Harlan, the renowned canine who comforted Mizzou students, has died

Harlan, the Great Pyrenees icon who was known for comforting MU students, passed away Tuesday.

“Our hearts are broken,” a post from owner Cris Wood read on social media announcing his passing. “Harlan had a massive stroke today and we had to put him down. Thank you for all the love you’ve shown him. He had an incredible life.”

Harlan was preceded in death by Harry, who died in 2016.

Students at the University of Missouri recognized Harlan as a local celebrity. The beloved canine could often be found in Speakers Circle, waiting for pets from students on their way to and from class.

Harlan was synonymous with MU’s campus. When the university was encouraging social distancing during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, MU used life-sized cardboard cutouts of Harlan to encourage social distancing.

One popular cutout of the dog featured the words ”emotional support sign” on them, paying respect to Harlan’s unofficial status as an emotional support dog for MU students.

Many students shared tributes for Harlan on social media on Tuesday afternoon.

Many remarked that love from the beloved canine and opportunities to pet him had gotten them through bad days on campus, or feelings of homesickness.

“We will miss Harlan immensely,” MU wrote in response on Instagram. “He brought so much joy to the entire Mizzou community, and brightened so many hearts.”

Students' faces lighted up on Wednesday when asked to share memories of the furry animal.

"He was kind of like our unofficial mascot," said Danni Gafford, a senior from Lone Jack. "Every time I saw him, it was the best part of my week."

Speaking in Memorial Union, Gafford said she feels privileged that Harlan was part of her entire time at MU. She and her friends texted each other about Harlan's location on campus in case one of them hadn't seen him that day.

"He was really, really special," Gafford said. "It was nice to talk to his owners. It was kind of like being adopted."

Harlan's owners were very generous in sharing him with students, said Emily Stork, a junior from Barnhart. She was on Speakers' Circle, a regular location for Harlan. She and other members of the psychology club were selling hot chocolate and cookies as a fundraiser for the club.

"Every time I saw Harlan, he brightened my day," Stork said. "He was the perfect mascot for MU."

"He's fluffy," said Mitchell Norman, a St. Louis-area senior and member of the psychology club. "I only got to pet him a few times."

It's very sad that Harlan died, Norman said.

Harlan was a regular visitor to Speakers Circle, said Ava Tucker, a Columbia senior and psychology club member.

His owner would be nearby as students enjoyed him, she said.

"He was a very iconic dog," Tucker said. "He was very well-trained. Everybody just petted and loved on him."

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Harlan, the renowned canine who comforted Mizzou students, has died