Howie was the BEST DOG EVER. He was one of 10 black lab mix pups, and was advertised in the Thrifties in the Oregonian newspaper for free. Our 3 boys were 7,4 and 1 year old. Nathaniel named him Howie, while we were driving home. He was so gentle and loving and devoted to us his whole life. He never had any health problems, except his thyroid these last couple years. He lived with us in the same house for 12 years. He went quickly last night, right at dinner time. All of us were home, thank God. So we all got to say goodbye to him. He went ever so gracefully, and I think it was a heart attack or stroke. He died in Nathaniel's arms. We do have a one year old Jack Russel mix,named Spot, but he won't take the place of Howie. Howie spent the last year of his life training Spot! And what a good teacher he was. We took him to Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital to have him cremated. They sent us his paw print and locks of his hair. Howie wanted a very special friend, Linda, to have this gift also. Linda took care of Howie, for many years, during the day, when we were working. They had a very special relationship! Goodbye Howie. See you in heaven. Tom Shauna Nathaniel Elliot Nick Spot Sassy Rocky Chewey