In Loving Memory

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.

Browning, wiggle butt, monkey, sweet baby girl, you will be forever loved and missed. You made coming home so much more enjoyable. Knowing that you were always waiting at the top of the stairs, with all your excitement, whether we were gone for 12 minutes or 12 hours. You were the first out the door and ready for any adventure with us. Your gentle and loving nature always filled our hearts, your grumbling bottomless stomach always cleaned up our leftovers and your eagerness to be always present meant you never showed up late for breakfast or dinner. Our favorite was your well worn tail always beating to its own drum filling the house with such sweet sounds as it struck the floor, the wall or anything else in its path. You were happy, loyal, determined, and a dog we will never be able to replicate. Your puppy mentality outlasted that body of yours though you tried your best to keep pushing through. Thanks for the memories, we will always love you!

Rocky was a handsome, gentle soul and loved to be around people and dogs. He was a friend to dogs that struggled with being social and always reacted with a playful attitude. His favourite place was Elk Lake, and he was his happiest self when he could run. We’ll miss you, buddy.

Blue

It’s with heavy hearts we’re informing you that our beautiful blue boy has passed on. The decision was made with deep consideration for his overall wellbeing. Through his more recent struggle with a disease called degenerative myelopathy, we’ve witness our strong boy go from willing and able, to the loss of function in his rear end and bodily control. His will never wavering. Blues amazing manner and soft eyes never left him, making the decision feel uneasy. Although he couldn’t hold his own he still knew how to make our house feel like a home. Barking as I came home from work or being the dog therapist for all the kids and Bev in the daycare. He lived up to his name to the very end.

We owe him so much more than we’ll ever imagine and we can only hope our love for him was received in full. Blue is the reason our family is together. It was blue who initially caught my eye on social media to begin the search of, “who’s the owner of this beautiful Chesapeake”. (I had just been scrolling through a dog breed book and was convinced this was the breed for me.) In the ensuing weeks, months and years I would have the pleasure to get close with Blue and his beautiful mother Bev. He truly was our fur baby and will forever be remember as our perfect boy.

Blues impact was understandably immense. His joy and energy matched his size, and his acceptance of all that walked the earth was admirable. There wasn’t many scenarios where he didn’t bring an aura of calming and joyfulness. This was highly showcased in the way he interacted with puppies. He loved being able to show them how to play, while being gentle. Of course there was a side of him I’m sure we can all recollect where nothing else mattered……. But the beach!!!! His love for the water was only rivalled for the love he had for his family. Often spending hours swimming, diving and of course splashing. Throughout the years we have been blessed to take him on many adventures all over the island and throughout this beautiful province. He has had the luxury of swimming and “splashing” in many different bodies of water along the way.

Blue was so much more than a dog to us. Never assuming judgement, he could always make you feel as if everything was going to be ok…. “So long as you continue petting my head!” In all seriousness he lead many different roles in our family. He was an adventuring partner, climbing high hills and searching for life’s treasures, as well as a fishing partner to places like Nootka sound. He was a running partner and a job site Forman, (for six beautiful years). He was a beach walker spending countless weeks and weekends at his favourite place in the world… the cabin. He was a therapy dog, a daycare icon, a washing machine and a teacher. He was a best friend to us and the girls, a brother and the best dog ever. We can’t thank him enough for giving us 12 amazing years of love and kindness.

Nobody ever explained to me how fast this journey was to unfold. Who decided that dogs should only live a fraction of a humans lifetime anyways. Seems unfair for something that lives with such purity and devotion. The responsibility we took in choosing his path is one that has been haunting.

I believe that Blues loving impact will be felt by whomever he came in contact with and that his legacy in our family will never be forgotten. “

During Marlo’s 9 years she brought such immense joy into our lives. She embodied her happiness with the classic boxer jellybean dance. Marlo was our first baby, which meant she got a couple years of dog focused adventures, but then she loved even more when the kids came along. She napped with our babies, played dress up with toddlers and then walked kids to and from school. She loved us all unwaveringly.

We will never feel like we had enough time with her. We learnt of her cancer two months before her passing. Being able to say goodbye in peace and at home was a gift we are so grateful to the Resting Paws team for. We keep Marlo close in our hearts.

Oliver was a wild one – he loved hunting, exploring on our walks, and napping in the dirt… all while demanding that his heating pad be on at all times. I’m incredibly grateful that we found each other and shared 12 amazing years together. I will always carry him in my heart. Grief is just unexpressed love.

Dr. Nicola and Heather were amazing, and I’m incredibly grateful they were there during one of the hardest moments of my life. I don’t know how else to say it, but they’re absolute pros at what they do. Thank you.

My sweet, beautiful Carter, thank you for sharing your life with us and being a perfect fit to our family.
We feel so grateful and blessed to have been a part of your journey, filling our hearts with love and laughter.
You gave us strength during challenging times offering us so much joy with your loving energy.
Love you forever 💕
Loretta and Lauren

Thank you Dr Vanessa and Heather for being the angels that came to give Carter the most peaceful and beautiful end of life experience.

Sasa blessed my life with his majestic presence for 14 wonderful years. While his independent spirit  made him a unique companion, he was spoiled by the love and affection he received. A true sun worshipper, he could often be found basking in his basket or sprawled out on his own patch of grass.  He was the master our hide-and-seek games.

Our adventures (and sometimes misadventures), only strengthened our bond. Sasa was much more than a pet; he was a dear friend and a source of endless joy.  I take comfort in knowing he’s basking in the sun’s rays somewhere beyond the rainbow.

Orange was our big, gentle boy who loved nothing better than backyard sunspots, a hit of driveway catnip, and chin rubs. You are so missed, my well-loved friend. Thanks so much to everyone at Resting Paws for seeing him so gently on his way.

Bella Rose was a beautiful girl who brought immense joy to all who knew her. She will be dearly missed and will forever hold a special place in the hearts of her loving family.

BUD, Aka, Bud Kitty, Buddy, Bud Wiser
From kitten to teenager to old guy, we loved it all
You were gentle & so laid back yet mischievous
A loving companion for 16 years
Our home is not the same without you, we dearly miss you
RIP Bud Kitty 💕💐

We came into each other’s life when we needed each other most. He was vulnerable and needed a home and I was recovering from a brain injury. I lost so much of my life and he brought companionship. He was a senior cat when he came to me so we didn’t have many years together, but we spent every moment together. Our routine was cemented and comfortable. I like to think he lived his best senior life.

“Our sweet girl Sadie brought us more than 12 years of absolute joy and love. The sweetest of girls you could ever want to meet, however, she definitely wanted to be queen of the neighborhood. Size didn’t matter, and being a schnauzer, she let the other dogs know.
Sadie loved to travel , and in particular was happiest when stretched out in the sun in Southern California. She loved to romp in the waves and chase her ball at Dog Beach in Del Mar. When at home on the island, Air Force Beach was a favourite spot. She was happy wading up to her belly and then would stand in envy watching the big dogs chase their balls and sticks in the water.
Another important part of her life was licking out my latte mug every morning, prior to having her face washed and her teeth brushed.
She has left a hole in our home that is so much bigger than her 14 pounds. Rest easy, sweet girl. You gave it your all, and we tried our best to give it back.“

🌈 LUCY – August 19, 2011 – November 20, 2024 🌈

Our beloved Lucy crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. It was a very peaceful and gentle time here at home, thanks to the compassionate vet hospice team at Resting Paws. It even had humorous moments, as they brought Lucy a McDonald’s cheeseburger which she devoured with gusto! The ravages of kidney disease meant that she had been slipping away from us. We take comfort in the fact that her life was very full and happy and that for 13 years. She was such a wonderful family member, who loved everyone. Now, all her difficulties are over. She will be missed by Dave and Nan and all the family, and by her feline sister, Maggie. We will be looking for her around every corner, on every trail and beach, in the ocean, on every car ride, on every paddleboard. She surely has earned her angel wings, thanks to her loving nature. 💔😢❤️🐶 Love you forever, Lucy 💗🐶

TiraMISU came to me late in her life, she had a traumatic start and was able to rest and relax while I had her for our short time together.
Misu was a sweet gentle soul that brought me much joy and companionship. Misu you will never be forgotten and sorely missed.❤️

Dexter, our handsome little guy. We were lucky enough to share 12.5 years together. You had such a big personality, full of character though a bit mischievous. You were incredibly friendly, always eager to greet every guest who came into our home. Every box or bag became your new spot to sit, and you loved sneaking bites of food while we cooked. We will forever miss your loud purr, our evening games of fetch with your toy mouse, and our nightly cuddles as we fell asleep. We wish we had more time with you, but we know it would have never been enough. We will love you forever.”

Resting Paws Rightly named and the ladies that came to help my little friend cross over the rainbow bridge were the two most gentle caring people I have ever met in this time of grief.
My little girl passed without a twitch and they stayed till they knew my grief was in control, caring and loving to the end.
I recommend them highly when its time to let your friend go.