This is hard to write: a few months ago, after fighting and winning against painful bone cancer, I lost my best friend in the entire world. (*non-wife division)

Still struggling to adapt to this new reality; the depth of the connection we shared was truly special. I *still* dream about him—all the time. This uplifiting and funny music video (yes, starts 'sad', but for real—wait for it!) captured our last several months as well as I possibly could. (YouTube blocks it due to music copyright, so here's the direct link: drive.google.com/file/d/1Fg2yGU9MuIV2gIhsVIhgF2Y8K_qXbfIa/view?usp=sharing)

'Big Z' had his issues after a rough start to his life—but we complemented each other perfectly. We fit like puzzle pieces. And there was one *incredibly-special morning* every summer where each of us was truly our best self: Oregon Humane Society's Doggie Dash, 4000+ people and 2000+ dogs having a blast at the downtown PDX waterfront.

After last year, to thank his generous donors, I created a really fun short music video to convey how amazing this event is... now I'm sharing it with everyone, link below. (Turn that sound UP for both videos--I'm not kidding!)

I was *so* looking forward to this year's Dash—more than you can possibly imagine—and to know that we can't ever enjoy this again together is breaking me. But I've just now made up my mind to go back, alone, one more time in Z's memory on 5/9. Even though I'll almost certainly be a hot mess there without him... I think it's what he would want.

Zero pressure or expectations—I really mean this!—but if anyone feels the desire to donate anything at all to the Oregon Humane Society, they're a world-class organization and truly deserving. Or go find and adopt your own best friend!

- OHS is one of the premier animal-welfare organizations in the world (yes, the world!)
- over the past 30+ years, we ourselves have had OHS rescues numbering in the double-digits (5 big dogs, 6 cats, and counting)
- the 'Doggie Dash' fun run is OHS's single biggest fundraising event!

I said that OHS is world-class, and one big reason why is that they **NEVER put time limits on how long pets remain at their shelter.** The vast majority of animal shelters are only able to hold pets until they're out of room, and then they're euthanized.

OHS excels at connecting animals with their right forever homes, no matter their issues: age, medical or behavioral. (Everyone loves new puppies and kittens, come on.) Even when bonded pairs of best-friend pets end up at OHS, they stay for as long as it takes to find them a loving adoptive home together. In fact, placement rates are *so high* that pets are routinely trucked in from other states' "high-kill" shelters here to OHS, where they are guaranteed to find new homes.

Other little-known facts: besides connecting pets with new families, OHS has a full on-site hospital. And they have a whole Investigations team that seeks justice for abused or neglected animals and continues to check in on pets when community members call with concerns. OHS really does give a voice to the voiceless.

This was the *best day of the year, every year* for Big Z... getting to romp with several hundred other OHS rescues, living their best lives.

THANK YOU in advance for anything you can contribute to enable OHS to continue their important work! (^__^)

- JFed