It was a party to remember ❤️
Jamieson McCormack and her 8-year-old rescue dog, Simon, had a tradition that meant everything to them.
McCormack lovingly called Simon her “little orange loaf,” and together they followed the same joyful routine in Vancouver, Canada. They’d stop by a neighborhood donut shop to buy a plain, dog-safe donut, then head to a nearby park. As Simon walked a full loop of the 5K trail, he’d enjoy small bites of his treat along the way.
“He loved being around other dogs and seeing familiar faces,” McCormack told The Dodo. “It was honestly his happiest place.”
That routine changed in March, when Simon was diagnosed with histiocytic sarcoma, a fast-moving and aggressive cancer. Despite months of treatment, the disease eventually spread, and Simon began to slow down.
When McCormack learned that her time with Simon was limited, she wanted to make sure his final moments reflected the joy and connection he had brought into so many lives. So she decided to turn their beloved donut walks into a farewell celebration.
Simon’s goodbye party became a community effort. Members of Vancouver’s close-knit dog community — many of whom had known Simon for years — helped fund the event and supported McCormack through a GoFundMe campaign that assisted with Simon’s medical expenses. More than anything, they showed up in person, surrounding Simon with love.
“He looked happy the entire time,” McCormack said.
The support meant more to her than she could put into words. “I don’t know how I would’ve gotten through this without them,” she said. “They truly understood how special Simon was.”
While many guests were longtime friends, others met Simon for the very first time that day. Knowing that more people would remember him brought McCormack comfort.
Simon had a quiet, soothing presence that seemed to touch everyone he met. At the park, he would often sit beside strangers and gently place a paw on their leg — a habit McCormack fondly called “the Simon paw.” Time and again, people would later share that they’d been going through a hard moment, and Simon’s calm companionship had helped them feel less alone.
He showed the same empathy toward other dogs. Simon naturally gravitated toward nervous or reactive pups, offering them patience and steadiness. “They’d just find each other,” McCormack said. “And suddenly they were just puppies together.”
When McCormack first adopted Simon from Adopt Korean Dogs, he was deeply fearful. Found wandering the streets at around 3 years old, Simon startled easily and often cowered, likely expecting harm. With time, love and consistency, he learned that he was safe.
“I’m so grateful I could give him that life,” McCormack said.
Simon eventually grew into a confident, curious dog who loved forming connections. McCormack believes his past shaped the way he comforted others. “He met people exactly where they were,” she said. “He gave them space, understanding and kindness.”
Simon passed away on October 20, only days after his farewell gathering. In the end, he was surrounded by everything he loved most — his people, his friends and the community he helped bring together.