16 years later, Worth watching all the way through. Two special spirits put together by God. Rest In Peace, Skidboot.

Skidboot left this life on Mar. 25, 2007. He was an inspiration and gave joy the millions worldwide

Made me cry. I had to put down my beloved heeler after 19 years.Best dog I ever had. RIP skidboot and my dog bomber.,

Since my WIFE passed away last September, My best friend is my dog MAGGIE MAY. She might not be as smart as SKIDBOOT was but I LOVE her just as much as DAVID LOVED SKIDBOOT. My hat off to you DAVID. GOD BLESS.

Sir you are an amazing human shame we dont have more like you

Wonderful story. My uncle had a heeler up in Idaho, an amazing dog. She knew his signals to turn some cows left or right and to herd them where he needed them to be. She saved my neck once when he and my aunt took a mini-vacation while I babysat the farm. Their horses almost got loose except for the dog who knew where they were supposed to be. She saved the day.

If love could have saved him, he would have lived forever.

RIP Skidboot. May you live on forever with the invention of video. Thank you for sharing. Makes me miss my own babies who are gone but not forgotten. Man's and women's best friends ever!

If you don't shed a tear watching this I don't know if you have a heart.

This is amazing! My heeler is very emotional. If she sees that you are distressed or need a pick me up, she wiil give you her paw and look you in the eye. This breed is something special.

What a beautiful story. Made me cry. All I can say is God bless you both. And I think Skidboot may have just opened up a Heaven for animals. Really. You do have a ministry. And one of the best. St. Francis cared for God's creatures and you are doing the same. God has, and will continue to bless you. Thanks for the video. Sharing it with everyone.

I have tears in my eyes. I remember seeing this amazing man and dog on Pet Star years ago. I am so glad this is still on youtube. Thank you David for your love for animals and I hope you have enjoyed many happy times w/ Skidboots offspring since his passing. He will NEVER be forgotten and you are amazing !

The owner is just as amazing as the dog.

Here I am 2 years later and I probably will be here in another two years. I love this dog too, I've watched him in so many different videos I've lost count. Yes, David Hartwig is lucky to have had a dog as good and as smart as "Skidboot". I'm sorry I didn't get to see him in life. Thank you, David Hartwig, for sharing Skidboot with all of us.

I remember him coming to my school when I was little! RIP Skidboot! You will always have a special place in my heart!

This is a beautiful story. I wish all dogs could have a home like this. This makes me feel so happy. Houston, Tx.

I remember watching him years ago. I finally got my 1st blue heeler about 4 months ago. My beautiful Bella. And she is amazing. I've owned numerous breeds of dogs but I've never saw anything like these dogs. I'm hooked for life.

It’s 2021 and I just adopted my very first heeler. I’ve had dogs of all kinds in my 60 years of life. But this one is indeed special. I couldn’t help but think of beautiful Skidboot. I will always be a fan. Now if I and my Tippy can only strive to live up to him! RIP beautiful boy. ♥️

David and Skidboot are too much. i can't stop crying. what a loving humble man. and what a wonderful awesome dog. RIP Skidboot.

I heard this story so many years ago and I never forgot it. I love this man and skidboot, what an amazing story.

This man has the right idea about life and living : ) Loved this!!!! the simple things in life are the best and are the most memorable!

One BA grad interviewing another BA Grad! Long live the memory of Skidboot and God Bless David for sharing and bringing Skidboot to the rest of the world!

i love how aussie and american farmers are so similiar with there healers, glad you americans love them as much as we do in aus makes me proud

David-you are awesome. You and Skidboot were meant to be-you both got more out of life because you had each other. He sure was an amazing dog, and an even more amazing friend. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Awesome dog, thanks for sharing him...

I would not care to know any of the 330 people who did not like this story.

skidboot made me smile and laugh. that's one more person he made a difference to. you should be proud. today I will raise my glass to you David Hartwig. thank you.

The one problem with Heelers is that is it difficult to have a dog who is smarter than you are. Wonderful dog, wonderful man.

imagine if everyone was as decent and genuine as this man.

How amazing is it that a dog that lived many miles away and passed away 6 years ago still tugs the heartstrings of strangers? It brought a tear or two to this stranger. Thank you for making and uploading this video.

About 15 or so years ago, my (now EX) husband and I went to the Texas state fair. Skidboot was there doing a show. David asked for a volunteer to race Skidboot, and picked my husband. My husband lost. Fun day.

I will never forget your dog

This man is amazing ^^ he does my horses hooves and has done my rescues hooves. She's not to tame yet. ^^ he's also amazing to talk to he's so cool!!!

David is my Ferrier and he is amazing. He's such a funny man too.

Hope I'm not the only one who burst into tears when learning that Skidboot is going blind. I wish he could live forever.

This story brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it. The bond and unconditional love between Skidboot and his "Dad" is so touching.

Beautiful in every way! 💗

Dogs are better than most people

Cattle Dogs are my absolute favorite Breed. 20 years ago I had an ACD I named Titus. He & I were inseparable. To the best of my wife's & my knowledge, Titus was the 1st ACD in U.S. History to be accepted for Search-&-Rescue training. He was, as many people who knew him put it, MY Dog. He came down with Epilepsy and at 17 Months old, he ripped my Heart out. We now have a 13 Year Old ACD named Nekoda, whom I also love with all my Heart. He has won a number of local competitions and my wife keeps him active with 4H Classy Canines. I also taught him the left & Right Paw things that Skidboot knows. When its bedtime, Nekoda has always jumped into the bed with us. He gets between my wife & I, where He'll put his head on my chest and go right to sleep. I understand fully the Bond this man has with Skidboot-I have the same bond with Nekoda. But, the most AMAZING thing Nekoda does is that he knows when my Blood Sugar goes too low and he has twice literally saved my life! Nekoda's age is catching up to him, and now at bedtime either my wife or I has to lift him onto the bed, where he still lays his head on my chest and goes right to sleep. When his time to leave us finally does come, this is how I'm praying that God will let Nekoda go out. For all these years Nekoda has always been there for me, and I pray with all my Heart that I can be there for him when that moment comes. I want him to go to sleep in my arms, and for Nekoda's & my last memories of each other is to know how each was loved by the other.

omg I'm in tears! this dog is so sweet! I love him! I am so like idek I'm bawling right now. that's so sad and what he said about if God gives them a thunderstorm they will get through it together and if God gives him a blind dog he will lead him all the way... I'm so so so sad right now. the bonding they had together. that just encourages me to try and have that bonding with my boxer!!

I remember watching David and Skidboot on petstar. The bond between them was almost tangible and I tear up a little every time I watch their older videos. I'm glad David continued Skidboot's legacy with his offspring.

Skidboot was an amazing dog who was so incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful, loving, "owner". RIP Skidboot! Good luck with your new pups, David! I'm sure they'll love every minute with you, and do Skidboot proud!

Tears of joy buddy. My cattle dog is 5 now... I could ramble on about how amazing he is, how agile, acrobatic, smart, loving, loyal, etc he is.... but I won't. But I could. :) Incredible animal. Thank you Australia. - Chase in Houston

I don't think there will ever be a dog as smart as "Skidboot", I wish he was still here with us, he is actually, in spirit. God Bless you, Skidboot.

God Bless this man for having the heart to keep his love and election for his dog whatever comes their way. Skidboot your a wonderful companion for this couple and A wonder, god made you with purpose.

Thank you for sharing your story. This is the kind of stuff we should see more of : )

i remember this dog.. he will be missed, never forgot him ever since i first saw him many years ago

Thanks for your amazing story. ACDs, love them so much. Your relationship with skidboot is heartfelt. Worst thing about pets is that we out-live them :( Thanks for sharing! RIP Skidboot.

An incredible amazing story, loved it. The bond between a man/woman and their dog is a beautiful thing. I wish that I could train my dog 1/10 of what of Skidboot knew. Rest in Peace faithful dog.

My buddy passed away 2.5 yrs ago and it still hurts inside I miss him so much.

one of your best Bob , watched when it first aired , amazing dog and man , I have enjoyed all of your work , keep these stories coming , and thank you Mr and Mrs Phillips 👍👍

Such a good story. I'm all teared up.

I remember him coming to our school when I was in middle school, they did an awesome show!

What an amazing friendship y’all have with one another. I am a huge Australian Cattle Dog Fan and have had four in my life. Sarge is the one I have now. He started out being a foster but quickly realized he had picked me to be the forever home. Sarge has similar personality as Skidboot and I have started showing him many tricks and started a blog on KZfaq. You did an amazing job with Skidboot.

Beautiful & heartwarming. Made me cry because I love my dog that much too!

I hugged my blue heeler/ Australian shepherd after watching this.

When Texas was still Texas. Enjoy the memories y’all. It’s coming to an end 😭

It is August 2019. I assume this badass of a dog has since passed. Either way. From all of us, Skidboot, you da best doggo!

Had a heeler since I was 15, I'll have one for the rest of my life. Those dogs are by far Thee most loyal, intelligent, dedicated dog I've ever had

I loved Skidboot and remember what a superstar he was!!!! He was a guest star on every tv show. What a great dog and dedicated owner.

Awe inspiring story of such an amazing nd talented 4-legged star SKIDBOOT! I watched your entire story of such a beautiful relationship between a cowboy nd his best friend! U both were lucky nd loved by one another, definitely a gift nd blessings from God! I cried like a baby, but i know u miss him much nd hes up in doggt heaven entertaining 4ever young! Love ya SKIDBOOT coming from all the way in Hawaii! Wish u visited here too!

Brings back many memories as a child on the family farm!

I just ran across this by chance today and I'm so happy I did! RIP Skidboot, this brought a lot of joy and happy tears today, thank you buddy.

The ultimate story of man and his best friend, this is truly beautiful and something that seems to be forgotten amidst the average household that owns a dog or more. Brought tears to my eyes.

What a brilliant dog RIP man, will be missed

I personally cry each and every-time I see this vid. old SKIDDER--REMINDS ME SO MUCH OF MY OLD "LADY"--WHO IS NOW GONE!!

I have watched this maybe 10x over the years. One of the best real-life stories I have ever heard. Still awesome, pure, simple, beautiful. Blue heelers are such a fantastic breed! I have a heeler mix and he is so smart, sensitive, athletic, perceptive, obedient, never needs a leash, and is just a gift from God to me, like Skidboot was to David. I love my dog, too, David.

Amazing story! I had tears of joy and sorrow watching that beautiful video.

I am amazed at how emotional this video made me. I was literally moved to tears when I saw their connection and I don't usually cry for a lot of things. lol The love David had for Skidboot and the loyalty and admiration Skidboot had for David was incredible and it's not something I see everyday. I cried through the whole thing and by the end, my eyes were red and I realized how many freakin' tears were on my face. R.I.P. Skidboot

Fascinating talent and a heartwarming story.

You are the luckiest cowboy ever, to realize the gift you have brought to this world, with the special love and adoration that both you and your dog had for each other. I am so touched, my heart at seeing this video and learning your story. Rest In Peace, Skidboot. Thankyou so much for your sharing.

Thank you for sharing your wonderful dog with the world, David. And thank you for showing all of us what real men are and should be. God bless.

I live in south Texas.. I have an 8-year-old blue heeler named Smokey. Very smart, calm, loyal, and obedient dog with my family but is very aggressive toward strangers.. He can sense a family car coming from a few blocks away and will run around the front and backyard barking up a storm to check the perimeter for bad guys.. We just got him a buddy.. A little red heeler who is coming on a year old now, we named him Canelo like Canelo Alvarez the prizefighter/pro boxer (red hair similarity). Little dude is a firecracker always going 100%.. He's learned almost everything from smokey and they now defend the house together As best buds. Smokey does most of the tricks but Canelo will never tire lose interest in a good game of fetch lol Love them

love that dog. that whispering was sweet.after all these years i am touched in my soul by skidboot. dont forget, he will be at the rainbow bridge

Amazing Dog & owner. R.I.P. Skid Boot. You will be missed. Thank you for bringing so much joy to so many people & your owners.

My husband and I watched this 15 years ago and were in awe of Skidboot. I am quite certain he has passed on now, but I hope he also passed on his genes and his brilliance to his children. God bless his memory and bless the gentleman who raised him.

omg i started crying at about half way through. i love dogs and this is an amazing story

Omg just amazing! i have the exact same dog, identical in every detail and just as smart. Skidbot had to be a Smithfield aussie cattle dog and the best dogs in the world! RIP Skidboot. Bloody good boy

You're the luckiest cowboy and skidboot was an amazing dog! My first time watching this video, I love it, you're a great and man! God bless you bless you!! I just love dogs🐾

I love this, my buddy has been gone many years. Almost time to adopt another - Thanks

I just adopted my blue heeler today,and man this is the smartest dog I have ever had. Watching this man and his heeler inspires us. Me and Dakota have allot to learn!. RIP Skidboot.

This dog is amazing!!!:)

I remember seeing him on a tv show performance. Amazing dog that i would be proud of and great family member. R.I.P. Skidboots.

RIP Skidboot. You have a legacy that will never be forgotten. Thank you.

This is an amazing dog i cant believe how trained he is i cried when i found out he died! :)

A mans best friend❤️

Amazing story!!! Loved this!!! No one knows the love a dog can give until they have one. So glad I was able to see this! What a beautiful and brilliant dog that shared his love and talent with people all around the world.

A very touching story. David is a very humble gentleman with a positive outlook on life.

He's got some McNab in him- Smartest dogs ever !!

oh hes to cute! what a smart doggie, i love him.

I didn't cry, but I did smile from ear to ear! I hope Skidboot has a brand new flatbed , fill in your favorite pickup brand here, to jump in and out of and plenty of yearlings to keep in line in cow dog heaven. Thank you David!

Amazing dog and humble man!

Why do videos like this have dislikes?

Oh man that was so much feels. I only wish I can love something/someone that much

Wonderful...just wonderful...what an amazing dog and God bless you David, for loving Skidboot so much!!

Aww. :( When David said they'll get through this together, the dog going blind and the performances being numbered, that teared me up.

Not gonna lie but I shed a tear or two… then I punched a few holes in the wall to regain my manliness.

I can so relate! I've never had a child but I did have a wonderful golden retriever that was I felt my child. I so miss him!

I had the honor of seeing Skidboot at the State Fair of Texas way back when. I never forgot his name and saw him again many times on television over the years. His passing was reported on the local local news in Dallas/Fort Worth. I cried when I heard and cried again watching this video. What a dear, gentle man is David Hartwig. I hope every dog in David's life is just like Skidboot.

I've just watched your video and I've been fortunate enough to have owned a red cattle and live in Australia. His name was Patch and my vet used to look at him and say ... geez you can see the dingo in them. To me it doesn't matter what country your from it shows that dogs can bring happiness and companionship to anybody. This video was some time ago so not sure if he's still with you. I hope you keep this loyal breed in your life