It’s a loss that strikes at the very heart of the Earnhardt home. A chapter once filled with two wagging tails, jingling car keys, and the quiet comfort of a loyal friend now feels incomplete and closed far too soon.

For years, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his wife Amy have opened a window into their family life through their two dogs: Gus, the regal Irish setter, and Junebug, the pint-sized Pomeranian with a whole lot of spirit. For those who follow Junior closely would still remember his posts from 2017, where he showed how Gus would charge to the door at the sound of car keys, with little Junebug right at his side, noses pressed against the glass, ready to tag along.

While Gus brought that big, welcoming, and homecoming energy for Dale Jr, it was Junebug who held the softer, sweeter place in the Earnhardt family story. And, sadly, when Dale Jr. is putting on his coat, next time, Junebug won’t be around to act as well. (Yes, that’s what JuneBug used to do.)

Junebug arrived in the Earnhardt orbit years ago but quickly became part of the Earnhardt public story. Junior himself joked in the past about how Junebug was easy to bring to tracks and events, recalling in 2013, “I don’t claim it. He’s pretty cool, but I don’t admit it. He goes every week because he’s so small, he’s easy to carry around.” 

Not just the track, Dale Jr. and Amy would take the dogs everywhere. And the dogs would love it too. Perhaps that’s why Amy’s words felt so deep when she shared the sad news with her followers on Instagram. “Yesterday, my tiny Junebug made his way over the rainbow bridge. My heart is broken. I know dogs don’t live forever, but we definitely don’t get them long enough. I’m going to miss you, my sweet boy. Fly high and I’ll see you again,” Amy wrote.

With that goodbye note, one thing’s clear: Junebug was more than just a pet; he was family, a fixture of the Earnhardt household, whose small size belied a large place in their lives. And, the Earnhardts were prepared, or perhaps even saw it coming.

Earlier in March, Junebug had suffered a stroke that left parts of his body numb, causing balance issues and sudden collapses. And, doctors had already estimated Junebug had just six months to live.

On his podcast and in interviews, Dale Jr had described Junebug’s health struggles candidly. “He’s doing that on a couple of legs where he is not sure where the ground’s at. And he falls over, he falls over like a fainting goat. And not moving very well, for about two days, he was mute. I just got a text from Amy that he is barking. So yesterday, I got him just to growl, just a little bit, because I play with him about his food… That’s the only way we can get him to take anything down. So it’s touch and go for Junebug.” 

We’re sure that, just like Junior, Isla Rose, and Nicole will miss their furry friend, even though they were born after Junebug joined the Earnhardt family. Junior even penned a heartfelt piece titled, “I ❤️ My Pet: Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Dogs Love Car Rides as Much as He Does,” in 2016, before his elder daughter, Isla, was born.

As Dale Jr titled the note, his dogs loved the car rides. Here, check out this post from 2016, when Junebug would fit inside Junior’s sweatshirt.

Fellow NASCAR voices console Dale Jr.

Jamie Little captured the sorrow with gentle words for Amy Earnhardt, writing, “What a little sweetheart. I’m sorry Amy. 🐾” 

Longtime family member and Junior’s sister, Kelley Earnhardt Miller, echoed the pain as well. Kelley wrote, “We will miss JB. Love you!” 

Gianna Tulio, Ryan Blaney’s wife, left a tender note, writing, “🥺🙏🏻 so sorry, sending all my love!” While broadcaster Rutledge Wood shared a simple, heartfelt response: “❤️❤️❤️” 

American singer Luke Combs’ wife, Nicole Combs, also added, “what a sweetie 💜💜💜 you can tell he was so loved.” Together, their messages reflect the wide embrace surrounding the Earnhardts during this loss.

Among the most poignant tributes came from former driver Danica Patrick, who wrote, “Ohh sweet Junebug, and your heart. I am so sorry. 🥺💔” Fans too, could not hide their sorrows, as one added, “I’m so sorry😢Our furbabies are family and it’s devastating to lose them. Sending you and your family big hugs and prayers🙏❤️”

Their words perfectly capture the shared grief across the racing community, highlighting just how Junebug had touched lives far beyond the Earnhardt home.