More: Martha and Louise were great companions, seasoned hunters (hunting from Iowa to New Hampshire) therapy dogs (Martha had 7 years of service at a nursing home and Louise served 5 years in the same facility) and my best friends. I lost both of them to cancer before their time and it is that loss that makes me so appreciative of Orvis and the Morris Foundation for their efforts that may in the future allow someone else to have their friend a little longer.