Dale Earnhardt Jr. has always been an animal lover. Growing up, he had several pets, including Domino, a yellow Labrador, Rocket, an Irish setter, a boxer named Killer, and even hamsters, which he named after characters from Days of Our Lives. His love for animals continues today, as he and his wife, Amy, are proud pet parents to Gus, an Irish setter, and Junebug, a Pomeranian. Both dogs love car rides, and Earnhardt Jr. once shared how they eagerly waited at the door when they sensed a trip was coming.
In 2017, his love for dogs even extended to his racing career when his No. 88 Nationwide Chevrolet SS featured an image of Marshall, a German shorthaired pointer from Georgia. Marshall won Nationwide’s Paws and Racing Sweepstakes, and Earnhardt Jr. joked that the dog might bring him lunch at the race.
Recently, however, Earnhardt Jr. shared heartbreaking news about Junebug’s health on The Dale Jr. Download. The 15-year-old Pomeranian suffered a stroke, affecting his mobility and causing him to collapse unexpectedly. For two days, he was completely silent, and his appetite declined. The Earnhardt family has been feeding him peanut butter by hand to keep him nourished. Though the vet estimated Junebug might have between two to six months left, there have been small signs of improvement. Earnhardt Jr. was relieved when Amy texted him, saying Junebug had started barking again, signaling some progress.
This situation has been especially hard on Amy, as Junebug has been her constant companion. The Earnhardt family is doing everything possible to make him comfortable during this difficult time.
Junebug has already secured a special place in history. Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s career is legendary, carrying on his father’s legacy as a driver and team owner. His pets have also made headlines over the years. When he opened his third Whiskey River restaurant at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, a stationary mechanical bull named Junebug was included as a tribute.
Additionally, Earnhardt Jr. and Amy’s philanthropy through the Dale and Amy Earnhardt Fund has helped Nationwide Children’s Hospital, supporting pediatric injury rehabilitation. The hospital even installed hand-carved animal figurines, including Gus and Junebug, recognizing the comfort animals bring to patients.
Junebug’s health struggles have saddened many, but his impact will always be remembered. Hopefully, the beloved pup continues to improve under the care of his loving family.
