“We first met Apollo when he was just four weeks old, and it was love at first sight. He was the most vocal of the group, and that never changed. When we brought him home at eight weeks old, he completely re-energized our family. It was as if he brought the puppy spirit back out in our other three dogs. He fit right in from the very beginning. He was the missing piece to our puzzle. We used to joke that we should have named him Loki because he was so mischievous. We have a pond behind our house, and our three big dogs would go out for a swim or walk around the bank, somehow make their way into a neighbor’s yard, and then off they’d go. Despite being fenced in everywhere except the lake, we would find them cruising around the neighborhood—a Mastiff, a Bernese, and a Golden Retriever. They had their own little gang, and they never met a stranger. I was late for work more than once because I was driving around looking for them. 🤣
Apollo loved everyone, but he was also our alarm system. The second someone arrived, he was quick to let us know—loudly and enthusiastically. He just loved people and got so excited whenever someone came around.
I called Apollo my soul dog. He was my loyal companion, and the connection we shared was on another level. I feel like I was robbed of the time we should have had together. He was only five years old when he crossed the rainbow bridge, and we were completely unprepared. Everything happened so quickly.
If sharing Apollo’s story could help even one family recognize what he went through or help one dog avoid experiencing the same thing, then his life—and his far-too-early passing—can have an even greater meaning.
Apollo was so deeply loved, and he will always be a part of our family. ❤️” – Fine Family
We at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine are deeply grateful for the generosity of Apollo’s family and for allowing his legacy to live on through his remarkable contributions to science and education. His gift will help advance research, inspire learning, and make a lasting difference in the lives of both animals and people. May he rest in peace.
If you are interested in donating to the Rainbow Bridge Memorial (for research and education), please contact the Clinical Trials Office at vm-clinicalstudies@ufl.edu.