Beloved K9 who became famous on the TODAY Show passes away at 6 years old
It’s been a sad week for the people around Wrangler, a service dog who captured people’s hearts since he started his job in 2016. The Labrador Retriever was as kind-spirited and loving as Retrievers go, and he was quite the personality too.
Now, his handler, Saxon Eastman, broke the heartbreaking news that the precious Labrador passed away at the young age of 6.
Wrangler was introduced to everyone in 2015. The “Puppy with a purpose” made his debut on The Today Show, and has been a part of their family ever since. He slept there, played there, and made friends there. The Today Show’s hosts and audience were absolutely head over heels for the pup.
In the 5-6 years that Wrangler spent around his family, he did nothing but make everyone’s day better.
He patrolled the premises of the Today Show, trained as a service dog for disabled folks, and met more famous faces than any of us ever have. He was a star, even though the concept of stardom is probably lost on a dog’s mind.
Labrador Retrievers have always loved to make folks happy. Wrangler’s affectionate relationship with all his friends and family was a mutual one.
He made them happy and seeing them smile probably made him happy too.
As a service dog, he was also trained to assist people with difficulty of moving. He’d been trained how to help people up the stairs, walk ahead of them, and be an all-’round help to someone who needed it. As a Labrador Retriever, he probably had a blast doing it too.
Wrangler made a ton of friends, many of whom wished they could take him home themselves.
He appeared in over 160 shows and was part of everyone’s life.
Some members of the staff even began to consider him their own personal dog, before dealing with the reminder that he was everyone’s dog.
But after those 6 years of pure joy and love came an unexpected goodbye.
Wrangler may have had a big heart, but his liver wasn’t in as good condition. The puppy with a purpose suffered from liver disease at the age of 6 and eventually passed away. No doubt, his sudden passing probably saddened everyone he knew.
Saxon Eastman, his handler, broke the unfortunate news on Instagram.
After more than 5 years and 160 show appearances, Wrangler had to cut things short and say goodbye.
Truly, it seemed like he was too sweet to remain on Earth. I guess this angel had to sniff and wag his way back to heaven.
Cherish and love your pets whenever you can. There’s never any guarantee that you’ll all be together tomorrow, no matter how many tomorrows have already come. Your pets don’t live nearly as long as you. While they may just be part of your life, to them, you’re their entire life.
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