Brixton, the golden retriever who won the hearts of countless San Franciscans over the past 12 years, passed away this Monday, next to his favorite human and wrapped in floral regalia.
Amid ongoing (and worsening) health issues, Brixton made his final public appearance in San Francisco last week. An enormous crowd showed up to honor — say goodbye, shed cathartic tears, hug his fluff — the beloved doggo in Union Square on December 4th, where Brixton and his favorite human were inundated with tenderness.
Brixton, who, after overcoming digestive issues and other ailments, was diagnosed with a terminal cancer diagnosis earlier this year, found himself at Crissy Field on Monday, the Golden Gate Bridge framed in the backdrop. And in the “blink of an eye,” Brixton, saddled with love, peacefully passed away.
“In the blink of an eye, a whole chapter of an amazing life closed without any warning on Monday,” reads a post on his official Instagram, which is handled by his owner. “The most beautiful mystical being that ever touched down on earth was spirited away by a bevy of angels.”
Brixton was beloved and “so important,” making it fit to send him off to the great beyond in an equally magnificent way — “he exited this realm at Crissy Field, his happy place.”
Small animal veterinarian Dr. Ken Gorczyca was present to help Brixton make the transition as painless and effortless as possible. Boutique dog food maker MISHKA provided organic cakes and treats for him to enjoy as a final treat for being a very good, good boy on this mortal coil.
“Hoping all his besties + new friends are there to welcome him home with open paws, “ reads the post in closing. “Run free + healthy again, sweetest golden boy. Thank you for a lifetime of love. You’re one of a kind, my unicorn in fur. All my love.”
Tributes to Brixton quickly came pouring in after his farewell post was published on Thursday, December 11. Commenters “thanked him for everything,” noted his “sweet nature,” and were sure to comment on how he was sent off — “We should all want to leave this realm in such a way,” one commenter notes. (We couldn’t agree more.)
There will never be another Brixton, and the paw-size hole he’s left in our hearts will be felt for some time. Between his passing and Claude’s untimely, far less ceremonial death last week has made for a rather somber December.
