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Skidboot, R.I.P.
By Gina Spadafori
April 3, 2007
With all the other news, I missed this:
DALLAS — Skidboot, a working ranch dog and television celebrity who wowed crowds at the State Fair of Texas, has died. He was 14.
Skidboot’s health had declined for several years after he was kicked in the head by a horse and blinded in one eye. He was euthanized Sunday.
The dog, half Australian blue heeler and half “chef’s surprise,” was buried under an oak tree on the Quinlan ranch of David and Barbara Hartwig.
“What a wonderful life of fourteen years he lived! Never has a last minute, second-thought Christmas gift ever shone so brightly as Skidboot,” the Hartwigs said on Skidboot’s Web site.
On Christmas Eve 1992, David Hartwig was given the puppy by a neighboring rancher as a last-minute Christmas gift for his wife.
In 2003, Skidboot won the $25,000 top prize during the Pet Star competition on “Animal Planet.” That led to appearances on the Oprah Winfrey, David Letterman and Jay Leno television shows.
I have to admit I “Pet Star” is one of my guilty pleasures. And Skidboot, my all-time favorite one the show. Catch the clip on YouTube. What a great dog.
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Poor, happy Skidboot.
Comment by Lance — April 3, 2007 @ 5:41 pm
Oh, I am SO SAD about Skidboot passing away…When I saw him on T.V. I was amazed and flabbergasted that a dog could be so intelligent, and understand so many words. Rest in peace, you wonderful boy.
Comment by Valerie F. — April 3, 2007 @ 5:47 pm
How sad, I know what a great life he had but he can’t be replaced. Very Special dog. David and Barbara were blessed to have such a special friend. May he rest in peace.
Comment by Gloria M. — April 3, 2007 @ 8:17 pm
Awwwwww Skidboot.
He is in a better place now but while he was
here he sure made a mark!
What a talented and gentle animal.
Rest in peace Sweet Skidboot.
Comment by Carol Jane B. — April 3, 2007 @ 9:19 pm
Happy tricks and games at Rainbow Bridge Skidboot, where both eyes work again, and your body is healthy and sound again. You were an amazing soul and companion. Thank you for blessing so many lives.
Comment by Sarah — April 3, 2007 @ 9:59 pm
Skidboot!!! What an awesome dog! I was in a funk of depression hiding watching the tube and all of a sudden there was David and Skidboot and they made me so happy, like so many others. I feel for David and Barbara’s loss and send love into the ether for them….
Comment by Caroline — April 3, 2007 @ 10:56 pm
skid boot was one of a kind. my red healer and i will miss him..guy
Comment by guy — April 4, 2007 @ 7:46 am
Rest in Peace Skidboot. This is very sad I cried when I watched his web site christmas day. He was a wonderful animal
Comment by penny — April 4, 2007 @ 1:56 pm
We were devastated to hear of Skidboot’s passing. We have a little Jack Russell who is the sunshine in our morning, and we trained him some of the things we had seen Skidboot do. What a great pal Skidboot had to have been. Dear Skidboot, I know there has to be a doggie Heaven, and you’re doing tricks for the Angels. R.I.P
Comment by Patricia and Joe — April 4, 2007 @ 9:34 pm
Oh, I remember seeing Skidboot on Oprah! What a great dog. And David is just the consummate pet owner who just loved his animal. Skidboot hope you meet my girls Sarah and Freddie over the rainbow bridge. They would like a dark lanky lad like you!!
Comment by Shawn — April 4, 2007 @ 9:59 pm
As a dog lover myself, I am truly saddened by the passing of Skidboot. A one of a kind animal with a huge heart. I’m sure he will be missed by the millions of idividuals who he touched with his amazing abilities and devotion to David. My heart goes out to David and Barbara. Rest in peace dear Skidboot, you will truly be missed..
Comment by Rick — April 19, 2007 @ 2:02 pm
I have cried and cried as I myself once had a very special boy like Skidboot in my life and I know the pain of losing them. Skidboot was one in a million and they are so fortunate to have shared their lives with him for so long. I wish them the best and hope they live on the wonderful memories they all made together. Thank you for sharing your great boy with us all and bless you.
Comment by Patricia Stanton — June 14, 2007 @ 9:03 am
I have been watching videos, tv progams and web sites about Skidboot for some time now. Skidboot has and still is touching my life. I have shared him with my friends. I am an animal lover myself and I know how hard it is to lose one. I read web sites like this one, cry and read more. Thank you for being the person you are and God bless you.
Comment by Tommy — December 14, 2009 @ 10:37 am