Dwight Howard retired from the NBA after the 2021-22 season. He played 18 years for seven teams: the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Washington Wizards.
Since then, the 39-year-old had taken his talents to the Taiwan T1 League and now BIG3 Basketball.
Howard currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his fiancée Amy Luciani and has five children who visit regularly. He also owns a 700-acre farm with livestock and vegetable farming in north Georgia.
On Thursday night, he took to social media to announce the passing of his dog, a Belgian Malinois, who was hit by a car on June 18.
From the moment I got you, Sunday, you were more than just my dog… You were my peace. My protector. A reminder of everything beautiful and calm just like those early Sunday mornings. You hugged like no other. Barked at nothing like it meant everything. And every time I called your name, you came running full speed like your only mission was to love me. You waited at the door for me every single day, just to wrap your paws around me. And I’m gonna miss those hugs more than I can put into words. You were joy. You were warmth. You were my girl. And your life was cut short too soon. You helped me Smile through all the Storms I’ve been through but what do I do now that my Sunday Sunshine is gone ð¢ I was having a great time in New York this past week until I got the news that my Sunday got loose and was hit by a car that kept going. ð I’m devastated because you were the dog that never left my side, the dog that stuck to my hip at all times, and the one time you wander off without me being there someone takes you away from me ð¤ Who could be so heartless to do this to such an innocent girl with no remorse ðª I’ve been trying to hold this in… I really have but it’s killing me inside to get answers! I need answers and I won’t stop searching until I find out what happen to my beautiful Sunday ð¢ð¢ð¢ Rest in love, Sunday. You’ll always be my baby. I’ll carry your heart with mine forever. ð️ð Please if anyone has any information regarding a Belgian Malinois that was hit by a car on June 18th,2025 in Suwanee Georgia please let me know ðð¾ #JusticeForSunday #RIPSunday #MyProtector #MyPeace #ILoveYouForever
Fans were quick to send their condolences in the comment section of Howard's post.
"ð¢ I’m so sorry. What a heartless action to hit a poor dog and not immediately get it to an emergency vet," one wrote.
"So sorry friend ðð½❣️ð️," another said.
"I’m so sorry D ❤️ð©¹," added another.
"dwight i’m so sorry," one said.
"My condolences brother Sunday was a beautiful dog. May you find the answers and have peace," another added.
"Rip ❤️," one said.
Retired NBA player Dwight Howard.
Retired NBA player Dwight Howard.
© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Howard is an eight-time NBA All-Star, a five-time All-NBA First Team selection, a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a 2020 NBA champion. The 6-foot-10 center was also inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame this year.