During the late 60's or early 70's, the Hudson clan, or myself alone made several trips to Des Plaines, IL to visit the Doss family.  The following recollections occurred during these visits, but I am not 100% sure in the order that they are presented.

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     On one visit, Jeff was pretty excited because they had fairly recently added a Golden Retriever puppy to the household.  (I don't remember its name, but I'm sure Jeff would.)  The dog was due for a veterinarian visit, and Aunt Dorothy asked Jeff and I if we would take the dog for its checkup.  It wasn't very far, only a few blocks down the road.  We walked the dog down to the Vet's office and soon were placed in an exam room to wait for the Veterinarian.  The Vet came in, and I remember he was a younger guy, and started examining the dog.  He checked the dog all over and then listened to its heart.  He moved the stethoscope a few times and listened again.  He removed the stethoscope from his ears and looked at both of us gravely.  "I'm afraid your dog may have a heart defect.  This happens sometimes in this breed of dog; they develop an extra vein that diverts blood flow away before it can reach the heart.  As the dog gets bigger it causes a strain on the heart, which eventually could cause the dog to die."  He then proceeded to draw a picture to show what he meant.  I was maybe 10 to 12 at the time, but even at that age I was wondering why an adult would share that kind of information with a couple of kids.  I looked over at Jeff, and I assumed I had the same look of shock and sadness on my face. 

     The Vet got on the phone and called Aunt Dorothy and explained the situation.  They had a short discussion, then the vet gave the dog a couple of shots and we headed home.  It was a very quiet walk back.  I don't know for sure what Jeff was thinking, but I just hoped the dog could handle the walk home.  We eventually kind of got past the Vet visit and had a little fun, but I remember I got a little sad every time I saw the dog.  Sometime shortly after my visit, Uncle Bob and Aunt Dorothy found someone they knew who wanted to raise the dog.  I think they thought it would be easier on the kids if the dog was with another family in case the Vet was correct in his diagnosis.