Friday, March 28, 2008

Canyon 1999-2008

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. ~Roger Caras


Canyon, our sweet, friendly golden retriever, passed away today. She was born in Fairbanks, Alaska on May 30, 1999. She travelled all over the country with us by car, boat and plane--and also as far as Korea! She never missed an opportunity to make a friend. And, she never missed a meal, as far as we know. We are very sad and will miss her incredibly, but we want to share some of our fondest (and funniest) memories of her.
Music: Alaska by The Nadas






You think dogs will not be in heaven?
I tell you, they will be there long before any of us. ~Robert Louis Stevenson

31 comments:

Andrea and Ben said...

Katie, John and Becca,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am sitting here in tears for you guys. She was a great dog and you gave her a tremendous life.

Anonymous said...

My heart aches for you guys. She was a beautiful dog. Wonderful video tribute. We all watched with tears rolling. So sorry for you all.
Love,
Your alaskan neighbors

The Quinn Report said...

I can't even watch the whole thing right now. Just the start of your video made me loose it. My heart is reaching out for you and your family and I'm so sorry for your loss.

Noel

Smitty 1, 2 , 3 and 4 said...

I'm sorry guys. Canyon was a wonderful dog... She will be greatly missed and always remembered as one of the best...

joanna said...

I am so sad for you all. What a well-travelled and well loved dog. Especially well loved. It just makes me cry.

Anonymous said...

We are all thinking about you right now. She was a great dog and it's so nice to have the memories.

capegirlindc said...

I am just a random, anonymous reader who found her way to your blog. I couldn't even begin to remember how but I do enjoy it. My boyfriend and I have a 3 1/2 month black lab who is a joy. I just love dogs, SO MUCH, and Canyon seemed like he was a wonderful dog and so loved. I was so sad to hear about Canyon. You made a lovely and beautiful tribute to him . I am so sorry for you loss and I am think of you all.

Sara said...

I'm so sorry, I know this pain first hand. Lost our 13 year old chocolate lab in February. I'm sorry.

Anonymous said...

For those of us fortunate enough to be loved by Canyon and to love Canyon, her death is a loss. Jim and I have loved having her stay with us. We have always looked forward to her loving welcome when we arrive at your house. I have said it before; I will say it again, "It is that we have lost a beloved member of our family".
Love,
Mom, Grammy, GeeGee, JoAnne and Jim

molly said...

What a wonderful tribute. I remember meeting Canyon when you three passed through town many years ago. What a sweep pup she was. I'm so sorry for your loss. xoxoxo

Unknown said...

I think weapons school was the only place Canyon didn't accompany you all so I didn't get to meet her. You must have been boo hooing and laughing at the same time while making that tribute! How is Becca handling it? Have to say that I'm not really a dog person but after watching that video, makes me reconsider. She was a fortunate doggie gal in having such a loving family as you all! Lots of love from us!

Unknown said...

What a great, heart-tugging video! So sorry for you loss!

Anonymous said...

Oh guys, I'm so so sorry. Canyon was a PERFECT dog. She was always so calm (even when she was she was young and had every reason to be a spazz, she never was). My mom a few months ago was reading a book called Heaven, who's author had supposedly done exensive theological research on the afterlife (not sure how one researches Heaven, but...). I asked her what the author said on the topic of animals in Heaven, and the author is of the opinion that God wouldn't give us something that brings us such joy and love and then deny us that love in Heaven. Kind of cheesey, but I thought that was pretty cool, and it made me feel better about Parker someday dying.
I was thinking about the time you guys were staying in a hotel somewhere and they didn't allow dogs and when one of the staff came to the door to fix the tv, you guys threw a blanket over her! That was a beautiful video, Canyon was a beautiful dog, and I know she had a wonderful and full life.

Tracy said...

I thought I was ready for the tribute, but alas, tears are streaming down my cheeks. Canyon was seriously like a second dog to us. They were like twins almost! All of us are very sad for your loss, and Abby is moping. Beautiful tribute.

Tracy said...

Oh and the first picture of Canyon..I thought it was Abby. I have one of her doing the exact same thing and she has a red collar with a bone tag..weird.

Kayris said...

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I'll keep you in my prayers.

Erin said...

I am so sorry. I hope you find comfort in each other and your happy memories of her.

Joel and Angela said...

Sorry to hear about Canyon. She was a great dog. We have fond memories when Timber would play with her and the other "big dogs" in Alaska. Canyon was such a sweet dog and will be missed.

Swistle said...

I'm so sorry. Poor sweet doggie.

MaryB said...

I am so sorry for your loss. It has been a rough week for that around here. My FIL lost his beagle companion of 15 years this past Wednesday. I am having a tribute made for him using the quotes you used in your entry. Thank you for the inspiration.

The husband and I were very very touched by your tribute, we could really tell what a special dog she was.

Anonymous said...

Canyon was the most gentle and sweet-natured dog ever.

Angie said...

I'm so sorry Katie! I know that Canyon will be missed by all of you. Your video was a wonderful tribute.

Sioux said...

I was completely unprepared for that video, but it was beautiful. I'll be missing Canyon...

Anonymous said...

So, so sorry to hear about Canyon. Like us all, I'm sitting here with tears pouring down my cheeks. Our heartfelt condolences go out to your family.
Noelle, Jeff, Kristana, and Chloe

Marie Green said...

Watching that video literally made me cry. What a fantastic and crazy community this whole blogging thing is!

RIP, Canyon!

Anonymous said...

I"m so sorry for your loss.It was hard when Goldie passed,she's buried in the backyard guarding the house.

Anonymous said...

Oh KT - i'm tearing up watching the video - i'm sorry for your loss. I remember playing with Canyon years ago in Springfield - she was such a sweet girl. And I remember the first picture I saw of you two with her in Alaska years ago. I hope you're going okay - love to John and Becca.

-Nicole

april said...

i couldnt finish it. this breaks my heart so i can only imagine the pain you are all feeling right now. im so sorry.

Don Mills Diva said...

Oh I am so sorry - what a beautiful dog...HUGS!

Lysandra said...

Katie, I am so sad for you. I am sorry for your loss. I hope you and John feel better soon.

Jen said...

Oh, Katie. I'm so sorry.