As an animal lover, I understand that pets are important fixtures in people's lives and feel a connection with those furry faces I can recognize on sight. Some pups are known for their famous owners, while others are famous in their own right. From the pup that cheekily said "Yo Quiero Taco Bell" to past presidents and celebrities' furry friends like Socks and Loki, tell me which late pet do you miss most in 2009?

And don't stop voting there — check the rest of my best of 2009 polls!
Source: Getty, Source: Guinness World Records, Source: The Daily Wag, and Source: Karen Tracy of Pazazz Chows
Charmed Life: Mickey Rourke's Special Way to Remember Loki
Although Loki couldn't walk the red carpet since Mickey Rourke's beloved Chihuahua passed away last week, I did spot a familiar face on that necklace.
Seems not only does he keep this pup close to his heart, he wears her face on a charm around his neck. Since he didn't pick up a golden statue last night, I also noticed his necklace at the weekend's Independent Spirit Awards, when he nearly teared up mentioning his "baby."
See Saturday's acceptance speech when you read more
RIP, Loki: Mickey Rourke's Beloved Chihuahua Passes Away
Mickey Rourke touched a lot of hearts when he thanked his dogs – "the ones who are here and the ones who aren't here anymore" – at the Golden Globes, and sadly, Loki now falls into the latter category. I was really hoping he'd bring this 18-year-old pup as his date to the Oscars on Sunday (as he mentioned last month), but his rep confirmed yesterday to E! News that the Chihuahua passed away on Monday night.
Anyone who's lost a pet knows how difficult this is, and even when it's a stranger in the public eye, it's hard not to empathize as well. I'm saddened to share this news with you and gathered the most recent photos of the duo that I could find, leaving lunch with designer Domenico Vacca at NYC's Nello restaurant on Feb. 12 – RIP, little Loki.
Will Loki Be Mickey's Date to the Oscars?
Golden Globe winner Mickey Rourke stopped by The View today to chat about his pups . . . and joked (or not?!) about bringing his 17-and-a-half-year-old Chihuahua, Loki, as his date for the Oscars. I would definitely tune in to see that since I already melted when he thanked his dogs at the last awards show. No wonder he gives them so much credit – he's got quite a few to keep him company. Check it out below.
Lucky Loki, Mickey Rourke's a Sherpa Man
Lookee at Loki as Mickey Rourke and his lil pal got ready to leave LAX yesterday. The actor picked up a Golden Globe on Sunday and, you may recall, also gave a shout out to his dogs in the acceptance speech.
I can't seem to see a leash on this Chihuahua/terrier mix, but it makes a bit more sense here (than with Kelly O.), since Loki's supposed to be in the carrier once entering the airport itself. Check our more pictures of the actor, his pup, and carrier of choice (Sherpa), in the gallery below.