Jesse Tyler Ferguson Mourns Loss of Beloved Dog Leaf

The actor opened up about having to put down his 15-year-old pet and how he's helping his children cope with the loss.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:51pm

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Jesse Tyler Ferguson revealed on his podcast that he had to put down his dog Leaf, who was 15 years old. Ferguson shared that he was leaving town for a play in New York and was anxious about Leaf's declining health, but was able to be with him on his last day. Ferguson's podcast guest, Jenna Dewan, also opened up about her own experience of having to say goodbye to a beloved pet. Ferguson discussed how he has been struggling to talk to his two young sons about Leaf's passing, especially since they recently lost his mother as well.

Why it matters

The loss of a family pet can be a deeply emotional experience, especially for young children. Ferguson's openness about navigating this difficult situation with his kids provides insight into how parents can support their children through the grieving process.

The details

Ferguson shared that Leaf had been declining in health in recent days, and he was worried about having to put him down while he was away for a work trip. However, Ferguson was able to be with Leaf on his last day. Dewan also opened up about her own experience of having to say goodbye to her 18-year-old dog Mika, which happened right before the birth of her youngest child. Ferguson said he has been struggling with how to talk to his 5-and-a-half-year-old son Beckett about Leaf's passing, especially since they had recently lost Ferguson's mother.

  • On February 9, Ferguson announced Leaf's passing on Instagram.
  • On March 31, Ferguson discussed Leaf's death on his podcast Dinner's On Me.
  • Ferguson was leaving for New York to do a play at the end of the week when Leaf passed away.

The players

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

An actor best known for his role on the sitcom Modern Family, who recently had to put down his 15-year-old dog Leaf.

Jenna Dewan

An actress and dancer who was a guest on Ferguson's podcast and shared her own experience of having to say goodbye to her 18-year-old dog.

Beckett

Ferguson's 5-and-a-half-year-old son, who was able to say goodbye to the family's dog Leaf.

Sullivan

Ferguson's younger son, who does not yet fully understand Leaf's passing.

Justin Mikita

Ferguson's husband, with whom he shares their two sons.

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What they’re saying

“I had to put my dog down today, and it wasn't a surprise, though. We sort of have thought this might be the case for a while. I'm leaving town [at] the end of the week to do a play in New York, and I was having such anxiety about being away when it might have to happen. And, in the last few days, he just, like, took a turn.”

— Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Actor

“There's no good way it happens. However, I did this with my recent dog we had to put down, Mika. She was 18 and also small, and it was right before the birth of my last baby, Rhiannon. And it was the same thing. I was like, 'Oh, my gosh. How am I going to do this and [give] birth,' and it just happened. She woke one morning, [and] I was like, 'Oh, this is the end.' I know that feeling. It's so hard.”

— Jenna Dewan, Actress and Dancer

What’s next

Ferguson will be leaving for New York to perform in a play at the end of the week, shortly after having to say goodbye to his beloved dog Leaf.

The takeaway

The loss of a family pet can be a profoundly difficult experience, especially for young children who may be grieving multiple losses. Ferguson's openness about navigating this situation with his sons provides a relatable example of how parents can support their kids through the grieving process.