The Cassidy family on the corner of Hendrickson Road and Priest Road recently memorialized their local legend — Stolli the dog. The 12 1/2-year old dog had many nicknames including Sequim’s Sweetheart, and following her death on Aug. 31, the community left an overwhelming amount of items such as flowers, cards and notes by the Cassidys’ front fence, which 7-year-old Alabama Cassidy preserved. Her dad, Kevin Cassidy, originally put out a pallet in honor of his family’s dog, which led to the explosion of support.

Family members said they had no idea Stolli had such an impact on people but Kevin Cassidy said because of that support, he knew he wanted something more permanent.

“I figured I’d better do something special,” he said.

So on Friday, Oct. 7, he planted some flowers and placed a dog statute and a bench with a plaque commemorating Stolli along the Olympic Discovery Trail.

“It’s nice to have (the memorial) out there,” Alabama said while sitting on the bench looking at Stolli’s picture.

The Cassidys adopted Stolli in May 2004 when she was 8 weeks old and after a diagnosis of arthritis and kidney failure about six years ago, she was seen often lying in the sun in front of the Cassidys’ home and business A2Z Fencing. She didn’t budge often either.

Prior to her death, Stolli hadn’t eaten dog food for five days, so the Cassidys felt she needed to see the veterinarian, which led them to the decision to have her put down. Stolli was buried the same day in the Cassidys’ backyard.

The Cassidys continue to encourage residents to donate to organizations like the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society and Peninsula Friends of Animals in her name in lieu of gifts.