Chase Stokes is showing love for girlfriend Kelsea Ballerini’s dog, Dibs, amid the pup’s battle with cancer.
Stokes, 32, took to his Instagram Stories on Sunday, August 3, to share a photo of the sand-colored doodle looking up at the camera with his big brown eyes. Ballerini’s hands could be seen scratching Dibs’ back. Stokes simply added a red heart over the pic.
The photo comes just under one year after Ballerini, 31, announced that Dibs has “inoperable cancer in his heart.”
“He’s not in pain, and luckily it hasn’t spread further,” she wrote via her Instagram Stories in August 2024. “We’re going to start him on the ‘big’ meds to try to make sure he can have as many comfortable and happy days (weeks, months
) left as possible.”
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Ballerini praised her mom and Stokes, whom she began dating in January 2023, for their support during this “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,” she continued. “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.”
Stokes reposted the message on his own Stories, along with an added note.
“It’s been a rough few days here. But our man is in good spirits and eating all his favorite foods,” he wrote at the time. “For those who have embraced him here online or friends who call him family- thank you. Thank you for your love, thank you for your positive words.”
The Outer Banks star concluded, “Day by day, we’ve got a road ahead, but we’re going to make it the most enjoyable, loving days for him.”
Ballerini has kept fans updated on Dibs’ journey since then. In December 2024, she shared positive news, revealing that her dog’s prognosis had changed.
“Sweet boy had another round of chemo today,” she wrote via Instagram Stories. “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.”
Later, in March, Ballerini asked for “healing thoughts” as Dibs completed another round of chemo, calling him “the strongest boy.”
“I get to see him in two weeks and until then spend every day sending healing thoughts his way. I appreciate y’all checking in on him and giving him love more than you know. 
” she wrote via Instagram Stories.
Kelsea Ballerini Gushes Over Boyfriend Chase Stokes
Ballerini celebrated a milestone with her pup in June.
“Happy 10th birthday my sweet dibby doo,” the “Miss Me More” singer wrote via her Instagram Stories. “You’re my best friend forever and I’m so grateful we get to celebrate double digits of life together. You’re kicking cancer’s ass.”
Sharing a few photos and videos of her sweet pup, Ballerini continued, “The biggest thank you to everyone who has been keeping dibby in their prayers and sending him well wishes. He loves you and we’re so grateful. Okay done with the birthday spam. Gonna go snug him now.”
