Memorials Of Our Labradors

MOAB (6/99 - 8/10) I am extremely sad to say that our beautiful Moab died today. I can't believe he is gone. He was the sweetest and gentlest dog.  We wil miss him terribly - he was the last of the 3 angel dogs.  Hopefully they are all together. Love Shelly, Jeff, Kade and Kenedy (PA)

Hi! My name is Sugar. When Dr. Joe sent me to southern California in 1996 to meet my new family, the Serhans, I did not know what to expect. Marv and Laurie Serhan met me at the San Diego airport and took me to my new home in Scripps Ranch where I met their nice children, Nicole and Anthony. They named me Sugar but now mainly call me “Sugie.” After getting accustomed to all that cool Kentucky grass back at Dr. Joe’s, I found California to be sunny and warm - 24/7/365. Then the Serhans introduced me to Lexi (also a Dr. Joe Lab) and she quickly became my new best friend and companion. From day one of my arrival at my new California home, Lexi took me in and treated me as if I was her own puppy. She cared for me, protected me from every danger, always made sure everything was ok, and literally placed my welfare before her own.  For example, on one occasion, in April of 1999, we had some rattlesnakes stop by for a visit to our back yard. They looked strange to me and made all kinds of frightening noises, but Lexi placed herself between me and those nasty snakes, and would not let me get close to them. She kept barking to let everyone know there was a problem. On another occasion after we had moved to Washington State, I was pretty sick after some surgery, and Lexi stayed with me all night to make me feel better. Now Lexi is gone, and I feel really sad. She was my best friend and I will always miss her. Lexi literally was the nicest, sweetest, most loving friend that any one could ever have. Life is not the same without her here for the Serhans or me. It hurts so bad not to have her here, and we all miss her so very much and always will! (1995 – 2009)

Ellie K. The girl with the "cashmere ears". Not only was she the most beautiful to look at, but she was the sweetest, kindest and happiest little spirit. Her giant brown eyes pooled with love and affection. Ellie was pure love and joy. She is missed! (1995-2010)

Joe:  I hope this note finds you and all your family doing very well.  It’s taken me a little while to send this to you because I can’t believe I’m writing it.  It seems like just the other day that I met Bainbridge’s Kentucky Tail Gunner at the airport.  My wife and son waiting in the car, I rushed into O’Hare airport very, very concerned about the well being of this little puppy who was joining our family.  I frantically asked around to find the cargo delivery for Delta!  I rushed around the corner and checked in at the pick-up window certain that I was going to find a scared, shaken puppy traumatized by the flight from Kentucky.  In that moment, my life was forever changed by what I saw next.  At least 6 airline cargo workers came into view with smiles on their faces, sticking their fingers through the crate window and cooing at this little animal being carried toward me.  When they handed me my crate, I looked inside and saw his face.  Looking back up at me what this little white face with huge black eyes and nose.  Lying down, calm as could be and stretching out from what obviously was a very comfortable nap he had just taken was my Gunner.

I put my face to the crate and he began licking me through the door immediately.  I thanked the workers and rushed back out to the car to his waiting family.  Thus began our relationship with our best buddy and without question the most loyal, friendly, strong, and dedicated friend I have ever known.

I set out on a quest to be the best dog owner I could be.  Training, late night walks, early morning rising, and endless hours together created a bond between us that soon became unspoken.  We had such great fun with our new buddy.  Looking more like a polar bear than a dog, this little guy never ceased to turn heads and cause a commotion with adoring onlookers no matter where we went. 

Hundreds, maybe thousands of memories and pictures later, after years of children growing up, life changes, illnesses, and the other peaks and valleys that make up life, my one constant through it all was Gunner.
His brother, another pup from Isa and Zazu, Charlie arrived a few years later.  Charlie, like the rest of us instantly was attached to Gunner.  They literally never spent more than a few minutes apart from each other for the next 8 years.  Charlie’s loving intelligence matched with Gunner’s steady fortitude was a combination to beat.

Well, right to the end, they were together.  As I wrote to you earlier, Charlie left us this past November 6th.  Suddenly and sadly, we let Charlie go, his happy tail wagging right to the end. Gunner was there to make us feel better, selfless as always.  Finally, just 3 weeks later, after a steady decline beginning the day his brother passed, Gunner said goodbye and passed away on December 2, 2009. 

My two friends are together again, and are certainly together with all their brothers and sisters from Bainbridge again. 

Thank you, Joe.  For sharing Bainbridge and her beauty with all of us over the years.  Your puppies are wonderful gifts to all of us.  As I said earlier, my life has been forever changed by my two buddies who were my constant source of enjoyment, love, and companionship.

Here are a couple of pictures of the boys.  Take care, Joe.

Hi Joe, I got Maggie from you 15 years ago and had the most wonderful companion every day of her life!  I actually came to Lexington and picked her up with her sister Molly and brought them home.  Through you I met Sharon and Richard, who own Molly, and who have become two of my closest friends. While they didn’t live under the same roof, Maggie and Molly had each other to frolic in the waves at the beach, to hike in the mountains, to go to the dog park, to play, to share treats, to sleep and like all siblings to “fight” together. It was amazing to watch them run toward each other in recognition and joy.  

I thought it would take a long time before I could get another dog, but I am finding that the gift from her of being able to kiss her goodbye, tell her how much I love her and what joy she brought to my life, eased the pain and sadness.  With that connection now in my heart there is room for another Bainbridge Lab to join my world.  

You certainly picked just the right dog for me and I know you will again.  Maggie’s “dad” was Sugar Foot and her “mom” was Mercer Blanche.  Thank you for Bainbridge’s Majestic Maggie.  She was a beacon of light in my life! Laurie

Dear Dr. Joseph Demichael I am Kiyohiko Noguchi who owned Martha, the first girl of Shiro and Zazu. Martha was borned at Lake Yamanaka and 3 days later her photo was taken in front of Mt. Fuji , of which picture was listed on your home page. (Shiro was a Bainbridge Labrador born and raised in Kentucky who left to live in Japan with her owners Shuhei and Keiko. When fully grown, Shiro returned to her KY home to be bred to our male Zazu. Once diagnosed as pregnant, she returned to Japan to deliver her litter, which included Martha.) Since Martha came my home, everything was changed in my family. Martha was always together with us wherever we were. She was the center of our family. I myself Martha came back home directly from office , our family go to mountain or river instead of Dessny Land.. 10 years past,,,, suddenly parting came. Suddenly, on Sep-30 , 2009 , she has gone with same face without any suffering to Shiro s place. I could not solve my shock till now , but at the same time I thank Martha and you and Shuhei who gave me such a great pleasure and love. Shuhei told me Martha was very very special puppy of Shiros babies , and now I understood what it meant. Thanks again Dr. Joseph Demichael, and Shuhei who gave me such greart opportunity for me for my life. Thanks for lovely Martha. Kiyohiko Noguchi

Dear Dr DeMichael, We lost our beloved Bailey. She was just short of 15 years old. From the day she arrived she gave us her heart. She was with me through both pregnancies and embraced both my children when they arrived. Coming home to an empty house was startling. Her spirit permeates our home. Her love is still felt. She was my best friend. Adjusting to the loss has been difficult. We talk about her a lot keeping her memories close. We wonder what she would of thought of the new outside sofa. Mostly we are grateful for all the joy and love she gave us. We will miss her greatly. We are awaiting the arrival of an offspring from the mother of Bailey. We wait with anticipation of all the joy ahead and less of the grief we've experienced. Thank you for the joy you have given us.

AJAX
Sept 14, 1994 – Jan 10, 2009                                   

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep
I Pray the Lord my Soul to Keep……

After 14 ½ years, we said good bye to our dear friend and faithful companion, Ajax. From the first day we had him, he gave us his heart and soul. What he taught us about patience, loyalty and mostly unconditional love!!! And now, peace. How we should all strive for the standards he set!

He was a great guy with an incredible heart and love of life.  We already miss him for many reasons but most of all because he was just always there – the walks, car rides, boat trips, mountain hikes, and just laying at your feet while you worked at your desk.  Long before they could pronounce the words “mom” or “dad” our children could say Ajax.

He, and we, are blessed to have had a great life together with so many friends, neighbors, and family who loved him, took care of him, brought him back when he wandered into your house, yard, or swimming pool. To one and all, thank you for loving him – he loved you just the same.

We will never forget watching Layla, (our 2 1/2 year old neice) “serenading” him (over and over and over and over again) with Twinkle Twinkle Little Star during his last days when he was trying so hard to be brave; his buddy Sparky comforted him in his own way just the same.

Ajax, we know you can hear us. Thank you for all of the wonderful, lasting memories. May your new life be full of muddy meadows to run in, ponds and lakes to swim in, Colorado mountains to hike, Osa’s to play with and children to snuggle with and to tuck you in at night. You will forever be in our hearts.

We love you. Greg, Kathy and family, (TX).

Dear Dr. Demichael: On September 18, 2008 our beloved Clay was suddenly and unexpectedly taken ill.  Within a few short minutes he was gone, never even a moment for us to say good bye to this incredible, wonderful dog.  From the moment we saw Clay, eight years ago, after the drive from Georgia to Kentucky, we knew we had been given a very special gift.  Clay was born an old soul.  He never had a “puppy stage” where a shoe was chewed or a hole was dug.  He knew instinctively his place was with me, resting on the bed when I needed to because of my arthritis, or walking slowly beside my husband.  Chasing a ball was done once, maybe twice and that was enough “dog play” for him, he knew he had other duties that were more important.  To say our hearts are broken would be to admit that words could even describe the emptiness and grief we feel, they can’t.  Clay was here for a reason and today I can say “well done Clay, your job is finished and you can rest now”.  In grateful and loving memory of our sweet Clay.  Andy and Jean Pomeroy, Macon, Georgia.

Our beautiful Bella passed away in the comfort of her own home after a brief illness. Bella was known for her outgoing and affectionate manner, her partying ways, greeting everyone with a toy in her mouth and an invitation to get involved in some heavy petting. She brought us immeasurable joy and wisdom. Bella had the good fortune of enjoying a decade-long relationship with the handsome monsieur Beausoleil. She had a great sense of humour, yet knew immediately who in the room needed her attention and support. Thank you to everyone who treated her kindly and complimented her on her looks - she loved that! Patti and Peter (CAN)

Hi Joe, As much as we look forward to our new puppy and your help in picking just the right one for us, we are even more appreciative of the kindness you have shown us following Whidbey’s death in January.  He was born in 1995.  Sugarfoot was his father and the beloved Bainbridge was his mother.  We named him Whidbey to carry-on your tradition of naming your dogs after places in the Pacific Northwest.  Although we live in Los Angeles, we spent a month every summer on Whidbey Island, Washington while our children were growing up.  We thought it only fitting to name him after the next island over from Bainbridge Island, his mother’s namesake.  Not to mention a place where you practiced veterinary medicine (a year or two ago…).  The first summer following Whidbey’s arrival in our home, he flew back to Lexington to spend time with you, Bainbridge, and his sisters while we visited Whidbey Island for our annual vacation.  At the time, you told us that Whidbey was the only dog to come ‘home’ for a visit.  He was the kindest, sweetest dog we have ever owned.  Or, more accurately, he owned us.  Until he fell ill last year, he was the healthiest and happiest dog we have ever seen.  His only medical problem arose from wagging his tail so hard when we came home once, that he split the end of it!  When his time came to an end, we were all there with him.  As we cried, he picked-up his head one last time and looked at each of us as if to assure that everything was ok, then closed his eyes and was gone.  We still cry when we think of it.  We loved him. After much family debate, we have decided to name our new boy Cooper, after Coupeville, a town around the bay from Oak Harbor, your former home on Whidbey Island.  We can’t wait until Cooper comes home to us next month. Many thanks for the friendship and kindness you have shown us over the years, Mark and Patty - California

It is very hard to put into words how much Mercury meant to us. From the moment we picked her up from the airport she became the center of our lives. Mercury was the sweetest, gentlest and most wonderful dog. We always said that she carried all the special spirits of our past pets, all rolled up into one incredible dog. The memories she leaves us with. of learning to swim, carrying around her toy hedgehog, morning kisses when we woke up, helping me make lunch every morning, to the gentle sound of her breathing while she slept, or her face in the window as she watched us leave for work, will never really replace the feel, sound and smell of her. But they will have to do.for last Saturday Mercury was taken from us. Our oldest son put it best when our German Shepard, Man-Dee, died many years ago. He told me he knew Man-Dee was asleep in God's lap. I know that Mercury is there as well. Mercury can never be replaced in our hearts, but has simply joined the other pets from our past.and we look forward to making room in our hearts for a new puppy. never to replace, simply to join. Good-bye, Mercury, we miss you very much! Love, mommy, daddy, Brandon and Danny.3/2008

“Beau”, Bainbridge’s Beausoleil,
July 4, 1995 – January 12, 2007
Our beautiful boy Beau left us yesterday gently and sweetly.  As you may know Beau was diagnosed with  cancer just before Peter's 60th birthday. Talk about mixed blessings!  Beau had a great time in his last days. He has always thoroughly enjoyed Christmas and ripping his presents open.  He also sang Happy Birthday to Bella last week (his favourite song).  Just this Wednesday Beau enjoyed walks in the park with both Peter and Beau's good friend Elizabeth from Paws in High Park.  Both of them remarked on how much fun he had on the walks and he didn't seem to know or want to let on he was sick.  He even went so far as to "hump" the lovely Bella in our hallway.  Sadly, on Thursday things took a very sudden turn and he let Patti know it was his time to go.  He died in his own home yesterday, with Bella nearby and Patti and Dahla giving him lots of hugs and kisses from everyone.  We shall miss him madly probably as long as we live, but are so so grateful for the joy and lessons he brought us daily.  He was just an incredibly sweet (and did we mention handsome?) guy and we take solace in how great a life he had. Patti, Peter and Bella, Canada

Hailey was my heart. She was loving, sweet, smart, funny, gentle and a tender hearted girl. She was my best friend (next to my hubby). She would spoon me at night and then go down to the bottom of the bed to sleep. Your beautiful labs are not run of the mill, everyone she every met, loved her. I really never considered her a dog, but a little person. She new my every feeling. She just passed away, 13 years of a great life. I will always miss her, but will see her again at Rainbow Bridge. I am heart broken, but looking forward to a new incredible pup. Your labs are the best there are, there is just something special about them. Thank you for your special dogs. Michelle in Granada Hills, CA