JD Estrem

Our home is quieter and our hearts are heavier as we said goodbye to our sweet JD — the world’s largest lap dog, our professional protector, and the reason we have gray hairs and the best stories. For 12 1/2 years, he filled our lives with a love big enough to shake the house… kind of like his tail thuds.

JD was joy, loyalty, and chaos wrapped in one yellow lab body. He greeted his Dad and Mom every day like it was the best moment of his life, and protected Mom whether Dad was gone or standing right next to her. He was bred to hunt and boy, did he deliver — yet somehow also guarded our chickens like a feathered army… minus those few times his self-control slipped. Those come-to-Jesus talks worked eventually.

He was brilliant and ridiculous all at once. From chewing garage doors and vehicles to eating rat poison to mastering the invisible fence like a seasoned escape artist, he kept us guessing. Watching him weave along the boundary line just to avoid the shock was both impressive and infuriating. He cost us more in fence batteries than all other dogs combined — a true talent.

And he had his soft side: the snuggles, the smile that lit up a room, and his absolute favorite hobbies — gator rides, teaching every visiting pet the ropes, and sneaking into the garden like a golden asparagus thief. I swear I thought I had a rabbit problem until I caught him mid-chomp, looking proud as hell.

He lived like he had nine lives and used every single one of them with grit, sweetness, and mischief. From health scares to adventures gone wrong to the time we thought he’d join his Grandpa in Heaven five years ago, he always bounced back with that “just kidding” face.

Last night, we gave him one final gator ride to the farm — windows down, wind in his ears, pure JD. Today, Grandpa’s picking him up for heavenly gator rides, and we know Grandpa Kevin’s getting a big sloppy kiss.

Thank you, JD, for the laughs, the cuddles, the heart attacks, the hunts, the garden raids, the loyalty, and the love. You were truly one of a kind.

Run free, sweet boy. We’ll miss you forever. ♥️🐾
Love,
Dad, Mom, Jett, Bucky, and all the farm kitties

RIP JD — 13 years strong. #EstremStrong