Beloved actor Michael J. Fox, known for his iconic role in “Back To The Future,” is experiencing a heart-wrenching loss. His loyal companion, Gus, a twelve-year-old Great Dane-Labrador mix, has passed away. Gus stood by Fox’s side through all the ups and downs of the past twelve years, and now the actor will have to navigate the world without his faithful friend.
In a heartfelt message to his one million social media followers, Fox shared a touching image of Gus and wrote, “Gus — great dog and loyal friend, we’ll miss you.” Alongside the image, Fox referenced page 220-222 of his memoir, “No Time Like The Future: an Optimist Considers Mortality,” released in 2020. Within the pages of his book, Fox describes Gus as his “wonder dog,” a loyal companion who brought joy to everyone he encountered.
Gus played a significant role in Fox’s life, particularly during his battle with Parkinson’s disease, a fight that has been publicly known for over two decades. In his memoir, Fox emphasizes the value Gus added to his life and how much he will be missed as a cherished member of the family.
Reflecting on their relationship, Fox wrote, “I didn’t rescue Gus. You can argue that he rescued me, but he’d be too modest to make that claim.” The actor acknowledges that Gus’s constant affection helped alleviate his feelings of isolation during his health struggles.
According to Fox, having a dog by his side inspired a comforting sense of connection. “You know that no matter your situation, no matter what you feel, this animal is with you and is connected to you. And you feel. It’s a force multiplier,” Fox shared. He believes that having a chronic illness can lead to isolation, but a dog has the power to open up one’s world and provide much-needed companionship.
Gus even played a role in Fox’s physical recovery. After undergoing surgery in 2018 to remove a tumor from his spinal cord, Fox relied on a wheelchair. It was Gus who helped him regain his ability to walk. Fox fondly recounts, “He kind of circles the wheelchair with this low kind of woof woof, woof woof, and sat in front of the wheelchair right in front of me. And he looked at me, and I said, ‘It’s going to be okay.’”
Losing a beloved pet is never easy, and it’s no exception for Michael J. Fox. Let us take a moment to send our sympathies to him and acknowledge the incredible bond he shared with Gus. The loss of a faithful companion leaves a significant void in one’s life, but the memories and love will forever remain in Fox’s heart.