Feb. 7 1997 —— March 12 2000
Golden Retriever
On February 7 1997 a very special little runt was born along
with 9 brothers and sisters in Livermore California.
Morgan & I were drawn to this 5.5 oz golden fluff ball with an overshot jaw
and the greatest puppy breath ever. He was the first of his litter to go home
and he grew to be a happy spoiled 53 lb. little man.
Coast brought so much to our lives and helped us to realize that there
are very few things that are truly important in life.
Coast believed in having fun and he’d whine to go play if he though either
of us were working to hard – he usually won.
We had wonderful times at Deer Island Bel Marin Keys Mount Burdell
The Rabbit Field Muir Beach The Flume Twain Harte Lake Mount Elizabeth,
Pinecrest Lions Lake Golden Gate Park Crissy Field Redwood Regional
Park The Creek Paso Dogal and Briones.
Besides the outdoor excursions Coast enjoyed being a comfort dog.
His idea of relaxing after a good swim was on the couch with his head on a pillow.
We would wake up most mornings to find Coast on his back between us
legs sprawling in the air. Coast was always caring and sensitive.
If I were upset he’d try to make me laugh by putting on a dance and
licking my face. And his welcome when Morgan or I would arrive home
will never be equaled – he would overflow with delight.
Another thing Coast loved was butter. He could always smell it and would
lift his front paws up to the countertop to investigate. He would make
his way over to the softening stick of butter and make it disappear.
For the most part we tried limiting his butter intake to a pat (or two) a day.
Last October we adopted Daisy a 16-month-old yellow lab to be Coast’s sister.
She taxed all of us at first but she was undeniably loyal to Coaster.
She would follow him around all day simply wanting to play.
Coast and Daisy loved catching Frisbees together a skill they learned from
their Australian Shepherd friend Cisco. We would frequently go on bike
rides with Coast Daisy and their friends Beau Cisco and Zoë.
It’s not the same without Coaster trotting off ahead as point man.
We know we gave him a wonderful life while he was here but feel that he
should have gotten to stay for another 12 years.
Coast was diagnosed with an aggressive advanced cancer in his chest cavity,
liver and spleen just after his third birthday. Our worst nightmare had come true.
We had to decide whether or not to try chemo and we found a number of
websites telling of special times other dogs and their owners had
enjoyed thanks to the medicine. We were still reluctant and concerned
about quality of life. We asked Dr. Fitzpatrick if there was anything we
could give Coast just to make him more comfortable and she said chemo.
It was the right decision. The chemo made him feel better and only required
one hour at the vet. He was still our happy playful little man.
His last two weeks didn’t change much from the rest of his life
(except for his diet of chicken and beef) but we knew this time was precious.
We’d follow him to the creek behind our house watch him put his head
underwater come up with a rock and put it on the bank before heading back
out for another rock. We have a horseshoe hanging above our front door
that he found in a pond one day. Coast would go to Briones almost daily
and run through the trees to get to the creek before Daisy.
We became hopeful because he was feeling so well and were saying to
each other the morning before he passed away that he was 100%.
Those two weeks were so special and so necessary to
say good-bye -for now.
When the time came it was sudden but we knew it was time.
It made me realize you can never be fully ready to let go.
Coast spent his last afternoon at the dog park with Daisy prancing around and
letting all the other dogs know who was top dog.
We always knew he was special and the fact that he was called back early
only strengthens that thought. The brightest stars don’t shine for long.
Coaster we miss you so much. I have no doubt that you are in a
wonderful place and looking down on us. We’re only sad because you’re not here.
Our memories of you are utterly blissful. We loved our time with you so much,
we can’t help but wish we had more.
Be happy up there baby and know you’ll see us again someday.
We’ll always be thinking about you.
Your soulful brown eyes catfish whiskers black nose baby teeth
smile lip bumps easter eggs and coastertail.
You love of ear jobbies minnies butter joy laps and the outdoors.
I know that you’re up there when I see a field of beautiful flowers a
sunset at Briones or any other breathtaking scene outdoors.
Go play with Sunny and Hook and get Chi Chi to throw a Frisbee for you.
We love you so much Coaster.
Morgan Christine
and Daisy
| Coast |