In Loving Memory

As I sift through the memories, both on my hard drive and in my heart, I realize how difficult it can be to write something that encompasses all that our Mr Coco and the 12 years, 1 month and 2 days we got to share with him, truly means.
 It’s taken me a whole month, in fact.
Mr Coco came into our lives as a smelly, ragged, little 3 year old medical foster who’d just had his left eye removed. Our mission, which we chose to accept, was to help him heal until he was ready to be adopted. But it soon became quite clear that he fit — in our life, in our home, with our other dog, even on my chest as I lay on the couch with the flu – so we adopted this magical little gremlin who we then got to watch grow and settle into a confident little man who allowed us to adore him and shower him with all our love… and the odd tater tot.
His origin story was heartbreaking but with the help of our dog-centric family and friends, he learned about love, trust, and 8sies (8pm treat time!), about regular walkies, sniffaris, runs on the beach and meeting horses. He loved trundling along, exploring in his own little world, sunning himself on the grass and then chilling in the “Coco Cabana”, laying on the driveway before dinner watching people and their dogs walk by, going unnoticed himself. He blended into his surroundings, and our life, seamlessly. His bursts of playfulness, were short, but oh, so sweet. He was eternally patient, though had the most polite little gentle squeak when he wanted something. 

He lived life on his own terms, and we did our best to follow his lead.

Mr Coco was also a part of the Resting Paws family, being my support as I helped other families as they navigated the same heartbreaking decision, we had to make. And though my work didn’t make it any easier to make that call to Dr Vanessa, when it was time, I am eternally grateful we were able to say goodbye to our best friend at home, while he fell asleep on my chest… one last time.

Rest in peace and love little WonderBubbins – we will miss you more than you’ll ever know. xo


“Everyone thinks they have the best dog, and none of them are wrong.” ~W.R. Purche

Taters was a very gentle and loving dog who absolutely loved children.
She enjoyed camping and running along the beach.
She was a wonderful traveller and travelled all across Canada, through Alaska and most of the United States in our FifthWheel with us.
Taters filled our lives with love and joy for 16 years and she will always have a place in our hearts.
Love to you Taters.

Bijou was the best of kitties. She had such a big personality and a huge purr for such a little kitty. When I went to adopt a cat she picked me by jumping up on the chair and sitting down beside me with her big purr as soon as I got in the room. She was skeptical of my husband when we first met, but quickly pegged him as a complete suck who would always give her more treats. She is deeply missed.

Poem For My Friend (author unknown)

Is it possible that it is grief that brought us together
Yes it is
It is possible
Dear friend, we sat on the sun-soaked fields
But I would have a strawberry with you anywhere
Or when they said of Julius Caesar: that his life was gentle
Dear friend, I would paint your eyes anywhere
The elements so mixed up in me
That Nature might stand up and say: Now this is a [cat]!
And when they burn me up into the trees
I hope you are the trees
The set of neat green things
Come waiting for me
I hope you are the bushes
I hope you are neat green bushes
There waiting for me

Jack’s family shares a few words and some sweet photos of their beloved: “thanks, so long, and may we meet again”

In loving memory of Baby, whose love and companionship will remain in our hearts forever.

Elsa, born in back yard in the far north of New Zealand, bought as a hunting dog but never used to hunt or trained as one. Five years later she was up for adoption and that’s when our paths crossed we agreed to foster and never look back, It was love.
We moved to Canada in 2019 along with our other GSP Oakleigh, we hiked, explored, relaxed and camped many places within BC. She never met a dog she didn’t like, Lover of all children including our 3, always watching over them at home and when out and about. She’d let the little ones patiently walk her leash and would run along beside them on the trails, she was my constant friend, my shadow, my heart dog and will be dearly missed.

We were so lucky to have our Finny with us for just shy of 14 years — the happy, long life he deserved. Finn was at the heart of our family. His gentle and kind soul brought each of us such comfort and companionship through so many years of life’s ups and downs. Finn was deeply observant and empathetic, and never more than an arm’s reach away from us — the depth he is already missed is profound. Even as Finn’s body aged, he also stayed true to the youthful puppy spirit we met all those years ago. His sweet, silly joy for life and people made him a friend to everyone, from passing neighbours to extended family to the 3 of us as his most cherished buddies — everyone loved Finnigan.

We’re so grateful to Dr. Vanessa, Zoe & the Resting Paws team for their compassion throughout one of our toughest goodbyes. As we grieve, we’ll take comfort in knowing we had such gracious help in easing Finn’s pain with dignity and great care.

In truth, words will fall short in describing the immensity of our loss — his personality and light filled the room. Maybe now the best way we can honour his love and legacy is to channel all his life’s strengths in ourselves, and to continue to care for each other as much as he cared for us. We’ll hold you close in our hearts Finn, until we meet again.

Having Lyla as part of our family was one of the best things that happened to us! We got her as a puppy when my youngest was 2 years old back in 2009 and she was truly a member of our family. She was an avid hiker, runner, cat chaser and even once, accidentally killed a chicken. She passed away very comfortably at almost 16 years of age and will be sorely missed.
From Jay, Karen, Kate, Jacob and Charlotte McIntyre.

With the help of Resting Paws, Velcro passed away peacefully at home with no anxiety or pain and we cannot thank them enough for that gift. Velcro was only with us for the last four years and five months of his life which, unfortunately, were filled with vet visits and procedures. Through it all, he maintained his love of life and of everyone around him, although that love did not extend to other dogs. He was a very special boy who just lived to give kisses with his very long tongue! Queenie, the cat, learned to appreciate him too but never did like those kisses on her face. We miss you so much, Velcro, and cherish our memories of you being a total nut job with your crooked smile and your wiggling little butt. Your “I’m cutsie” pose always made us stop what we were doing to give you tummy rubs. Our hearts are shattered, but we are forever grateful that you chose us to be your forever family. Rest in peace little bubba.

Zim was an affectionate boy, with the sweetest, most relaxed disposition of any cat, which made him beloved by all who met him. He was always ready for a cuddle whether he was invited or not, loved to play peek-a-boo, and never said no to relaxing in a sunbeam. When one wasn’t available, he took advantage of his cozy spots, making sure his humans always had a heating pad going for him. He was loved beyond measure, and will be deeply missed.

We loved Mickey deeply and we are sad. He went the perfect way with his McHappy meal. Thank you thank you thank you.

Our Beloved Mocha she is missed so much. We had 23 amazing years together. Rest in Peace our angel ❤️🙏

Rest in peace sweet geisha, beloved family member, teacher, and best friend. You finished what you came here to do and you did an excellent job. We wish you plenty of delicious treats, lots of dance, prancing and companionship on the other side – and absolutely no limes, umbrellas, oven doors, nail clippings, reflux or joint pain. You loved hard and you were loved back immensely.

Our sweet little man, Loki. There aren’t enough words to say about how you were the best companion, and just how bonded you were with us. We were SO LUCKY to have had you in our lives for 18 years. You touched everyone that met you with your sweet, gentle, and trusting nature (and your nonstop screaming about everything.) You were a once in a lifetime companion, we miss you immensely, and you will never be forgotten.
Thank you to Dr Vanessa and the Resting Paws team for giving Loki the dignified and compassionate send off he deserved.

Lisa will be greatly missed by the two families who had the great privilege of her companionship. Like the sunshine on a cloudy day, we always looked forward to her peeking her head through our door each morning, and starting our day with a walk and a smile.

Forever remembered and loved.

“Kuma, you helped us to see the beauty of this world. You had the gentlest heart and the bravest soul. We will love you forever, our beautiful, sweet boy.”

‘Geisha was our bright light when there was dark days. She had the most fantastic personality and was a cherished member of the family. She was a delightful ‘diva’ and rightfully earned the title ‘Wee Princess’ in our home. We are so, so, so grateful to her for the laughs, the shoulder to cry on, the wise ear of her counsel, her loyal companionship and unconditional love. We will miss her everyday until we meet again.’

Sookie chose me at the SPCA in Nelson, BC. She kept tapping me on the shoulder. She made it her job to greet people wherever we were. She knew all the stores schedules, and visited each one of them. In the city she became an indoor cat but our first home was a communal home in which she also visited each person in the house when it was time for them to get up. She was loved by many. I know she is now with her Friend Ash in the Summerland, and I hope she knows she was loved all the way to the end when she was given her favorite treats and passed away comfortably in her home. I will always love you Sookie, take care of her Ash, and my Dad too.