In Loving Memory

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.

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.

“Copper was known by many as a staple downtown from when he used to help his previous owner panhandle. He would strut around downtown like he owned the place, always confident and keen to protect his owner.

He came to live with us for his senior years, where he got to pick his favorite spot on the couch, travel around Western Canada and have his fair share of favorite snacks. He was sweet and gentle when he was home with his humans with a touch of separation anxiety. Thank you for protecting me everywhere I went, even though you were less than 15 lbs (we will miss your big dog attitude). I owe you so much gratitude for getting me through one of the most challenging years of my life and I hope that you have found Benny wherever you are. Thank you for helping raise Walter, Mom and Dad will love and miss you forever. “

Rest in peace dear friend your spirit will always be treasured and your legacy will be held close in the hearts of your loving family.

“Milah wasn’t always the goodest girl – but we loved her and she loved us. She was with us when we brought our babies home and she took her role of dog sister very seriously. She was always right beside her kids for outdoor adventures. She loved a good run in a field and a walk in the woods. And she surprised us in her later years by loving her new cat brothers.

Thanks for 16 years of laughs and love Milah girl. Our house feels empty without you.”

“Missy spent 17 love filled years with my family and her bright curious nature filled every room she was in. She saw me through my teenage years and young adulthood, loving me unconditionally through every uncomfortable period of growth. I hope her peaceful end of life leads to a peaceful afterlife, and she has my love always.”

Goodbye my love, you will forever be stamped on my heart till my last breath. You’ve been my Bestie, my side kick and my protector for the past 15yrs and I couldn’t imagine getting through the ups and downs without your unconditional love and support. Thank you for loving me when I didn’t love myself. Till we meet again.

Milo was my sweet boy who came to me as a puppy when I semi-retired and had more time on my hands to love and cherish him. He became my constant companion who loved to chase his ball, walk with his Momma and friends, camp every summer for weeks at a time, swim with me, and especially float with me on an inflatable on the lake. He was my little buddy who didn’t have a mean bone in his body and loved to lick my feet and give kisses freely to even those who didn’t want them. I am so grateful that I got to be his Momma for nearly eleven years. Gone too soon, but so peacefully at home when he was having a good day. I will miss you forever, my best friend Milo.

Steve-O ❤️
Our beautiful boy.
You brought so much joy for 13 years.
A personality larger than life who commanded the room.
He definitely lived up to his name! Lol.
We miss your Zoomies and trying to hide your new favourite toy.
Even towards the end, you persevered enjoying short strolls around the park and still letting people know “I’m here !“
Reunited again with your pack Mandy and Marley. ❤️
Forever loved and dearly missed.

Ray was adopted in 2012 and true to his orange cat nature he was extremely social and friendly. Ray loved people and he would easily charm anyone who met him. He spent his younger years playing, adventuring on camping trips and enjoying life as a boat cat, where he loved to watch the birds and other wildlife. As he got older, his priorities shifted and he was happy spending his days lounging on the couch and awaiting his next meal. Ray enjoyed morning snuggles and he would always make sure visitors paid their dues by giving him plenty of pets. Earlier this year Ray welcomed a younger sister into his life and during his last few months he enjoyed chasing her around the house and sharing his wisdom about how to win humans over. Ray will always be in our hearts forever.

Moko was the best dog, his favorite thing was being with us. He loved cuddling, sunshine, duck treats, and was totally devoted to his people. He made us smile every day. Moko was loved by everyone who met him and was truly a gift to us for 15 wonderful years. We will love and miss him forever.

In loving memory of our Princess Sophia! Oct 14, 2010 to Oct 16, 2024. She touched so many people in her 14 years and was so loved! Sophia loved to bask in the sun and would go anywhere inside or outside to find it. She enjoyed playing fetch and sitting up for treats and chasing the birds and squirrel out of her yard. Even when we brought her home a cat brother (Lucy) she welcomed him and love him.

I cannot thank Dr. Vanessa and Heather enough for guiding me through this difficult time. Their compassion and kindness put me at ease and took the stress out of a very difficult situation. Thank you!