Loyal dog attend's masters funeral

[pies4ever]

Mates for 13 years, Billy farewells a dog's best friend
January 05, 2008

NOTHING could separate Rolly Nicholson and his beloved 13-year-old kelpie Billy. The two were buddies -- "together all the time", one friend said.

That was until a fateful early morning two days after Christmas.

When their North Coburg home caught fire Billy escaped as Mr Nicholson tried to save the home they had shared for 10 years.

Tragically, Mr Nicholson, 53, died in the blaze.

He fought the fire, trying to save memorabilia he had collected from his travels through Asia and India.

As the fire raged, Billy yelped for his owner, but it was in vain.

Yesterday, Billy and almost 60 close friends farewelled Mr Nicholson -- born Roland Ian Nicholson -- at a service at Springvale Cemetery.

The legacy of Billy and Rolly's close bond will live on.

Mr Nicholson's family asked those celebrating his life to donate money to the Lost Dogs' Home's new $1.1 million hospital for sick and injured dogs.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23008618-2862,00.html