Cancer surviving dog to star in Super Bowl ad

The story of a golden retriever named Scout is a surefire bet to be a standout among the dozens of ads that will air during the Super Bowl on Sunday.

News 12 Staff

Jan 30, 2020, 4:37 PM

Updated 1,639 days ago

Share:

The story of a golden retriever named Scout is a surefire bet to be a standout among the dozens of ads that will air during the Super Bowl on Sunday.
With sparkling eyes and the tail that always seems to be wagging, Scout, the 7-year-old golden retriever is ready for his shining moment.
Scout will star in a 30-second commercial by car accessories maker Weathertech. Company CEO David MacNeil is also his dad.
Unlike most CEOs, MacNeil wasn’t thinking about a typical budget Super Bowl ad featuring celebrities. "Most people know what we do, but what can we do that's going to have a bigger impact?"
Last summer, Scout collapsed from a cancerous tumor on his heart. The vets near MacNeil's home in Illinois told him there was no hope. "There he was in this little room standing in the corner, and he's wagging his tail at me and I'm like, I'm not putting that dog down. There's just absolutely no way," recalls MacNeil.
So MacNeil and Scout turned to the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. "We throw aggressive therapy at aggressive cancers like Scout's," says David Vail, professor at the School of Veterinary Medicine.
Scout went through chemotherapy and radiation therapy and immunotherapy. Vail says Scout handled everything like a trooper. "He's courageous, very sweet to work with. Scout, as I mentioned, was really the perfect patient."
To MacNeil’s great joy, Scout miraculously recovered. "The great result is, is that that giant tumor that made him collapse on a side of his heart, thanks to the University of Wisconsin, that tumor is virtually gone."
This Sunday, the CEO will ask viewers to help the researchers that saved his best friend's life. "I hope it has a positive impact on cancer for the animals and people all over the world."
He says he will be watching the big game with Scout by his side.
 


More from News 12
0:32
Police arrest man in connection to shooting murders in Clinton Hill

Police arrest man in connection to shooting murders in Clinton Hill

1:40
Nearly 300 probationary firefighters join the ranks of FDNY

Nearly 300 probationary firefighters join the ranks of FDNY

1:46
Sunny and warm weather with lower humidity for the weekend in Brooklyn

Sunny and warm weather with lower humidity for the weekend in Brooklyn

1:54
East Flatbush residents 'Occupy the Corner' for a safe summer

East Flatbush residents 'Occupy the Corner' for a safe summer

1:24
G train shutdown impacting Bed-Stuy commuters negatively

G train shutdown impacting Bed-Stuy commuters negatively

1:44
Gun detectors could arrive in NYC subway stations today as NYPD prepares pilot program

Gun detectors could arrive in NYC subway stations today as NYPD prepares pilot program

1:43
Welder Underground unveils ‘Rappin' Max Robot’ through apprenticeship program

Welder Underground unveils ‘Rappin' Max Robot’ through apprenticeship program

0:47
Attorney General James releases body camera footage of fatal officer-involved shooting in East Flatbush

Attorney General James releases body camera footage of fatal officer-involved shooting in East Flatbush

0:24
Police: Suspect wanted for punching 72-year-old man at 25th Street subway station

Police: Suspect wanted for punching 72-year-old man at 25th Street subway station

1:54
Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

1:44
The Real Deal: How to save on expenses amid rising costs in New York

The Real Deal: How to save on expenses amid rising costs in New York

1:36
Students set to receive OMNY cards with more rides and less restrictions

Students set to receive OMNY cards with more rides and less restrictions

1:31
Tenants in Flatbush building say they are living with broken floors, mold, leaks and holes

Tenants in Flatbush building say they are living with broken floors, mold, leaks and holes

1:41
Neighbors describe MTA bus crashing into Burger King in Kensington

Neighbors describe MTA bus crashing into Burger King in Kensington

1:46
YMCA promotes swim safety services on World Drowning Prevention Day

YMCA promotes swim safety services on World Drowning Prevention Day

0:37
Brooklyn DA: Former teacher accused of enticing teenagers to send him explicit images

Brooklyn DA: Former teacher accused of enticing teenagers to send him explicit images

1:14
New lawsuits filed against Gov. Hochul's congestion pricing plan pause

New lawsuits filed against Gov. Hochul's congestion pricing plan pause

1:35
Rally outside Brooklyn Public Library calls for end to alleged 'power grab' from Mayor Adams

Rally outside Brooklyn Public Library calls for end to alleged 'power grab' from Mayor Adams

1:55
Residents say rats are taking over Sheepshead Bay street

Residents say rats are taking over Sheepshead Bay street

0:29
Southwest breaks 50-year tradition and will assign seats; profit falls at Southwest, American

Southwest breaks 50-year tradition and will assign seats; profit falls at Southwest, American