Our pets come into our lives for a short while—they make our lives better, and when they pass we can only be grateful for the love they gave us.
Scout, the beloved star of two popular Super Bowl commercials, has died after a battle with cancer. But he will always be remembered for the impact he had on the world.
The golden retriever was the pet of David MacNeil, the founder and CEO of WeatherTech, and he became the company’s unofficial mascot, starring in their 2019 Super Bowl spot:
But shortly after making his debut, Scout collapsed, and vets found a tumor on his heart.
While the diagnosis was grim, MacNeil refused to give up on the dog and sought out the best medical treatment.
He took him to the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, who put him on an advanced treatment program. Miraculously, the dog’s heart tumors shrank to nearly non-existent sizes with no expense to his quality of life.
The story became the subject of WeatherTech’s commercial at this year’s Super Bowl, which MacNeil used to thank the school for saving his dog.
The ad is narrated by Scout, who calls himself a “lucky dog” for receiving the cutting-edge treatment and encourages people to donate to the veterinary school.
The ad got Scout’s story out into the world, and he helped spread the message of the important work veterinarians are doing.
Sadly, just months after the ad aired, Scout passed away.
“Our beloved Golden Retriever Scout MacNeil has crossed the rainbow bridge into a place where he does not have to fight cancer anymore,” an Instagram post announced.
His heart tumors had begun to bleed, and while doctors were able to stop the bleeding he became anemic and weak. MacNeil had always fought for his dog’s life and gotten him the best care, but his quality of life was always the top priority—and now it was clear the dog was suffering too greatly.
Despite the sadness over his loss, Scout’s owners opted to focus on how great the dog was while he was around.
“Sweet is just the beginning when describing Scout,” the post reads. “He was something larger than life that is hard to put into words. Kind, loving, caring, joyful, happy, intuitive, and brave are just a few. Nonetheless, he had an ability to reach right into your heart and make you feel loved. He lived to love and to be loved.”
And most of all, Scout will be remembered by the millions who were touched by his story through his Super Bowl commercials.
“Scout’s legacy will live on by the lives he touched with his enormous spirit and by bringing international attention to canine cancer and his own personal fight against hemangiosarcoma cancer.”
Rest in peace, Scout! Thank you for bringing hope to dogs with cancer and promoting the important work veterinarians do.
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