Stars in The Rookie© ABC

The Rookie star shares heartbreaking loss while supported by co-star Nathan Fillion

The Rookie actor shared a post about the heartbreaking loss 

TV & Film Editor
March 30, 2023

The Rookie star Melissa O’Brien has shared the very sad news that her beloved dog Hercules has died after being diagnosed with cancer back in 2022. 

Sharing a series of photos of her beloved dog, including a framed photo of Hercules surrounded by flowers, Melissa wrote: "Bubz. I miss you very much. Thank you for loving me unconditionally in the way that you did. Thank you for being such an ambassador for your breed. You really helped people heal their feelings around big dogs, around pitbulls… around dogs in general.

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"Herc’s ashes are coming home tomorrow and I felt that it would help me turn the page, invite in the new paradigm, and this new season by sharing this with you guys here. Hope that’s alright… For myself, for those interested, or those walking a similar path with a dog diagnosed with a terminal illness. Hercules was amazing. Cancer is a tenacious and heartbreaking teacher.

Melissa O’Neil's dog Hercules has died

"Hercules was loving and graceful beyond imagination as he endured through incredible pain in his body. I really wish that there had been a way to make it all go away." 

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Her co-stars were quick to respond, with Jenna Dewan writing: "Ohhhh Melissa I’m so so sorry for your loss, sending you all my love," while Kate Drummond added: "My heart breaks reading this… and knowing what your heart is going through. I’m so sorry my friend. So deeply sorry."

© Instagram

Melissa O’Neil's dog Hercules

Melissa also revealed that her friends gave a 'gift of life' to a charity in memory of Hercules and saved a dog named Daryl, and asked fans to share the word to give Daryl a good home. Her co-star on the hit show, Nathan Fillion, also supported Melissa by sharing the sweet post on his own Instagram stories. We hope Daryl will find his forever home soon! 

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