Frodo died on March 14th of erlichiosis, which caused kidney failure. He was only 3½ years old. He fell ill rather suddenly. We rushed him to the veterinary clinic where he died two days later.

Frodo was an abandoned dog who had survived for months without a home before joining us. We used to leave food out for him (and Bonita) and he was sociable almost from the start. He adapted to home life immediately (his own mattress and pillow, for example) and craved affection, which he received and returned a hundred times over.

Although we tried to prevent it, he would sometimes escape from the yard through an open gate and run through the fields and woods before coming back home. And that was what led to his death. He contracted erlichiosis from a tick bite. The disease has few outward symptoms until its advanced stage and then it's too late. In fact, Frodo happily went for a walk around town (Betanzos) with our vet only hours before he fell into a coma and died.

Frodo was always a strong, happy, active dog who considered everyone he met his friend. He was more than just a friend to us and we'll miss his cheerful company.