Dawn's Memorial

1988 - 2001

Brad, Robyn and Dawn, 1994

Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault, really.
-- Agnes Sligh Turnbull

The Last Will and Testament of An Extremely Distinguished Dog (by Eugene O'Neill)

Dawn's last weekend at her favorite spot, Half Moon Bay State Beach, 6/01

Many and sincere thanks to all who helped Dawn's final days be filled with kindness, respect, dignity, and peace. But most especially:

• Dr. Cheryl Scott of the Solano Emergency Pet Clinic
• Dr. Smarick and Sarah Westen of the UC Davis Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Dawn was selected at birth by Canine Companions for Independence to be a "potential breeder dog." We were lucky that when she left the program, she became our companion. We are applying once again with CCI to adopt a "breeder dog," which are now selected after they complete their training -- it will be a fitting tribute to Dawn.

Dawn and her grandparents, MacKericher State Beach, 5/01

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

Dawn and Brad at Half Moon Bay, 11/00

"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace."
- Milan Kundera

Robyn and Santa Paws, 12/00

"Old dogs, like old shoes, are comfortable. They might be a bit out of shape and a little worn around the edges, but they fit well."
- Bonnie Wilcox 'Old Dogs, Old Friends'

Dawn and gramma 11/00, Dawn with cousins 3/01

"I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive."
- Gilda Radner

Robyn and Dawn at Half Moon Bay, 11/00

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."
- Unknown

Robyn and Dawn and Sunset at Half Moon Bay, 11/00

For every Dawn there is a sunset ... for every sunset -- a dawn (a poem from mom)

Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in.
- Mark Twain

If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have known will go to heaven, and very, very few persons.
- James Thurber

HEAVEN'S DOGGY-DOOR

My best friend closed his eyes last night,
As his head was in my hand.
The Doctors said he was in pain,
And it was hard for him to stand.

The thoughts that scurried through my head,
As I cradled him in my arms.
Were of his younger, puppy years,
And Oh...his many charms.

Today, there was no gentle nudge
With an intense "I love you" gaze,
Only a heart thats filled with tears
Remembering our joy filled days.

But an Angel just appeared to me,
And he said, "You should cry no more,
God also loves our canine friends,
He's installed a 'doggy-door"!

jan cooper '95

Dawn had the most amazing sense of humor

Dawn was a typical Border Collie: sweet, loyal, intelligent, high energy, brave and stubborn. She had her serious side, but she also had the most amazing sense of humor. She used to make her own jokes, and then laugh at them -- as if to say "Wasn't that funny? What I just did?" Once we figured out "dog humor" we were able to make dog jokes, and she would laugh with us.

How many dogs does it take to change a light bulb?

One of Dawn's silly looks, 5/01

ANSWERS:

Old English Sheep Dog: "Light bulb? Light bulb? That thing I just ate was a light bulb?"

Dawn, 1994

We are sad that Dawn is gone from our lives, but we were so blessed to have had her in them. Dawn touched a lot of lives, and loved everyone she met. She will be missed, but remembered always.