Wake up with a Smile

Join our newsletter

Alarmed Neighbors See Golden Retriever Sitting On Roof — Then Spot The Note On His Door

A distant view of a golden retriever sitting near the edge of a roof.

Most of the time, when you see a dog sitting on a roof, it’s cause for alarm. But that’s never been the case with Huckleberry. In 2017, this beloved dog went viral for frequently spending time on his humans’ roof. Not only did this happen all of the time, but kind folks would be so concerned, they’d try and alert whoever was home. While this was nice, understandably, this got old for Huckleberry’s owners.

In turn, they created an adorable sign that hung next to their front door. They used it to explain that Huckleberry learned how to jump onto the roof from the backyard. Knowing this, they never let him go to the backyard unless someone is home.

A two-photo collage. The first shows a dog, Huckleberry, sitting on a roof. The photo was taken at a distance. The second image shows a sign that features an image of Huckleberry smiling. The sign reads: 

Huckleberry is living up to his name and learned how to jump onto our roof from the backyard. We never leave him in the backyard without someone being at home. He will not jump off unless you entice him with food or a ball!

We appreciate your concern but please do no knock on our door... we know he's up there! But please feel free to take pictures of him and share with the world! #hucktheroofdog
Reddit

“We appreciate your concern but please do no knock on our door… we know he’s up there!” their sign reads. “But please feel free to take pictures of him and share with the world! #hucktheroofdog”

Locals were quick to do just that. In no time, Huckleberry went viral, prompting his owners to make social media accounts for the beloved pup. Over the next six years, he went on to have a positive impact on countless folks.

A man takes a selfie with his golden retriever, Huckleberry. Behind them is an exterior wall with a sign on it that tells neighbors to not be alarmed when the dog is on the roof.
imgur

This can be seen in multiple ways, including a book that was based on this adventurous dog. Fittingly, it’s called Huck the Roof Dog. And it’s all about a golden retriever who hops around the rooves of Austin, Texas, offering help to little kids who need him.

Then, last year, Huckleberry experienced health issues. He was eventually diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma. Months later, he sadly passed away in October 2023. This news was devastating to his family and fans alike.

Huckleberry the “Roof Dog” Leaves Behind a Joyful Legacy

Huckleberry smiles, tongue out, as he stands near the edge of a roof.
Instagram

“My sweet Huckleberry,” a post on his Instagram account reads. “You were one of the biggest loves of my life. The joy you brought the world could have never been expected but you were beyond special so it all made sense.”

Although he is gone, the joy Huckleberry brings folks continues to this day. This is his legacy, and his humans couldn’t be more proud of that fact.

Screenshot of an Instagram post showcasing a note from a phone. It reads: We are beyond grateful for all the love and support all of you have shown us. We can't possibly respond to everyone but please know we are reading each and every comment and message. There have been thousands. The love and joy Huckleberry brought shows the power of community. In times like these, when there is so much pain in the world, I am reminded of the goodness of humanity and why we kept this account going. We are now trying to think of how we can use this page in Huck's name to continue to create good in this world. We know he would want that. Stay tuned and again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Instagram

“I know you’re in heaven and you’ve found the perfect roof to perch on to watch over us, probably with a ball (or three) in your mouth,” the post continues. “… I’ll love and miss you forever, my sweet boy.”

You can find the source of this story’s featured image here.

Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.