Robert and Barbara, from Eureka, California, sent us this heartfelt story on August 21, 2000.

It was so sad and beautiful reading "OLLIE'S STORY." Thank you for sharing it and all those wonderful pictures of Ollie.
   
My story is about my Golden Retriever/Basset Hound Mix guy named Bumper. Bumper came into my life in August, 1991. He was about two years & ten months at this time. Bumper was a special dog who lived with us for nine full years. Like Ollie, he suddenly became ill, looked pale and refused to eat. The verdict was lymphoma, and it was too late to save him. We took him home on Friday, July 28, 2000, and tried desperately to save him with herbal remedies. He lingered for nine days more — to die on Sunday, August 6, 2000 at 3:20 PM — the time he took his last breath.
   
Bumper died in our presence, on his favorite deck looking at nature. He raised his head for the last time, as if he heard the angels coming to take him home. Then he died, leaving an empty spot in our lives.
   
We had him cremated, and his ashes are in a special cedar box with his favorite toys and treats.
   
I have owned two pure Basset Hounds before Bumper, but his being mixed with a Golden Retriever, made him SO VERY SPECIAL TO US! We miss him, and will never forget him.
   
Again, thank you for sharing Ollie's Story with us. We can only be comforted by keeping Bumper and Ollie in our hearts, so they will never really die.