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In Memory of Skidboot: 1992-2007

April 28, 2007, 12:0AM MT

By Jennifer S Hayes

A Texas original crosses the Rainbow Bridge

A Texas original crosses the Rainbow Bridge

By David Hartwig

On March 25, 2007, Skidboot, the Christmas present in 1992 to Barbara Hartwig from her husband, David Hartwig, departed this life for the vast beyond. Skidboot was predeceased by his mother, Blue Belle, a Blue Heeler. Skidboot never had any offspring.

Skidboot became a national treasure when he won the Pet Star competition on Animal Planet in 2003. Many people came to see him at the State Fair of Texas for over five years and at many performances he and his human partner gave at various venues over 14 years of his life. He had many fans who wrote him and enjoyed his shows. He paw printed many pictures for people who came to see him and shook their hands in friendship. Jay Leno stated he was the smartest dog he had ever seen. Oprah was amazed at his acumen when he was on her show (two times). Other TV hosts were David Letterman, Crook and Chase, Inside Edition, Fox 4 News, Good Morning Texas, Soup, Texas Country Reporter, educational film about Thomas Edison, and numerous others. He published his own DVD entitled “Skidboot Making Friends,” a children’s story. His human partner, David Hartwig, and Ron Westmoreland wrote a book about his early adventures.

There was a brief private burial ceremony on the ranch where he lived his whole life attended by David, Barbara, Oliver, Bois d’Arc, Little Skidboot, Tie-Down, and Marshmallow. There is a limestone marker at the grave which is surrounded by a simple fence. He was buried with a favorite toy. Skidboot will be missed by many people.

As a memorial, David and Barbara ask that donations to local animal shelters be made in Skidboot's name.

See the beloved Skidboot in action in the following Texas Country Reporter Video.

Reprinted with permission by Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends Network

Photo credit: picture of Skidboot, reprinted with permission by David Hartwig

Comments

Posted May 13, 2007, 8:22AM by siankolio

Today is my first day to be in the network and I'm so sad to see this post. I saw Skidboot win Pet Stars and was totally amazed by him! What a wonderful dog. I know he will be greatly missed, and there will never be another like him. It sounds like he had a wonderful life, and wonderful pet parents! He's now showing his tricks to all the animals who wait for us at the Rainbow Bridge!

Posted July 23, 2007, 4:33AM by csallen02

so sorry to hear of skidboot, i know just how you feel because we lost our baby march 5,2006 and it just like losing a family member and they are,she would have been 14 years old in two month. it takes a lot out of you!! Life don't seems the same after you lose your pet!!

Posted August 14, 2007, 1:52PM by peruna74

Don't know if this will get to David & Barbara, but I just saw the wonderful TV piece on Skidboot. What a wonderful boy. I'm so sorry you had to say good-bye to him. I lost my little girl three years ago & I know just how important our pets are to us & some, more special than others.

Posted December 29, 2008, 8:9PM by FBTutor

I'm so sorry to hear of Skidboot's passing. I saw him on Animal Planet and on Letterman. He was an amazing, awesome boy. I just saw the Texas Country video of him and was about to send an email recommending a Vet who only specializes on animals eyes to help Skidboot as he was going blind and then I learn he passed away. God bless him and you all. Beautiful dog...