It is through many tears that I have to tell you that my sweet boy Ollie passed away on June 10th, 2017. He was 15.5 years old. Ollie woke up from a nap that Friday night in distress and went downhill quickly. We believe he had a tumor that burst internally as well as a possible stroke. He lost most if not all of the vision he had left and was panting rapidly. Soon he was crying out. A trip to the emergency vet confirmed what I already knew. Ollie fought through so much in his life but this time, he wasn’t coming home. I helped him to pass; I owed that to him. He cuddled his head up in the cup of my hand and went to sleep peacefully. He took a piece of my heart with him.

Ollie was my first competition dog. The first dog I ever titled. The first dog I ever did Rally and Trick Dog work with. The first dog the U of M tried an experimental procedure on that stopped him from bleeding to death after a popular painkiller causes ulcers on his stomach and intestine. He was completely devoted to me. A love and trust like no other. He made me a better dog trainer but above that he made me a better person. 

It has been several months since his passing but every time I tried to write this I just couldn’t do it. My Nina had a hard time adjusting to life without him but has now find a new “normal.” We are all healing and there are good days and bad days. I can look at his pictures and smile most of the times now. Videos are still hard. The memories he left me with will live on forever in my heart. I love you my sweet boy and miss you more than words. I hope you are running free with your brother Laddie now and I will see you two boys at the bridge someday.