Former USC college football player Jake Olson is mourning the loss of his service dog, Quebec, on Thursday.
In a post to Instagram, Olson announced that Quebec had crossed the rainbow bridge in an emotional message.
‘A bond was broken today that defies words,’ Olson said. ‘A part of me died today along with the loss of my bestest friend I could have ever ask for.
‘But a part of Quebec will always live on in my heart and life, along with all the lives he was able to touch.
‘In our 13 years together, Q graduated high school with me, college with me, traveled to 28 states with me, met a US president, played in the Coliseum, ran on countless golf courses, and celebrated The best of times with me while enduring heart break with me.
Former USC long snapper Jake Olson, who is blind, announced his guide dog has passed away
Olson and his dog, Quebec, had been together for 13 years and helped him through college
‘He met me as a 14 year old kid and saw me to be a 27 year old man. Every day he lived out his purpose to be my eyes. I couldn’t have asked God for a better, more devoted guide dog.
‘He represented Jesus in the best of ways that he was here to serve, not to be served. That heart posture gave him 14 and a half years of life.
‘I know God made him for me. Quebec was born November 6th 2009. I went blind on November 12th 2009. If you know anything about dogs, it’s that they are born blind and it takes about a week for a puppy’s eyes to open.
‘I believe Q saw for the first time the day I lost my sight. Yes, God made him for me and allowed me to be with him for 12 years and 341 days.
‘Even though he is no longer physically with me, I once heard that, “If you’re lucky enough to have known a great one, they never really leave. They stay with you as long as you live, Harness to your heart, giving their all.” And Q was that! To the true GOAT. You will always be loved and remembered. I love you so so so so much pup!’
Olson was born with retinoblastoma, a cancer of the retina. He lost his left eye at 10 months old and lost his right eye in 2009 when he was aged 12.
He attended college on a scholarship for physically challenged athletes and spent time as a motivational speaker while also co-authoring two books about overcoming adversity.
Olson was born with retinoblastoma and lost sight in both his eyes by the age of 12
His story became nationally known thanks to multiple stories broadcast on ESPN – including one that won a 2018 Sports Emmy Award.
After college, he remained involved in athletics through adaptive football, golfing, and even surfing.
He also started his own charity – Out of Sight Faith, which provides technology to blind schoolchildren.
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