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“She Left Our Mortal World”- Tony Stewart’s Wife Leah & Racing Fandom Mourn the Saddening Loss of Her Furry Friend

Published 03/02/2024, 4:15 PM EST

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The roar of engines has been replaced by a collective murmur of grief in the NASCAR paddock. Fendi, the cherished female Australian Shepherd belonging to Leah Pruett, wife of racing icon Tony Stewart, has crossed the finish line of an incredible 12-year-long life.

Leah Pruett’s Tribute to Fendi’s Well-Lived Life

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Pruett, an NHRA Top Fuel dragster, shared a carousel of photos and videos capturing Fendi’s life and adventures. The resounding caption depicts a cherished companion who was always by their side, accompanying the couple to races as well as championships, and even on planes and beautiful boat trips.

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“What an irreplaceable 12 years spent with our Fendi girl. There really wasn’t anywhere she didn’t go… races, race shops, the yoda, motorhomes, hotels, flights, boats, houseboats, camping, production sets, etc. No exaggeration that she touched the lives of thousands of people, and had a village to help raise her across the country,” Leah Pruett shared.

 

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A post shared by L E A H (@leah.pruett)

The caption further read, “Unfortunately, as many of you know, last Saturday while in Atlanta for the Cup race her health took a spiral downturn, after battling Cushings for years, and recently complications from blood clots, she left our mortal world.”

Fans and well-wishers rallied around Leah Pruett as she navigated the challenging farewell to their beloved furry friend. Instagram handle @archmdb sent in her resounding condolences writing, “So sorry that is never easy even when you know they are sick. Prayers to you both.” Another shared his eerily similar anguish, recounting the passing of his own furry companion stating, “Next week makes 1 year ago for also since I lost mine. I was also on the road at the Gator Nats. I share your pain and pray for better times ahead.” A desolate yet supportive story.

However, Fendi’s health had been a battleground, marked by a valiant fight against Cushing’s and complications from blood clots. One comment aptly summarized the collective sentiment of all the fan reactions to this heartbreaking news, “So very sorry for your loss. Dogs are family, sometimes more than people.” 

The final chapter for the Australian Shepherd unfolded in Atlanta during the Ambetter Health 400 last Sunday, where Fendi took her last lap in the mortal realm.

A Difficult Goodbye in the Stewart Paddock

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“My heart is finally healing knowing she is up there in Heaven, running like a puppy around all kinds of heavenly racetracks and visiting every pit, barking at every vacuum cleaner, and eating all the things. Thanks everyone for all the love. Miss you,” Pruett concluded in a poignant tribute expressing her grief and finding comfort in the belief that Fendi is now at peace in a better place.

 

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A post shared by Fendi (@fendi_______)

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Fendi’s presence transcended the walls of their home. The 35-year-old’s words paint a picture of a dog who lived life to the fullest, experiencing and soaking in everything around her. Her playful spirit and presence will undoubtedly be missed in the Stewart paddock. Known for their generally long lifespan and active lifestyle, Australian Shepherds typically leave a lasting impression on their human companions.

As the NASCAR community mourns the loss of a beloved companion, Fendi’s legacy lives on in the memories of pit stops, race tracks, and the hearts of those she touched throughout her remarkable 12-year journey.

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Written by:

Amman Augustin

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Amman Augustin is a NASCAR Writer at EssentiallySports. With his coverage majorly focusing on the lavish off-track lives of drivers, Amman often brings the lesser-known side of Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick to their fans. Another aspect of NASCAR where he flourishes is covering rivalries between competitors.
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Edited by:

Ranvijay Singh