I just want to let everyone know that Ollie is no longer with us. I knew her time was coming but was waiting for her to tell me when to let her go. She had a blast at my birthday party, eating and socializing with everyone. However, a couple days later she looked at me with very tired eyes and I knew. Some people ask me how did I know. Only those who have been there before can truly understand what I mean.



Ollie lived one heck of a life. Those who knew her in beginning or even met her just a few years ago saw that she often thought she was more person than dog. Her intelligence was far above many dogs. She graduated from service dog college a full semester early. After service dog college, she attended every lecture with me as I got my bachelors degree from Penn State. She may have snubbed off other dogs with her Alpha ranking in the pack but Ollie knew she was far better than them. Heck, people could talk to Ollie and she responded as though she understood exactly what you were saying.



Ollie traveled many miles, lived in many places, touched many people and experienced more than some people do in a lifetime. Her devotion to me was far more than I could have ever hoped for when I was placed with Ollie as my service dog. Everyone has their own beliefs but I know that Ollie is in a better place now where she is running down the beach, chasing seagulls, and playing Frisbee without pain. R.I.P Ollie “Olsten”



Donations in honor of Ollie “Olsten” can be made to Canine Companions for Independence at http://www.cci.org/national/give_doorway_page.html