Fred was the best person we have ever known. We met Fred at the LC Humane Society where my sister was working. She called in December of 2003 to tell me there was a dog that was supposed to be with us. We weren't ready for another dog, but went down to check it out. Fred was "Goldwin" at the shelter, in a last chance outdoor kennel. He was going kennel sour, not eating, snapping at anyone who came close. Dom and I opened the kennel and climbed in. I sat on the ground. Fred came over curled up in my lap and that was it. We took him home on the wildest ride of our lives. He obviously hadn't ever been in a car. We had to keep throwing bits of our lunch in the back to keep him from coming over the seat in a frenzy and causing an accident. When we brought him home you could see every rib bone, never again. Fred immediately went inside and urinated on several pieces of furniture. He was a stray from birth to 6 months and then spent the next 6 months in the pound. We gave him nothing but love and food-lots of food-and he blossomed. Fred quickly became the baby of the family. His personality was pure love and goodness. He was the accepting, warm, generous, smiling best friend everyone should have. We had 5 fantastic years with Fred before he was diagnosed with lymphoma. He loved the beach, naps, all food, armpit rubs, laying in your lap (despite his 100 pound bulk), and all kinds of love. Fred battled his cancer with his trademark charm, appetite, and infectious good humor for a year before we lost him. Fred died at home June 14, 2009 but he lived a huge dog life and still does in our hearts, dreams, and actions. He truly is the model for how we all should live our lives. Love, laugh, give, accept, and eat well.

Fred's Mom and Dad