Neil Patrick Harris Pens Heartbreaking Tribute After Golden Retriever 'Ella' Passes

On Wednesday, July 17, Neil Patrick Harris shared a horrible and heartbreaking entry into his Wondercade newsletter that his beautiful Golden Retriever named Ella died in a freak accident.

The Emmy award winning actor explained that “late last week,” he and his husband, David Burtka, were vacationing in New Hampshire while their 13-year-old twins, Harper and Gideon, were away at summer camp. Meanwhile, their close friend Michael was watching the family’s four dogs. Harris was awakened the morning after the couple arrived with a tragic phone call.

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Harris wrote in his Wondercade newsletter what happened during this awful phone call. It's just too hard to even read.  He said he groggily answered the phone to Michael saying, "Ella is dead.”

He sounded quiet, stoic. “I found her in the front yard, lying in the grass. It seems like a tree branch had somehow gotten caught in her collar, and in trying to get it free, she rolled around on the ground and it wrapped around her neck.” His voice was breaking now, fighting for breath or understanding. “She must have choked or been strangled or something. Part of the branch is stuck in her mouth. But she’s dead. Ella’s dead.” He couldn’t go on.

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His entire post is just so beautifully heartbreaking. The love his family had for this dog makes you so incredibly sad for them. He goes on to explain that My grief is pulling me in opposite directions — my fingers are shaking and I’m crying as I type this — and while I’m trying to honor both sides, my brain is so messy and jumbled…I’m at a loss.

Ella was only four-years-old.

Losing a dog is one of the worst things anyone can ever experience and I can't even imagine what this poor family is going through.

I hope in time, even though it will never get easy, I hope that in time for this family it gets easier. Rest in peace sweet Ella.

Ways To Honor Your Beloved Dog That Has Passed

Losing a dog is one of the most heartbreaking experiences a pet owner can ever have, and there are many ways you can commemorate the life your precious pup lived and all the joy and love they brought you.

Certain parks have a rainbow bridge where dog owners can place the collar or tags of a dog that has passed. This is a lovely way you can remember your pup and pay homage to all the other beloved dogs who have passed.

You can plant a memorial garden in your yard and place a stone or path marker with your pups name on it.

You can create a memory book filled with beautiful photos of your dog.

You can light a candle in your dog's honor on their birthday, holidays, or whenever it brings you comfort.

You can adopt or foster a dog in honor or your pet, or make a donation in their name to your local animal shelter or Humane Society.

Our hearts go out to the Harris family and everyone who is mourning the loss of their precious dog.