On March 6, 2004, Manson, my dog who was the inspiration for Mad Dog Design's name, died at the vet, my parents on the floor with him. He lived to the ripe old age of 13.5. It was a peaceful, and quick passing, but the lingering chasm left by his absence will take much longer to fill.

Mom and Dad took ownership of Manson when I moved first to Texas, then to California, providing a good, stable and devoted home for him. Manson filled all of our lives with unconditional joy and love, and he will be sorely missed.

I still have the other half of Mad Dog's namesake, Charlie, here in California with me. He's in excellent health, and I expect him to outlive all the other goldens there ever were.

If you have the opportunity to adopt a dog into your life, please do, whether its a purebred, or a mutt like my Manson. There will be vet bills, chewed up shoes, and a host of other little annoying moments, but those are few compared to all the unconditional love you'll get from your adopted kid. Norcal Golden Retriever Rescue is always looking for good people, as well as your local Humane Society.

Now please go give your pet a hug.

Michelle and Charlie

ps: for those that aren't familiar with Rainbow Bridge, click here.