Josh Groban Posts Heartfelt Tribute After His Dog Passed Away

August 28, 2020

For those of us who have dogs, we know that the eventuality of them leaving this world is there, but no matter how much you prepare for it, it’s always a blow. And currently, singer Josh Groban is morning the loss of his beloved dog of sixteen years, Sweeney. In a loving post, he paid tribute to the pup.

The 39-year-old singer known for “You Raise Me Up,” posted the announcement on Friday that his best canine buddy had passed away earlier in the week. In the post, he put together pictures of the late Sweeney over the years. Alongside the photos of Sweeney on Instagram, Groban included a very touching message about his pup.

In his message, he wrote, “On March 13, 2004 a fluffy, wiggly, explosion of love entered my life. Holding him in my arms the first time, taking him home, introducing him to my world and him immediately trusting me to become his. It was the beginning of what would become one of the greatest soul connections of my life. Anyone who has loved a pet understands that the time you spend together…the boundless joys of the celebrated moments, the quiet calm during the storms, it’s a bind unlike anything else. They are family.”

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On March 13, 2004 a fluffy, wiggly, explosion of love entered my life. Holding him in my arms the first time, taking him home, introducing him to my world and him immediately trusting me to become his. It was the beginning of what would become one of the greatest soul connections of my life. Anyone who has loved a pet understands that the time you spend together…the boundless joys of the celebrated moments, the quiet calm during the storms, its a bond unlike anything else. They are family. For 16 extraordinary years I watched him grow…from a rascal puppy to an adventure buddy to a calm and dignified senior dog slowed only by tired body, never by his sharp mind. The time has flown far too fast. After many months of showing the kind of strength and willpower to keep moving I can only hope to have one day, his body had enough. Sweeney passed away late Tuesday night. I am grateful beyond measure to have been with him in his final moments. He’s back to running in the wind. I am deeply heartbroken. I will be for some time. But the grief of loss is the price we pay for the gift of love. It is worth every tear and I will miss him every day. He had so many friends….I want to thank everyone who made his life so special and kept him so healthy. You know who you are. To the fans who made him a real road legend, who made paintings and sent toys and knew his awesomeness throughout my career…thank you. You made it so fun. If you wish to honor his memory please donate in his name to the ASPCA or your local rescue shelter. Go love an animal. Bring one into your life. There is so much love awaiting. I love you Sweeney.

A post shared by Josh Groban (@joshgroban) on Aug 21, 2020 at 11:51am PDT

His message certainly is one that can move you to tears if you’ve ever had the privilege of having a dog. Furthering his very moving tribute message, Groban went on to reminisce about the wonderful times that the two shared during the 16 years together. He recalled watching his beloved Sweeney grow from a little pup into an adult and finally into an adorable senior pooch.

Sharing more about their relationship, Groban noted that the time had passed just too quickly. He was also open with fans about how impressive Sweeney’s resilience was, and how he kept going until the day that he literally could not. Groban was very happy that he was able to be beside this friend in his final moments. As anyone can imagine, Groban is completely devasted by the death of Sweeney – something that we all feel for him.

At the end of his memorial for his dog, Groban thanked his fans for the outpouring of love and support. He added that if anyone wanted to do something to honor Sweeney’s memory, that they please donate to a local shelter or ASPCA in Sweeney’s name.