This is a story of the Fox and the hound.
Gus has been with film star Michael J. Fox about half as long as the “Back to the Future” actor has been battling Parkinson’s disease. The dog even figures prominently in Fox’s book, No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality.
The actor and activist shared a photo of 12-year old Gus on Instagram.
Fox called Gus a “wonder dog” for helping him with his health struggles with Parkinson’s disease.
“I didn’t rescue Gus,” the actor wrote. “You can argue that he rescued me, but he’d be too modest to make that claim.”
It’s never easy losing a pet.
“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,” Fox said. “It’s a force multiplier.”
Gus was a Great Dane–Labrador mix. And to Fox and his family, one of the best things that’s ever happened to Michael.
Gus played a particularly important role in his life when he had to relearn how to walk following a 2018 surgery to remove a tumor from his spinal cord. Gus was waiting for him by the door when he returned home from the hospital in a wheelchair.
Mike told Lee Cowan on CBS News,
“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 looked at me, and I said, ‘It’s going to be okay.’ ”
The Back To The Future star says Gus put aging and mortality into perspective for him. It only seemed like yesterday that Fox graced the television with his energy and trademark voice.
Holly G, a viewer, commented,
“We, the disabled, completely understand the loss of a pet. The ultimate friend who never judged, never left and always kept your feet warm in bed.”
Losing a pet makes one wish for a time machine, doesn’t it? Where’s Doc when you need him.
See, when Michael would apppear on Lee Cowan’s segment, Gus was always there with Fox. On some days, Mike needed Gus more than others. We all know that feeling.
Michael shares that when he would walk Gus in Central Park, people would stop him to chat, but not because he’s Michael J. Fox. It was all about Gus. And really, who hasn’t tried to stop a random person with a cute dog.
Mike and Gus can be found in Central Park.
Gus truly was this man’s best friend.
“Every time MJF makes a public appearance, I’m struck by how strong he is to being filmed. Even animals, when they are sick, dogs most often, want to hide until they recover or die. And Michael just braves the world and keeps fighting. I know people with Parkinsons and his appearances give me hope. Much love. Thanks for highlighting how wonderful Gus was.”
Another viewer wrote.
Stories like Mike and Gus remind us of how wonderful pets are.
They may only have a decade or so to live, but those years will be full of love and treasured memories. Rest in peace, Gus.
You’ll need tissues when you press play below!
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