My neighbor lost her dog Rudy today. He was a gentle 14+ year old Golden Retriever. He had been slowly failing over the last few months and I suspect that the love of his owner was all that kept him going. The hint of the puppy inside never left him. Last summer I was taking some stuffed toys out to the car to donate. Rudy spotted a stuffed polar bear in the bag. He pounced on the plastic bag, yanked out the bear and trotted around the parking lot holding his prize by the butt over his head. His horrified owner began to chase the "poor old feeble" dog. I had to sit because I was afraid that I would tip over from laughing. Rudy dodged and weaved and out ran his owner until she gave in and let him keep the bear. He was as gentle with the toy as he was with people. He slept with it that night and I hope that it gave him some comfort in his last days. I will miss him