On September 16, 2003, Joseph Poole sent us this tribute about
her beloved Dylan Elijah (12-23-99 to 8-25-03)

Here is a tribute to my last baby to arrive, and the first to leave: Dylan Elijah. I am very still much in mourning so writing this is very difficult. I do take some comfort in the knowledge that we will be together again some day at the Rainbow Bridge, and I look forward to our reunion.

Dylan's story actually begins, of course, with Ellye Mae his mother (shown here). When I got her, she was my first Golden and I absolutely fell in love. I think I've heard it said that Goldens are addictive—it's very true! Less than a year after adopting Ellye, I decided one wasn't enough so I adopted Rudy.

I don't know what I was thinking exactly, perhaps wishing immortality for my Golden babies, I let her and Rudy breed and they produced a litter of 9 puppies. Unfortunately, I was devastated to learn that 8 of the pups had umbilical hernias and despite my and my veterinarian's best efforts, all 8 puppies died of infection. The one puppy who survived I kept and she grew up to become Dorothy Mae—Dottie. Several years later, I wanted to try
one more time so again I let Ellye and Rudy breed. This time, Ellye required a cesarean section, but pulled through great with a new litter of 14 very healthy puppies. I was relieved and overjoyed.

With so many puppies, I had to help Ellye Mae feed the puppies around the clock. Almost immediately I started picking up on distinctive characteristics of each puppy and I could tell them all apart. One puppy in particular caught my attention the very first day, I don't know why. He almost immediately took to me as well, as he was the only puppy that didn't require much coaxing to feed from an eye-dropper in my hand. I nick named him "Strong Boy" because he was clearly physically stronger than the other pups. As Strong Boy and has litter-mates grew, the more I thought about Strong Boy. My intentions were to adopt out all the puppies to friends and family, and not keep any. As the puppies turned 8 weeks old and started getting adopted, I still hadn't made a clear decision to keep Strong Boy for my own, but told everyone who asked about that he was "already spoken for." Finally I made the decision and Strong Boy became Dylan Elijah.

I strongly feel that all my Goldens are special of course, but there was an extra something about my bond with Dylan. Dylan grew up to be one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful, Golden I've ever seen. He was also playfully stubborn, gentle, loving, and devoted. I truly could not have asked for more. Up to the day he left to go wait for me at the Bridge, he never lost his puppy enthusiasm and playfulness. Whenever I came home from work he would greet me with an excited dance, a toy in his mouth and what I can only describe as a loud "singing" or "whining".

On August 25, 2003 a terrible accident broke my heart and took him from me. The short time we shared together are now beloved memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. He taught me so much in his short life and I miss him terribly. I would give anything in the world just to be able to give him one last hug. Dylan—my baby boy. I'll be looking for you at the Bridge and, yes, I'll be sure to bring a ball for you to chase. We can't wait to see you again!

Love you always,
Your Daddies