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A Dog’s Life: Juna 1999-2009

Juna, a fiesty Alaskan Malamute and former calendar model, died Saturday, June 6, 2009. She was 10.

A beautiful dog with attitude, Juna died in suburban Grand Rapids after a short battle with cancer. She was diagnosed in March, but didn’t kick off until the day the neighbors who complained about her barking packed up a moving truck and went away. Some would call this justice.

She loved peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, napping in the snow and quick dips in her plastic pool. She wasn’t a lap dog unless her people needed her to be and the sound of her howling along with emergency sirens was hauntingly beautiful.

She got kicked out of obedience training class and dug out of the yard a couple times, but always seemed to redeem herself. Her 15 minutes of fame came when she sported a tall red and white striped hat and posed with a copy of “The Cat In The Hat” by Dr. Seuss as Miss March in a Kent District Library calendar.

She is survived by her people, Jeff, Jennifer, Abby and Amelia Haywood. She was more than “just a dog” to us and the void she left in this family is gaping.

We’ll miss the clicking of her nails on the wood floor, the jiggling of the tags on her collar as she moved about the house and the way she’d greet us with a tail wag at the back door. She was strong-willed and vocal, but she was our dog and we loved her – even when she barked.

Rest in Peace, little Juna. We won’t forget you.

Comments

Comment from Karin
Time: June 7, 2009, 8:52 pm

So sorry to hear of your loss. She was beautiful… and it sounds like she was an amazing addition to your family! :) Your girls will be in my thoughts…. I’m sure it’s hard for them to understand. :( Hugs to all of you!

Comment from Maya
Time: June 7, 2009, 9:09 pm

Sorry to hear about your loss :(

Comment from Cathy
Time: June 7, 2009, 10:26 pm

Jennifer, I’m so sorry for your loss – I didn’t realize you had a dog until just tonight. I was catching up on some of your podcasts and I believe it was in the interview with Jeanna Woginrich you mentioned you had a Malamute. She looks like she was a real sweetie.

Comment from Michelle
Time: June 7, 2009, 10:41 pm

Oh Jen, I’m so sorry to read about Juna. She’s a beautiful girl and I reckon she’ll be really missed.

I don’t think I’ve ever met a malamute who hasn’t been kicked out of obedience class. I like to think it’s because of their cheeky natures.

Comment from Nadine
Time: June 7, 2009, 11:16 pm

Jennifer, I’m so sorry for your loss. I know nothing I can say will make it better because I’ve been there, and it’s never easy. I’ll be thinking of you and your family, and of course, lovely Juna.

Comment from Starr
Time: June 8, 2009, 12:48 am

I am so sad for all of you. The loss of a beloved pet is something that many of us can relate to. The hurt is strong and the emptiness humungous. Your little ones are also in my thoughts and prayers tonight.
As a mom, I think the pain is worse when you have kids because not only is your heart breaking because of your personal loss, but for theirs.
Her obituary was beautiful and reflected what seems like a four-footed family member of strong-will and character.
Take care.

Comment from Bonney
Time: June 8, 2009, 3:39 am

I’m so sorry. I hope your memories are as beautiful and she was.

Comment from Catherine
Time: June 8, 2009, 4:17 am

Jennifer,

What a beautifully written tribute. I’ll be thinking of you and your family.

-Catherine

Comment from Susan Moore
Time: June 8, 2009, 4:29 am

Jennifer

You have written a beautiful tribute to a beautiful dog. You’ve said the things that bring memories alive to many of us.
May the hole in your hearts heal with the wet kisses of another puppy.

Susan

Comment from michele
Time: June 8, 2009, 4:34 am

Jennifer, I am so sorry for your loss. It’s likely you will still hear her nails sometimes clicking on the floor for years to come. I bet she really loved living with your family. Remember all the happy memories.
Michele

Comment from 36oldsgal
Time: June 8, 2009, 4:43 am

She was so beautiful. So sorry for your loss, but her life and yours was so much richer by being a part of it. Keep your wonderful memories close to your heart.

Comment from Beth
Time: June 8, 2009, 5:52 am

I’m sorry for your family’s loss! I send comfort and blessings to all four of you. :(

Comment from kerry
Time: June 8, 2009, 5:59 am

I am so sorry! I know how painful that loss is…
What a beautiful post and photo!

Comment from Karen
Time: June 8, 2009, 6:13 am

I am so sorry to hear about your loss – she sounds like a wonderful pup. Beautifully written post.

Comment from Kelly
Time: June 8, 2009, 6:23 am

so sorry for your loss, know that there are lots crying for you all and thinking of you.

Comment from kelli
Time: June 8, 2009, 8:42 am

I’m so sorry that Juna passed away. I was just listening to your podcast and I could hear dognails clicking across the floor. It made me smile since I was walking my dog while listening.

Comment from debbie
Time: June 8, 2009, 8:44 am

Jennifer,

Thinking of you.

debbie

Comment from Sarah & Josh
Time: June 8, 2009, 9:20 am

We are so sad to read about Juno’s passing–it sounds like she was a wonderful, wonderful girl. Take care.

Comment from ThePhantomMoon
Time: June 8, 2009, 10:48 am

I’m so sorry for your loss. She was beautiful and I’m sure a loved part of the family. Take care and God bless.

Comment from nancy
Time: June 8, 2009, 12:54 pm

Jeff, Jennifer, Abby and Amelia,
I can understand how sad and empty you feel over the loss of your beloved family pet, Juna. She sounds like the world’s most wonderful dog, which I am certain she was. You will always have your dear memories and all my good wishes are with you as you slowly start to fill the void with new pets and new experiences.
With my sincere sympathy,
Nancy

Comment from Kathy
Time: June 8, 2009, 4:03 pm

I am so sorry. I’m sure you’re all heartbroken right now. A pet is a part of the family and deserves to be mourned. I bet you all have great stories to share with each other and as time goes on, it won’t hurt so much to think about her. Hugs to you all.

Comment from Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood
Time: June 8, 2009, 6:41 pm

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to post such kind remarks about Juna. It’s going to take a while to get used to the “new normal,” but it really warmed my heart to read all the nice comments. I really appreciate it. Thank you so much.

Comment from Leigh-Anne Dennison
Time: June 8, 2009, 7:00 pm

Jennifer,

I’m so sorry to read about the loss of Juna. May your memories comfort you in this difficult time.

With much sympathy,
Leigh-Anne

Comment from Cathy Santarsiero
Time: June 8, 2009, 7:13 pm

Dear Jennifer,
You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I’m sure your sweet Juna is watching over you. These wee beasties surely leave their pawprints on our hearts, don’t they? Take Peace,
Warmly,
Cathy ^..^

Comment from Karen
Time: June 8, 2009, 7:18 pm

Hi Jennifer. Just saw your tweet about missing Juna. I remember hearing her clicking on the podcast your husband cohosted with you. What a beautiful face that girl of yours had, so sweet. I really feel for you. It’s so hard to lose them. I lost my 14 1/2 year old dog, Emma, almost two years ago. This may sound silly but a neighbor recommended making a scrapbook in her memory. I’m not a scrapbooker but decided to try. Gathering all the photos and little stories for it helped me celebrate her and how much she meant to me. Turned out to be a good suggestion and it’s now one of my household treasures.

Comment from nancy
Time: June 8, 2009, 7:27 pm

Oh Jennifer, I’m so sorry to hear about Juna. Losing a pet can tear at your heart and leaves a huge hole behind. You have written a beautiful tribute to her. Thank you for sharing this. Take care,
Nancy

Comment from Cory Olsen
Time: June 8, 2009, 7:37 pm

SO sorry to hear about your loss! Keep Juna in your hearts and talk about her often. The memories will keep you smiling. -Cory

Comment from Trudy
Time: June 8, 2009, 7:46 pm

Ahhh, truly sorry. Sometimes it is when they’re gone and you miss them that you realize how much impact they had on your life. Things like watching your step in their usual spot, thinking you hear them bark, coming home to an empty house with no greeting. It sounds like you made Juna as happy as she made you. We bought a stuffed animal the same breed as our dog and put his collar around it for the children to hug. It is very worn by now and the sound of the collar brings back happy memories.

Comment from Sarah
Time: June 9, 2009, 3:33 am

Jennifer & Family,

I’m sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you. I know how important doggies are to a family. Hugs.

Comment from Allison
Time: June 9, 2009, 9:45 am

Jennifer, I have been listening to you since you started your wild and wacky adventure and because of this I know how much Juna meant to you and your family. I gasped when I saw this post. My 10 year-old dog was put down when I was a ‘cool teenager’ (in my own head, anyway) and I totally lost whatever cool there was that day. Truly sorry for your loss. And ps – you should consider writing as a career – you do it so well!

Comment from Anjali
Time: June 9, 2009, 11:51 am

My deepest condolences to the whole family for the loss of Juna. There were tears in my eyes as I read this post, I know how much a pet means to a loving household. Reilly, a husky-shepherd mix who is my constant companion, and who also howls along with the emergency sirens, is now singing for Juna as I type.

Thinking of you. Take good care.

Comment from jmbmommy
Time: June 9, 2009, 6:26 pm

I am so sorry to hear about your dog, Juna. I always enjoyed your stories about her on your podcast. The picture that you posted of her is just beautiful.

Comment from Turtle
Time: June 9, 2009, 7:41 pm

so sorry for your loss. We just lost our girl to a stroke april 6th after 14 happy years. It will take you quite a while , i find myself still talking to her.

Comment from woolpets
Time: June 10, 2009, 6:59 am

Sorry to hear about Juna. She was a beautiful pup. Sounds like she was well loved and had a great life with you and your family.

Pingback from CraftSanity » A Pick-Me-Up Project, Workshop Annoucement and Día del Sol 2009 Preview
Time: June 10, 2009, 9:38 pm

[...] A Dog’s Life: Juna 1999-2009 [...]

Comment from Michele
Time: June 11, 2009, 1:41 am

I just listened to the podcast in which you announced Juna’s passing–I’m so sorry! Peaceful wishes to your family in this difficult time.

Comment from Patricia
Time: June 11, 2009, 10:03 am

I’m so sorry to hear about Juna. Our dog children add so much to our lives, if only we could make it last longer. I think they make us better people. I lost my oldest 4 years ago and I will always miss her, but I can laugh and tell stories about her for the rest of my life. I’m sure you can say the same for Juna.

Comment from T2
Time: June 11, 2009, 4:43 pm

A lot of what you said about Juna reminds me of the book (and movie) Marley and Me. When the loss isn’t so raw, you may find some comfort and pleasure in reading or watching that family’s relationship with their boisterous dog.

Comment from JayeL
Time: June 12, 2009, 12:02 pm

I was so sorry to hear about your loss of Juna. I just listened to your recent podcast where I could hear her clicking toenails. I thought how nice it was that you are an independent producer and could leave in that little details. In a network or cable production those lovely toenail clicks would have caused the Hollywood glitterati a heart attack. I am thinking of you and your family a this time.

Comment from Vicki
Time: June 13, 2009, 9:10 am

I know you’re going to miss her. The painting my husband did last year of the “dress up session” still hangs in my waiting room. It’s one of the kids’ favorites. She’ll keep giving people smiles here in GA!

Comment from Debbie
Time: June 13, 2009, 12:38 pm

I’m sorry to hear about the loss of Juna. Your family is in my prayers.

Comment from Errin
Time: June 14, 2009, 3:20 pm

I am so sorry for the loss of your friend Juna. I lost my friend in December so I understand how hard it is especially when they aren’t there when you are crafting. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this hard time.

Comment from el
Time: June 16, 2009, 12:21 pm

I am sorry to hear of the loss of Juna. My heart goes out to you and your family. May your wonderful memories of her help you all through this time. She sounds like she was a true member of your family.

Comment from Marianne
Time: June 24, 2009, 11:11 am

So sorry to hear about your loss of Juna. She sounds like she had quite an amazing character. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Comment from melly-
Time: July 7, 2009, 4:49 am

i can barely see the keys as i type. :’(
i feel your pain so fully. i miss my old man, ruger every. day.
fellow dog-lover, crafty girl just wanting to say, i know and i’m sorry.
m-

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