The Ones we loved and lost...

    Toby Tobias Hamilton  (June 15/91- July 25/07)

My dear Toby was the original Four-legged Cowboy, being the inspiration behind the making of Whisker's Urban Ranch.  He was a happy independent gentleman who taught us to Wake Up & Wag.  This Cocker Spaniel/Terrier X was a common sight in all the parks around town, especially Beaver Lake and Esquimalt Lagoon, causing everyone to comment "he looks so happy".   For a little dog he had a big adventurous life, with camping and hiking the Islands to a private plane ride in Alberta.  Every hour was his Happy Hour, but especially at 9pm, when he would wake off the couch and start dancing around for a cookie or, his favourite, a piece of Mini-Wheats!  It's a tradition we carry on in his honour.  Get up and dance!  It's Happy Hour!!

    Libby LouLou Hamilton  (Dec. 15/94 - May 20/08)

Miss Libby LouLou was my sweet snowpea princess.  She came to our family when she was three and quickly warmed our hearts with her spunk and fiestiness.  For a little Maltese she was fearless and independent; from willing to take on big dogs to defend her big-brother Toby to taking on the challenge of climbing Mt. Finlayson, nothing got in her way.  She taught us that with the right attitude you can accomplish anything!  She loved dancing, hiking, chasing her growly bear, and her treat of choice was chicken.  She was crazy about anything chicken!!  Zippy zippy was her attitude and lifestyle.  May we all be a little LouLou every now and then!

  Buster (1989-2007)

Dear ole' Buster was a sweet friend of ours, and to everyone he met.  He loved making new friends, playing along the shoreline, and any treat he could get a hold of!  He taught us to enjoy the simple, quieter enjoyments of life, like watching the ducks on the water and the fluttering leaves on the park trail.  He was an inspiration to all of us, that no matter how old or how tired you feel you just got to give it your best every day.  Thank you Buster for spending time with us.

   Kelly (1994-2008) 

Kelly was a dear friend of ours.  As a charming gentleman, with beautiful eyes, he loved the Ladies and would get all frisky when they were near!  He taught us that you are never too old to fall in love or make new friends.  This boy loved to sing for his supper and any other treats he could coerce!  Despite his age, he was always happy to go for a walk and a sniff of fresh air.  Fresh air, good treats and good friends.  What more can anyone ask for?!  Thanks for your company Kelly.

  Hobbs (1993-2009)

Mr. Hobbs (left), with his brother Coco, loved to go walking all through his life.  He enjoyed a special celebration along the waterfront for his 16th birthday.  Everyone loved his big eyes and little teeth sticking out in his smile.  Hobbs was quite a trooper at daycare, preferring to be among all the young energetic dogs instead of resting with the seniors.  He taught us that if we keep our minds young and active, then our bodies should hold off aging as well.  Mr. Hobbs we love and miss you.

    Jake (1993 - 2010)

Dear Jake, respectfully referred to as Grandpa Jake, departed in January.  He started coming to the Ranch in December 2008.  After he went fishing with his Dad in the morning, he would come to daycare every day, Monday to Friday, where he enjoyed the company of his fellow seniors and watching the young 'uns play.  He taught all the pups along the way to respect their elders; they would share their blankets if he needed a soft spot to rest and moved out of his way as he meandered to the watering hole.  Often we would find Jake asleep on a bed surrounded by balls the pups had brought as offerings!!  Jake was a dear 'ole Cowboy.  We miss him as he rides off into the sunset.  Ride on Cowboy Jake...Ride on.