Photo: Heidi Gutman/NBC/NBC Newswire/NBCUniversal via Getty
Wrangler, a canine who stole hearts and raised awareness of service dogs onThe Today Show, has died. He was 6.
The yellowLabradorretrieverdied on Saturday night, after struggling with liver disease, his handler Saxon Eastman announced on Instagram. “I’m sad to write that last night Wrangler passed away suddenly from liver disease,” shewrote. “In his short 6 years, Wrangler did more than most humans.”
“He started a wave of national media coverage for guide and service dogs, he worked as a guide dog, and most importantly, he protected thousands of people everyday as a Connecticut State Police Explosives Detection K9,” Eastman continued.
Wranglerwas introduced onTodayin 2015as their very first “Puppy with A Purpose,” when he was just 10 weeks old. In partnership with the New York nonprofitGuiding Eyes for the Blind, the show documented his training to become a guide dog.
Heidi Gutman/NBC/NBC Newswire/NBCUniversal via Getty
On Tuesday, theToday Showpaid tribute to Wrangler’s life and time on the show with a sweet video montage showing his arrival as a puppy and his impact on the staff — saying he had been with the staff for nearly 300 shows and 600 treats.
Todayproducer Sandy Lee also reacted to the news on Twitter, as she reflected on working with the pup. “Ugh, heartbroken. Wrangler was the best co-worker and such a sweet boy. He lit up the studio with joy and helped me through some tough work times. Thank you, Wrangler, for your service and your friendship,” shewrote. “I hope heaven has endless treats for you.”
The good boygraduated from the Connecticut State Police detection dog programin December 2019, specializing in explosive detection. He partnered with Trooper First Class Kevin Reed in the Mass Transit Unit, patrolling trains and train stations between New Haven, Connecticut, and New York City.
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“I’m so grateful to Kevin and his family for giving Wrangler the most incredible life, and for loving him so much,” Eastman concluded. “It’s never lost on me how lucky I am to have known this dog. Love you, Wrangles.”
source: people.com
