It is with sadness in my heart that I share the news that Joy, my beloved Jack Russel and the inspiration for Mup,
passed away on May 18, 2024. For thirteen wonderful years, Joy was more than my loyal friend and support; she was the greatest source of inspiration behind Kaatje&Mup. Her unconditional love, cheerfulness and adventurous spirit were the driving force behind countless beautiful drawings, stories and adventures. Joy was more than just a dog to me; she was an essential part of my life, my roommate and the inspiration behind Kaatje&Mup. Although her loss leaves a big hole, Joy will always have a very special place in my heart. With her as a source of inspiration, we will experience many more beautiful Kaatje&Mup adventures.

Joy, a source of inspiration, support and comfort

Joy was born on March 7, 2011 and from the moment she came into my life, she was my buddy and we were inseparable. She brought unprecedented joy and inspiration. She became my rock in the surf, always ready to cheer me up with her sparkling personality. During the difficult moments of my life, especially when I left everything behind in 2013 to move from Oud-Beijerland to Terschelling and was diagnosed with ADHD, Asperger and PTSD, Joy offered me unconditional support, love and comfort and gave me the strength to continue. Despite the heavy trauma treatments and the process of self-discovery and acceptance, thanks to Joy I continued to experience many beautiful Kaatje&Mup adventures and create valuable memories.

Watch video

Interview with Marc de Hond on behalf of the DELA charity fund

"Yes, you read that right: you have been nominated for the Golden Venus of Milo 2018! This year, the DELA charity fund will once again award this prize to the most inspiring Dutch person with a disability who does something good for Dutch society."

Together with Joy I flipped a switch; on shore I only drew sad Kaatje&Mup drawings, but through the beautiful nature, peace and freedom of Terschelling I experienced all kinds of beautiful and nice adventures with Joy. From that moment on the Kaatje&Mup drawings were full of adventures and nature experiences, far away from all the pain and sorrow of the shore. Together we built new memories, which formed the basis for the stories of Kaatje&Mup.

A life full of adventures

During the many walks on the beach and through the dunes of Terschelling, the stories and drawings of Kaatje&Mup were created. The adventures we shared together reflected the deep bond and mutual trust we had. Joy's playfulness and curiosity gave life to Mup's character traits, so that every story contains a piece of her personality. Despite the many challenges, we experienced the most beautiful adventures together on Terschelling. In difficult times, I found peace and comfort in the memories of these adventures. She was so much more than a pet, a loyal companion who stood by my side through thick and thin and took me on so many beautiful adventures. Her presence was a constant source of creativity and inspiration. Joy gave me the courage to transform my pain and sorrow into art and stories that bring joy, adventure and inspiration to others. She made me understand the true meaning of friendship and unconditional love, and that is something I will always cherish.

Comeback Kaatje&Mup in Friesland

In March 2021, Joy and I moved to the mainland. The impact of the corona pandemic had put everything I had built up with Kaatje&Mup on Terschelling on hold. During this period, I chose to be closer to my loved ones and take the step to move to the mainland. Despite the challenges of the move, I saw so many more opportunities for Kaatje&Mup on land. It was a challenge to figure out how to proceed and what the comeback of Kaatje&Mup in Friesland would look like. It was a period of clearing up and creating a solid business foundation. Although I often found the work behind the scenes lonely and missed my Kaatje&Mup work on Terschelling terribly, the move to the mainland offered a fresh start. Joy supported me during this period and gave me the strength to continue with the comeback of Kaatje&Mup in Friesland. Together with Joy I managed to build a new life in Friesland and in June 2023 I fully recovered from PTSD. Joy could finally retire and enjoy her old age.

Joy's last phase in Friesland

Unfortunately, Joy also started her last phase, she would not get better and eventually she was ill for 1.5 years. Despite being ill, Joy enjoyed her old age intensely in our lovely house in Friesland. No more beach and dunes, but a beautiful garden and favourite spots on top of the couch with a good view of everything outside. The many walks were no longer possible, but Joy still enjoyed the beautiful walks, sitting in a pram when walking was no longer possible. I gave her the love and support she had always given me and took care of her during difficult moments of illness. Together we found ways to enjoy every day and make her last phase as beautiful and comfortable as possible, until the moment that I had to let her go with pain in my heart out of love.

Looking ahead and a new phase

The loss of Joy leaves a huge void. Despite the fact that I have been able to prepare myself for a life without her for 1.5 years and I am grateful for the extra time that I have been given together with her, the loss remains double. Yet I feel a peace and freedom to be able to go for the comeback of Kaatje&Mup. With Joy in my heart I am ready to embrace this new phase in Friesland. The time and space that I now have, allow me to fully commit myself to the creativity and activities of Kaatje&Mup. The bond that I had with Joy, was unique and irreplaceable. She remains my greatest source of inspiration, adventure and creativity.

A tribute to Joy

Although saying goodbye to Joy was hard, this new phase feels like a tribute to Joy, who has always inspired me to keep going. Her spirit lives on in the adventures of Kaatje&Mup. Every drawing, every story, every performance and every craft café carries a piece of Joy's soul. She remains the silent force behind Kaatje&Mup. As I continue to work on Kaatje&Mup, I will always carry the love and memories of Joy with me. Her support and inspiration will continue to motivate me to create new adventures.

Thankful for your support

I want to thank everyone for the love and support during Joy's final phase and her passing. Joy will always have a special place in my heart. The many sweet messages, calls and visits have comforted and supported me in the past period. It is a double feeling: on the one hand peace and no more worries, on the other hand the loss and the emptiness that Joy leaves behind. Joy has left me with a heart full of memories and remains a lasting inspiration for Mup and all future adventures of Kaatje&Mup. Let us discover these new chapters of Kaatje&Mup together and enjoy the adventures that lie ahead.

With love and a last paw from Joy,

Carolien & the Kaatje&Mup team