A Texas original crosses the Rainbow Bridge
By David HartwigOn 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