For several days, millions of people watched Simon — a 7-year-old Jindo-skewing mix — journey toward taking his final breath.
The internet-famous dog, described by Isabel Klee as her “soulmate,” died the way he lived, surrounded by love and attention. Known for being right by Klee’s side as she fostered dogs, Simon was seen by his followers as a patient, steady figure for the frightened animals who sometimes came into their home. After Klee announced his death on July 25, tributes flowed on social media for the little dog whose cancer diagnosis was revealed in May.
Some followers reflected on how influential Simon and Klee’s journey had been on their own lives. One person posted about being moved to also start fostering, while another pointed out that animals like Simon teach those who care for them “how to be a grownup.”
Klee was scheduled to speak with CNN for this story before Simon’s health took a turn for the worse. She announced on social media the next day that she and her fiancé, Jacob Zerhusen, had decided to let their beloved pup go.
Pet influencers bring a lot of joy to the internet, but Klee and Simon’s story is a reminder that this joy has its limits. Even famous animals don’t live nearly as long as their humans and the millions who adore them from afar wish they would.
