11 Big Names In Fitness & Their Awesome Four Legged Friends

Remember that time you spilled protein powder on the counter and proceeded to lick it off because there was gains in that? Who was there watching, neither judging nor asking questions? Who comforted you while you sobbed into a half-gallon of Chunky Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough while watching The Notebook on repeat, for 2 weeks?

The four-legged companion who can take a good whiff of your gym shoes and not faint. That's who. The same little guy or gal that genuinely greets you at the door when you get back from the gym, and acts like you've been gone for 2 years...everytime. That furry being is a love-giving machine that asks for nothing in return apart from some treats and a good walk around the neighborhood once in a while.

Even the pros understand and cherish the value of having that special K9 relationship, and what's better than seeing some of the biggest and most fit bodybuilders show their dogs some love? With that being said, here are some of the hardest working individuals in the fitness industry and their K9 companions, who work just as hard to keep their BFF happy:

Phil Heath, Belice, and Darby

Instagram: @philheath
Facebook: Phil Heath
Twitter: @philheath

Darby and Belice are a pair of Boxer-breed dogs that belong to the one and only Phil Heath. After his win at Olympia this year and launching Gifted Nutrition, Phil is away on the road a lot. So on more than a couple of occasions Phil has posted about how much he misses them while he's away, and vice versa, which is easy to understand since these dogs are incredibly sweet...and sometimes health-conscious!

Dana Linn Bailey and Kaia

Instagram: @danalinnbailey
Facebook: Dana Linn Bailey
Twitter: @daydayKnucks

It's been a couple of busy years for Dana Linn Bailey, but not enough to keep her from hanging out with her very cute Boxer, Kaia. No one has a stronger #selfie game than these two, so if you want to keep up with their antics make sure to scope out Dana on social, as well as @flagnorfailpups

Mike Rashid and Pretty Boy Floyd

Instagram: @mikerashid
Facebook: Mike Rashid
Twitter: @mikerashid7

Meet Pretty Boy Floyd, Mike Rashid's American Bulldog. If you follow Mike anywhere on social, you've definitely come across Floyd at least once. Even with the busy schedule he keeps between runnning his supplement line ImSoAlpha, and writing workout program ebooks, Mike shows his spotted-eyed buddy so much love on social that he even has his own Instagram!

Jen Selter and Brody

Instagram: @jenselter
Facebook: Jen Selter
Twitter: @jenselter

It’s hard to make a picture of Jen even better. Really, the only way to make it better is to add Brody in the mix. In case you don’t know Brody, he's the small Maltese pup that a lot of guys wish they could be. Make sure to check out his Instagram for even more of he and Jen’s adventures!

Jay Cutler and Rondo

Instagram: @mrojaycutlerofficial
Facebook: Jay Cutler
Twitter: @mrojaycutler

Even The King, who stays busy over at BPI and Cutler Nutrition, has a soft spot for puppies! Rondo, or "King Rondo" as he is referred to sometimes, is Jay Cutler's Affenpinscher that's small in stature, but huge in energy. Check out Rondo and Jay out having a heart-to-heart at the gym. Can you say best training partner ever?

Chady Dunmore and Ricco

Instagram: @chadyd
Facebook: Chady Dunmore
Twitter: @chadydunmore

Ricco, a 14-year-old Teacup Yorkie, is the lil' guy that belongs to Chady Dunmore. When she's not putting in work for FitMiss or MusclePharm, you can catch her snuggled up in bed with Ricco, who just finished recovering from a leg injury (sweet cast btw!)

Rich Piana, China, and Ice

"Dogs are the most wonderful creatures. I have to say that I think I have more love for dogs than I do people. I know that sounds crazy..."

Instagram: @1dayumay
Facebook: Rich Piana
Twitter: @bigrichpiana

Controversies aside, it's undeniable that Rich Piana has a huge love for dogs. When he's not in the gym crushing some weight, you can catch him on the court balling it up with his Pitbulls China and Ice. According to Rich though, he tends to play more b-ball with China since Ice constantly pops the ball.

Katherine Schwarzenegger and Maverick

Instagram: @katherineschwarzenegger
Facebook: Katherine Schwarzenegger
Twitter: @kschwarzenegger

When you don the most recognizable last name in the sport, even if you aren't a bodybuilder...you're still a bodybuilder. Although Katherine Schwarzenegger is an author and avid blogger, she always manages to find time to hang out with Maverick, a mixed-breed pup she adopted earlier this year that's too cute to handle.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Louie

Instagram: @therock
Facebook: Dwayne Johnson
Twitter: @TheRock

What can be said about The Rock that hasn't been said before? The man is an absolute legend that is loved and respected by many, including his French Bulldog Louie. In case you've ever wondered what it's like living with one of the best motivators in the world, just ask Louie:

Jenna Renee Webb and Nacho

Instagram: @jennareneefit
Facebook: Jenna Renee Webb
Twitter: @jennareneefit

Muscletech athlete Jenna Renee Webb and her soon-to-be husband Travis Browne (UFC Heavyweight Contender!) definitely lead some busy lives. Equally as awesome as these two is their French Bulldog Nacho, who has his own Instagram so the two can keep up with his shenanigans while they're away.

Rob Riches and Lola

Instagram: @robrichesfitness
Facebook: Rob Riches
Twitter: @robriches

Fitness competitor and owner of True Performance Nutrition Rob Riches recently became a proud dog dad with Lola, his rescue Boxer. From what Rob says, she's a bundle of pure muscle and excitement (much like himself!), so if you want to see more pictures of this adorable pup make sure to keep up with Rob through his social feeds.

Bonus!

As an added bonus, here's a video of Dana Linn Bailey being viciously attacked by Pretty Boy Floyd:

Now go home and love on (insert your dog's name here), they definitely deserve it. And if you don't have a pup waiting for you at home, now's a good time to consider visiting your local pet shelter and adopting a pup to call your own!