Daniel Hove, a former Air Force officer and current assistant fire chief, received support from his family and friends upon discovering he had pancreatic cancer. His 11-year-old lab, Gunner, who stayed by his side through everything, provided the most comforting support.
Despite his 90-pound frame, Daniel can be seen snuggling on his owner’s lap and lying beside the bed in photos from his later years. Gunner made sure to stay within a few inches of his owner at all times.
Daniel’s daughter, Heather Nicoletti, shared with Kare 11, “They were best friends until the end. They were hunting buddies who went everywhere together.”
So, it was no surprise when Daniel’s loyal dog fell ill while he was resting.
His daughter described how deeply connected her father and Gunner were: “When my father was upset, the dog was upset; when my father was restless, the dog was restless.” “Both my father and the dog became unresponsive. Seeing the dog’s condition—his lack of movement and declining health—we realized what was coming.”
As Gunner’s health worsened and he grew more lethargic, Heather knew it was time to euthanize him. She said, “I took him to the vet clinic where I used to work. They took me in quickly, and I had him put to sleep.” An hour and a half later, her father passed away.
Heather found solace in knowing that, despite her grief over losing her father—a wonderful dad, dedicated soldier, beloved community member, and cherished friend—he never had to say goodbye to his faithful dog. She believed Gunner would have been heartbroken by such a separation, as he could not bear to be apart from his best friend.
Heather expressed uncertainty about what would be more traumatic for him: “Whether it’s trying to end his suffering by putting him to sleep, or letting him endure the loss of his father. I believe either scenario would be devastating for him. We knew they were deeply connected; we just didn’t expect it to be so closely timed.”
Heather added, “Without my father, Gunner couldn’t exist. I think he chose to go with him.”
