
On Friday our much loved Polish Lowland Sheep dog Juke, quietly passed away. I am as upset as if I lost a close relative. He was a wonderful watch dog and a very important part of our family.
I want to share Emma’s tribute to Juke from her Instagram account @Dorismakesmyday
Emma…
“I dont know how I can sum up 14 years in a couple of paragraphs, but here goes.
I remember the first day you came home, sitting by my mothers legs, not even reaching her knee. I remember all the hours we spent, you sitting on the picnic table while I brushed your coat, remarkably calm only for those few moments.
I remember your hatred for the vet, and how he put a name to that face you were famous for, the ‘fuck off face.’ His amazement at how much sedative it took to finally put you under before your neuter. (Enough to sedate a German Shepard & a Jack Russel)
Your love for car journeys, how you sat by my side looking out the window on all our camping adventures and how you would wake us up at the crack of dawn to let us know someone had passed our window, much to our frustration.
How you made Marley, of Marley and Me, look like the worlds best behaved dog by destroying our lawnmower (you ate the basket), our deep freezer (you ate the power cord), our camper van (by eating the spark plug), our couch and our car (by destroying the wheel arch).
But mostly I will remember you as the fiercely independent and fearless dog you were. How affection wasn’t your thing but yet when I was sad or anxious you always knew. Despite your total dislike for cuddles, you would come and sit by me and let me wrap my arms around you and cry until you decided I was feeling better and then you would go back to being the aloof boy that you were.
Thank you for being my therapist, my entertainment, my best friend and my inspiration. Thank you for being brave till the very end. 14 years wasn’t long enough but they were the best 14 years I could have asked for. I will miss your little sausage tail and your happy little trot. I love you, I miss you.”

Le grà,
Mindfully Marie xx
May 9, 2020 at 9:08 pm
OH NO!!! I am deeply sorry to read of your tragic loss. It is so very difficult to watch our furry babies cross over the rainbow bridge…….a part of our heart goes with them. Sending you love……….
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May 9, 2020 at 9:14 pm
Thank you Wendi, he was indeed my furry baby because he was such a comfort to both Emma and John when they struggled to understand the upset they felt from school bullying. Thanks for reading Wendi and for your regular company! Xx
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May 9, 2020 at 9:23 pm
our furry babies bring so much comfort and joy and many of them are closer to us then extended family.
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May 9, 2020 at 9:27 pm
I agree Wendi! 💕
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May 9, 2020 at 9:36 pm
So sorry to hear this.
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May 9, 2020 at 9:38 pm
Thank you Kathy for your visit & kind message. I’m shocked at how emotional I am. X
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May 9, 2020 at 9:43 pm
It is very hard on us humans when we loose a beloved pet. They are a part of the family.
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May 9, 2020 at 9:45 pm
So true Kathy, we even talk to them like they are human! Stay safe & well. X
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May 9, 2020 at 9:37 pm
Oh Marie, I’m so sorry. I know how you feel and it takes a long time. I’m here if you need anything. Big hugs. Xoxo
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May 9, 2020 at 9:41 pm
I know you understand Jay, having lost your own furry baby. I can’t believe how heart broken I am. Thank you for your kind message and big hug. it means a lot to me! Stay safe. X
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May 9, 2020 at 9:59 pm
Sad to hear of the loss of your dog Marie. My condolences. But such a wonderful and heartfelt tribute by Emma. I’m sure there’s a dog heaven and may Duke rest in peace.
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May 9, 2020 at 10:12 pm
Thank you Len for your lovely kind message and yes I’d say he’s looking down on us all! The special bond Emma had with Juke will never be lost. Stay safe & well!
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May 9, 2020 at 10:38 pm
I’m so sorry 😥❤️🌈
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May 10, 2020 at 4:56 am
I appreciate your visit and kind thoughts Paula. Xx
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May 9, 2020 at 11:15 pm
Oh what a beautiful tribute! That face says it all and Ems words … her deep love shines thru, thank heavens she has another companion.
But your loss is deep, I can feel that, so take care of each other ❤
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May 10, 2020 at 5:03 am
Thank you Kate, it is indeed. He was a psychiatric support dog before the idea ever even existed. His furry coat soaked up more tears and emotional upset that any full time therapist could!! Yes, thank heavens for Doris, who devoted 100% attention to Emma on Friday, giving her the comfort and support she needed! We are all impacted but we are all here for each other and Doris is a real bonus too. Thanks a million, Kate. Xx
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May 10, 2020 at 5:10 am
it tragic but I think knowing Doris was there helped this one let go … xx
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May 10, 2020 at 5:22 am
I agree totally Kate. Juke was a role model to Doris, he took her under his wing and she really loved him too. She was very withdrawn yesterday…missing him and got much affection in return from Emma Juke definitely held on until he knew Doris was ready to take over. 12 is a good age for his breed let alone 14! Xx
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May 9, 2020 at 11:28 pm
So sorry for your loss, Marie. Juke sounds like a very special companion. I hope memories of his antics and his love will fill some of the empty space he leaves. He sure was a cutie!
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May 10, 2020 at 5:09 am
Thank you so much Donna for your visit, empathy and thoughtful, kind message. He is indeed a loss but it was time for him to leave and he has filled our lives with boundless love and in his earlier years, much destruction!! It was that sheer determination and zest for life that we loved and will always remember! He was a real heartbreaker for sure! Xx
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May 10, 2020 at 2:40 am
I’m sure every dog lover here will empathize with you, Marie. Juke is a fortunate little dog to be a part of your family and to have been loved so much throughout his life.
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May 10, 2020 at 5:18 am
Thank you Lesley, I appreciate your lovely message! He was rescued by a gentleman, who paid 50 euro, all those years ago, taking Juke from a very nasty situation and guaranteed life of suffering. He was given to my mother in law, a known dog rescurer and dog lover but she had a few dogs then and we were considering buying a dog at the time. He was destined to find us!! He has been much loved…and despised for the trail of destruction he caused as a pup and young dog!! That high energy we learned years later it quite characteristic of a Polish Lowland Sheep dog! Definitely not a puppy for appartment living! Xx
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May 10, 2020 at 8:04 am
Without a doubt you were meant to be together. 🙌 Yes, he looks like a lovable rogue. Treasure your memories of him and talk about and laugh at his exploits when you feel up to it. 💟
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May 10, 2020 at 8:07 am
We will, thanks again Lesley! 🤗
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May 10, 2020 at 9:37 am
Lovely memories and a lovely tribute.
Sorry for your loss. But may thosr memories help you get thr this. X
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May 10, 2020 at 12:33 pm
Thank you so much Liz for your heartfelt message! We are blessed to have wonderful memories to treasure and I’m sure we will recall them often. Have a lovely day. Xx
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May 10, 2020 at 9:57 am
Sorry to hear that – they truly become part of the family and take a big piece of our hearts. x
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May 10, 2020 at 12:34 pm
They sure have a way of doing just that, don’t they! Thank you for your lovely thoughtful message Laura. X
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May 10, 2020 at 2:54 pm
Great post 😁
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May 10, 2020 at 3:06 pm
I’m so sorry. It’s hard to lose a pet. They are so much a part of us. So very sorry.
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May 10, 2020 at 3:17 pm
Thank you Kathleen for your visit and understanding. We have benefitted from years of his lovable rogue character and company, so it would be selfish to not want him to go. Pets have a way of weaving themselves into your heart! X
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May 11, 2020 at 1:00 am
They sure do. Deep hugs.
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May 11, 2020 at 12:30 pm
My condolences for your loss. 😦 Juke sounds like a wonderful companion.
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May 11, 2020 at 1:38 pm
Thanks Mark, I appreciate your kind message. He was a wonderful companion. I always felt protected when he was around and he had a great presence about him.
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May 11, 2020 at 4:58 pm
Oh Marie, I’m so, so sorry. Little Juke sounds like quite the character and he was lucky to have such a loving home with your family, as you were lucky to have his companionship over the years. Even if he was an expensive boy costing you your lawnmower, freezer and more! Emma’s tribute is perfect. It’s made me teary just reading it and his little face…I’m truly very sorry. It hurts like hell to lose a fur baby. Sending love ♥
Caz xxxx
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May 11, 2020 at 9:17 pm
Caz, your message warms my heart and lifts my low mood and you sum up the whole experience perfectly! He not only brought us unconditional love all of his 14 years with us, he is bringing us abundant love, empathy and support in every heart felt message I’m receiving right here! How special is that!! Thank you Caz, genuinely from the bottom of my heart. Xx
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May 12, 2020 at 10:49 am
I am heartbroken for you. This made me cry. We love them so much, our fur babies.
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May 12, 2020 at 2:09 pm
We do Kim, like a child or a true friend. Thanks for sharing your reaction and warm concern. I feel blessed with the lovely kind friendships I have here on WP. Thank you for your loveliness. Xx
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May 12, 2020 at 2:26 pm
Awe. You are so welcome. Be extra kind to yourself today.💜
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May 15, 2020 at 1:22 pm
I was very sorry to read about Juke on Emma’s IG. This is a beautiful tribute to him. Sending hugs Marie. xx
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May 15, 2020 at 9:18 pm
Thank you Darren, that’s so kind. This day last week was so upsetting. He was an important part of our house! Xx
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May 20, 2020 at 8:28 am
I read Emma’s beautiful tribute on Instagram, the tears flowed then as now. I admire her ability to express herself and the grief you’re all feeling.
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June 1, 2020 at 2:19 pm
Thanks Breda, your comment went to ‘pending’ and I missed it until now. As you also experienced recently, they are like another member of the family and a big loss! X
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