Butch came to us in April of 2004. He came from a home where he was abused and neglected. But it was love at first sight. They said he was "emotionally needy". Well, he was, but so were his owners so we made a great pair. He loved life and was happiest around people. He greeted everyone with the biggest tail wag one could ever imagine. People called it "beating his drum". He was happiest at our cabin, where his nose never stopped smelling the fresh air, he held court on our dock and fetched the ball from the lake all day long. He absolutely loved boat rides and was the first one aboard.

We always thought we were doing Butch such a great favor by "rescuing him", but in reality, he actually rescued us.

Butch is being laid to rest at his favorite place—our cabin. When we are done mourning and the time is right, there will most likely be another golden retriever in our life. Golden's are like breathing to our family, but Butch was the biggest breath of fresh air we have ever had.

Thank you, Butch, for all you have given us.