A Portrait of Billy, originally uploaded by pmarkham.

My friend Jenny was paired with her Helping Paws service dog Billy for 10 years. Billy died last week at the age of 12 from complications of a surgery. Billy is half brother to my dog Jordan.

You were an amazing dog Billy, and there is no doubt that you will missed. Rest well.

I strongly believe in the mission of Helping Paws and I’ve been involved with the organization for 14 years. I hope you’ll consider making a donation in memory of Billy to the Helping Paws Alpha/Gator fund, which is a fund to help these fantastic dogs get help with large bills, such as emergency vet bills. Visit http://www.helpingpaws.org. Your donation is tax-deductible.

This photo is one I took of Billy when I was visiting Jenny’s cabin about a year and a half ago.