Karen, my wife, actually found him and did all that was necessary to adopt him. The three of us were like the Musketeers and did everything and went everywhere together. This picture is taken in October 2004, on Long Sands Beach in York, Maine. We have a cottage there and Jesse loved it. He ran on the beach and jumped in the water -- which we think he had never done -- chased birds, and became friends with all of the other owners on the waterfront. Everyone knew him by name, and were so happy to see him when he came up. He would lay outside the cottage on the grass, roll around and scratch his back, and just lay in the shade and sleep. He seemed to know that the place was meant for just hanging out. He loved it there.

A couple of days after Christmas, 2004, a snow storm had just passed and we went out for a walk as usual. He collapsed and died just outside our home. We believe he died of heart failure. We both miss him terribly. As Goldens do, he became part of the family and was not a pet at all. From the time he arrived he carved out his niche and was a special creature.

Thanks SAVEADOG for finding him, and, as a consequence, changing both our lives forever.

Rich & Karen Newcombe