Losing a beloved furry companion is never easy, and the grief hits too close to the heart. John Mayer is grieving the death of his longtime companion, Moose. The musician shared on Friday, December 5, that his 14-year-old black lab died the day before.
Mayer, 48, revealed Moose’s death on Friday through an Instagram tribute, posting a collection of photos that traced the dog’s journey from a tiny puppy to a beloved companion in Montana.
“We said goodbye to Moose yesterday,” Mayer wrote. “He came into my life when I needed pure love, and that’s what he gave me for 14 years.”
A Pure Bond Built on Love and Healing
Mayer reflected on how Moose brought much-needed stability into a life that once felt constantly in motion.
“We traded on that love, as well as something else I now realize was important: routine,” he said. “When dinner is always at 8, and the afternoon walks are at 4:30, those kinds of things can heal your heart. And they did, time and time again.”
He added, “Today my heart is so heavy and sore, but there’s more love in my life than there has ever been, and that’s because Moose helped lead me to it.”
Mayer received an outpouring of love and support in the comments as friends and fans rallied around him. Lenny Kravitz wrote, “Sending ❤️,” while Benny Blanco added a simple heart emoji.
Bravo’s Andy Cohen and Mayer’s close friend shared, “Beautifully said… and beautiful sweet Moose.”
One fan wrote, “So so sorry. These pics and your love are a testament to a good man. Love for a dog or pet is what it’s all about. May he chase snow and run free.”
Another added, “Sweet Moose will never leave you and will be with you now in a different way.”
A third commenter shared, “So sorry for your loss, it’s so painful to lose a best friend. Just know that Moose is getting lots of treats, love, and friends in doggy heaven.”
Moose’s Memorable Place in Mayer’s Career
Moose appeared alongside Mayer on the cover of his 2013 album “Paradise Valley.” Mayer adopted him while recovering from granuloma surgeries and during months of vocal rest. But once he returned to touring, he realized Moose wasn’t fond of the road.
“Dog hates music. Hates music. He thinks it’s thunder,” Mayer told Bobby Bones in 2017. Moose trembled backstage at Red Rocks and often slinked away when Mayer picked up a guitar. “He doesn’t want to offend me,” Mayer joked.
Still, Moose loved sitting on his lap when Mayer played the keyboard.
Mayer closed his tribute with a tender reflection on the small moments he knows will stay with him. “It can’t be long before I unearth an old tennis ball… and when I do, I’ll give it a toss, and think about the dog I had when I was becoming a man,” he wrote.
“There isn’t ever enough time. But there’s enough love. There’s more than enough.”
So sorry for your loss. I have had at least 10 dogs in my life & it is never easy to lose them. Always cherish the love they provided.