Sporty, a 12-year-old Golden Retriever, is a Chicago hero and Instagram legend.  This independent spirit is so friendly and outgoing that he carries his own leash while walking busy Chicago streets with David, his human, much to the delight of the locals.  Sporty’s self-walking was featured on The Dodo and, in an instant, captured hearts everywhere, including mine.  A dog that walked himself made everyone smile, and Sporty loved meeting new people so much on his walks he became known as Chicago’s Furry Landmark.

Sporty’s declining health and fight against large cell lymphoma was documented by David on Instagram and followed by thousands.  Unfortunately, the world lost Sporty, and David, who just wanted to share his happy dog with the world, lost his best friend.  Here are some photographs of David and Sporty on one of their final walks together.  Thank you so much for sharing your story with me.