revealed that his morning routine with Tobillo was a sacred part of his day.

He explained how the dog would wake him up around 6:30 a.m. by climbing onto his side of the bed.

They would then take long walks in Central Park, with Miranda reflecting on the creative ideas that would later become part of his work.

The passing of Tobillo has left an undeniable hole in Miranda’s heart, and his post serves as a poignant reminder of the special bond between humans and their pets.

It also highlights the ways in which animals, particularly dogs, can become a central part of a family’s life, providing love, comfort, and inspiration along the way.

Tobillo may no longer be physically present, but her memory will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of the Miranda family.

As Lin-Manuel Miranda continues his creative journey, it’s clear that the impact of his loyal companion will remain with him forever, as will the memories of their long, joyful walks and the quirky, loving dog that transformed their family forever.