Buddy Gagnon was a unique Golden Retriever mix. He was found abandoned inside a relative's fenced yard as a puppy. We can only guess his date of birth around 9/1/99. We like to think he found us. We took him into our home, sight unseen, and once we saw him we loved him immediately. With training, Buddy was a well mannered, obedient dog. He loved playing outside with his ball and bones. When we were outside, he wanted to be outside with us. His home was his castle and he loved being in his big yard. He became friends with everyone he met, both human and canine. He even tolerated the family cat.

He played "hide and seek" with his human dad. Dad would hide and Buddy would search for him until he found him. And then Buddy would attack him with licks of excitement. He would run up and down the fenceline when we would leave to say goodbye. He would greet you with a wag of his tail and a nudge to be petted when you came home. He was a very gentle, sweet dog.

Buddy put up a good fight, but we had to make the tough decision to put him to rest after complications with his cancer. He was diagnosed in August 2010 with melanoma cancer in his nasal cavity. The vets gave him 6-8 months to live with surgery. We decided not to put him through the surgery and just take him home. He outlived any prediction. He lived 18 months without nasal surgery.

We do want to thank WSU Veterinary Medicine and all the staff at Vista Veterinary in Kennewick, WA for everything they did for Buddy. And for treating Buddy and his family with compassion at such a difficult time.

Buddy was with us for 12 years, and he will be missed every day.

Buddy Gagnon
9/1/99 - 02/22/12

The Gagnon Family