Grieving shelter dogs comforted officer dying from cancer. Now they need ‘a hero’
Two grieving dogs comforted an officer dying from cancer, and now they wait for a “hero” to adopt them.
“These two sweet brothers have known nothing but love and loyalty,” a South Carolina animal shelter wrote July 3 on Facebook. “They were the constant companions of Officer William Bove — a devoted public servant who spent his life protecting others, serving both the NYPD and Greenville Police Department with courage and compassion. Officer Bove recently lost his battle with cancer.”
After experiencing the tragic loss, the Greenville Humane Society doesn’t want the officer’s dogs to be separated. Instead, Gus and Bruno must be adopted together.
“These boys are grieving,” the shelter wrote. “They’ve lost their person, their home, and the life they knew. But their hearts remain full of love. Gentle, loyal, and ready to give it to a new family.”
Gus and Bruno are described as 3-year-old pups who show affection toward one another. While Bove was sick, the pair comforted him and acted as his “faithful shadows,” the shelter wrote on social media and in an email to McClatchy News.
“His family entrusted his precious fur babies to our care, and we are trying our best to find them a home that will adore them as much as Officer Bove did,” the humane society wrote.
As of July 7, the shelter’s website still listed the mixed-breed dogs as being in need of a new owner. Details about the animal organization’s adoption process can be found at greenvillehumane.com.
“They are a bonded pair with the sweetest dispositions,” the shelter wrote. “They are deeply family-oriented, and have so much love still to give. We’re asking for a hero — someone willing to open their heart and home to these two incredible dogs. Officer Bove gave so much to his community. Let’s honor his legacy by making sure his boys are safe, loved, and home again.”
This story was originally published July 7, 2025 at 10:39 AM with the headline "Grieving shelter dogs comforted officer dying from cancer. Now they need ‘a hero’."
