Jesse Tyler Ferguson is grieving the loss of a beloved family member. The actor revealed that his longtime dog, Leaf, has died after 15 years by his side.
In a heartfelt message shared online, Jesse looked back on the life they built together from the very start. For Jesse, Leaf was more than a pet. He was a steady companion through life’s biggest milestones and its quiet, ordinary days, offering comfort, routine, and constant love.
Fifteen Years With a Loyal Companion
Leaf had been part of Jesse’s life since the very beginning of his adulthood. Over the years, the dog became a constant source of comfort and joy, offering quiet reassurance and unconditional love.
Jesse has described Leaf as his first dog, one who helped define what home and family meant to him. Their bond stretched across nearly 15 years, built on everyday routines, shared moments of play, and a loyalty that never wavered.
He shared Leaf with his husband, Justin Mikita. The couple has been married since July 20, 2013, building their life together alongside Leaf, who was there from the very beginning.
Leaf, a Maltese-Yorkie mix who was 5 years old in 2015, was later joined by Fennel, a Maltese-Poodle mix the couple adopted in August 2015, expanding their family with a second beloved pup.
The Message Jesse Shared With Fans: ‘Our Sweet Little Prince’
GettyJesse honored Leaf with a heartfelt tribute that captured both the pain of loss and the gratitude of having loved so deeply.
“We had to say goodbye to our sweet little prince Leaf today. he was the best little pup & has been with us since the very beginning — 15 incredible years together. Our first. 💔 🐶 🌈 We love you and will miss your licks, snuggles & barks, sweet guy.”
The words resonated strongly with fans who have followed Jesse’s life beyond the screen and understand the grief that comes with losing a longtime companion.
Fans Rally Around the ‘Modern Family’ Star
Support poured in from followers who shared their own stories of losing beloved pets. Many thanked Jesse for openly expressing a kind of grief that is deeply personal and widely understood.
Messages of support also reflect how widely Leaf was loved.
“I loved Leaf the most! So sorry. ❤️” wrote Dan Levy.
Elizabeth Banks shared, “So so sorry for this loss 💔,” while Busy Philipps added, “Oh, sending you all love❤️❤️.” One fan commented, “Oh sweet leafy:( I love you guys so much I’m so sorry ❤️.”
Others echoed the sentiment, including Kyle Kleiboeker, who wrote, “Sending you both a huge hug ❤️,” and Sarah Carey, who shared, “😢 I’m so sorry. Little leaflet will be missed. Sending love.”
Another message read, “I’m so sorry for your loss. My heartfelt condolences and so much love to you and your family. ❤️”
For Jesse, Leaf’s absence leaves a quiet space that will not easily be filled. Still, the memories remain. Fifteen years of love, loyalty, and companionship now live on in the stories and moments they shared.
