Guardian Angel

The touching story behind the actress’ beloved therapy dog, who was by her side to the end.

- 

BEFORE she succumbed on Dec. 27 to the effects of a massive heart attack, Carrie Fisher had waged a brave fight for life after being stricken during a flight from London to Los Angeles four days earlier. Rushed to UCLA Medical Center, the 60-year-old movie icon, best known for her role as Star Wars’ Princess Leia, was kept alive by a ventilator while her mother, screen legend Debbie Reynolds, and daughter, Billie Lourd, kept vigil. But they weren’t the only treasured family members by Carrie’s bedside: her beloved and loyal French bulldog, Gary, was in attendance as well.