Drake Do-Olson

Drake was the perfect mix of resilience, love, and pure joy. Even while battling lymphoma, he greeted every day with his gentle heart and playful spirit, always ready for tug-of-war, always snuggling us under the covers. He had a way of making everything feel more sweet and fluffy, of making everyone around him feel loved. Drake came into our lives on December 3, 2015, all because Nate was bored at work. Scrolling through the news, he saw an article about an adoption event sponsored by Zappos.com, and out of curiosity, he checked out the participating rescues. He never cared about breed, but he did want to help a dog that had an unfair reputation. That’s when he found Drake, an older puppy with the sweetest description. He loved all animals and humans, no matter their size. He was playful, affectionate, and a world- class cuddler. What more could you want in a dog? When Nate went to meet him, Drake was even cuter in person. There was something about him, something that made it clear he was the one. Drake became Nate’s family shortly after, and a few months later, a bored girl from Korea who had just moved to America met Nate. When Stella started dating him, she met Drake. And of course, she fell in love with Drake. From that moment on, we were never bored because we had Drake. We have done our best to give him the best life he deserves. He loved any food, really. There were a few special treats he especially liked. String cheese was one of them. He could hear the wrapper from across the house. And the coconut cookies his mom baked for him. He’d sit by the oven, watching the cookies bake, and he waited like a good boy until they cooled down. He always loved playing as well. He adored tug-of-war, wrestling with Fudge, and, as he got older, chewing on tennis balls. Drake had his little traditions with both of us. With Nate, it was bedtime cuddles. No matter how deep Nate was sleeping, he knew when Drake was waiting at his side of the bed—never mom’s side of the bed. With a single soft whine, Nate would lift the comforter, and Drake would crawl in, safe and warm. With Stella, it was baking and cooking for him. Also, how Drake always guided her, looking back every few steps to make sure she was following him, straight to the treats. Through his five-month battle with lymphoma, he only had a handful of sick days. He was never in pain, not even in his final days. We promised we’d never let him suffer, and Drake, being Drake, kept his promise too. Even when he was so tired, he still got up and let himself out the doggy door the night before he left us—because he wanted to be a good boy until the very end. He was so strong, right up to his last breath. And he made sure we knew we were strong too. Drake changed our lives. He made us grow up, made us stronger. He showed us what unconditional love really is and what it means to be responsible for another life. Drake was the most precious thing in the world to us. And he always will be. Rest easy, Drake. We love you.

Drake Do-Olson

December 3, 2014 - February 15, 2025