Memorial
In Loving Memory of all the dogs who live in spirit as well as in the memories and hearts of those who loved them so very much
Fame
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We have a secret--Fame and I--no one shall ever know
For who, but I, see him each night in the lamplight's glow?
And who, but I, extend my hand once I climb into bed
To feel the living warmth of him and touch his silken head?
Walking grass-lined sandy paths, only I, see ahead of me,
His fur blowing in the wind‚ so young again, and free.
And only I can watch him dig at the shoreline that I pass
And when I call, no one but I, can see the bending grass.
November 18, 1998 - June 28, 2006
Fame gave me everything he had to give and--like a dream--was gone just as quickly. But the love he left behind lives in my heart and the hearts of all those he touched. Thank you, my beloved Fame. for making so many joyful dreams come true.
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Completing his Championship before his third birthday and going Best of Breed from the classes over 3 Specials, this wonderful Golden attained "Fame" in his multi-titled career. With a track record of predominantly first place class wins and multiple RWD from the puppy classes, Fame was nominated for NORCAL's Puppy of the Year defeating 91 dogs before his first birthday. Fame won his International Senior championship at 13 months old and then won his first major (while owner-handled) at the Del Valle Kennel Club, March 2001. He won his second major at DelMonte Kennel Club and then picked up the rest of his points in back to back weekend shows.
Fame  was also an agility star and entered each agility trial as if this was the greatest thing a Golden Retriever could ever be asked to do. He won both his Novice agility titles, his Open Jumpers agility title, and two legs of his Open Standards agility title.
Fame was one of those once in a lifetime dogs you occasionally hear about. Always eager to please and to do whatever was asked of him - unless he had to stay at home while the other dogs went off to shows. Fame was the consummate show dog with a wonderful ring attitude and presence. He loved performing inside the ring and out. Whenever he was competing, the joy on his face was evident to all who watched him.
Fame had a rock solid, level top line, beautiful side gait, correct foot timing, and flawless movement. Gorgeous on the free stack or on the move, he epitomized the breed standard.
At 22 inches Fame was a moderate dog with balanced angulation and a lovely headpiece. Fame had dark, black non-fading pigmentation, correct structure, and a soft beautiful expression. He had a sweet, gentle, disposition, soul-searching large dark eyes that radiated unconditional love. Fame believed that the grooming table was made exclusively for his own pleasure and stuffed toys must be transported around the house all day long.
Fame was purchased by me from another breeder who lied about his health history. I learned that Fame descended from a line of dogs known to produce SAS and hip displasia. Consequently, I made certain that he was never allowed to be bred. Additionally, he did not get an elbow clearance from the OFA and died too young from hemangiosarcoma, a disease that is known to be genetic.
My prayer for Fame - A dog who helped me know What Dreams May Come
Dear God,
A few hours ago I sent you my beloved Fame. You'll recognize him instantly. He is the one with the beautiful big eyes full of love and the happy Golden grin who will always respond to whatever command you give him with unbridled enthusiasm. I know others have written you about their dogs, so I hope you won't mind if I tell you what will keep him happy.
Please let him run on a sandy beach twice a day. He loves to dig and dig for hours and if you are not careful, he will dig the sand out from under your sandals and you will fall into his hole. Once in awhile kick sand for him so he can leap up into the air and catch it.
 Please give him an agility field in your backyard. Oh, don't bother with the teeter--he doesn't really like it, but be sure to include lots of tunnels and jumps--especially the broad jump.
Please let him go with you wherever you go, even if it is just down to the mailbox to pick up everyone's prayer requests. And let him sit under your desk while you are working.
After his last walk for the evening, he'll run to the cabinet and wag his tail. He wants cookies. Please give him one and remember - he can spell. If you get as far as spelling C-O-O-K...he will run to the cabinet door.
In the morning, he will be waiting on your pillow with one of your slippers in his mouth and a toy at his feet, or on your pillow. When he wants to go out, he will take one of your shoes and march around with it, until you are ready to go. When you take a bath, please make water spouts with your hand for him to catch in his mouth.
If you leave him in a soft sided crate, you might as well leave it unlocked. He knows how to work the zipper. But don't worry. He will only go as far as the first person he finds who will pay attention to him.
Above all else, give him lots of love and petting. He is a quiet, good dog and won't be very demanding. Instead, he'll wait patiently for you to finish whatever you are doing with his head in your lap.
Please take care of him and send him back as soon as possible in a new puppy body. Don't keep him too long or you will fall in love--as I did--and never want to let him go. Kiss him for me and tell him I miss him and my heart is broken. 7½ years was too short a time to be on this earth, but I'm glad he didn't have to suffer any pain. If Hunter hasn't found him, already, please make sure they sleep together tonight. And please find a way to mend my broken heart and stop the tears from falling.
Thank you
Love
Rikki
Allsea Golden Retrievers, where nothing is the same any more.
" Fame "
Fame was owner/handled and handled by Mike Stone, PHA
- Pedigree -
Hunter December 26, 1985-May 26, 2000
Fourteen and a half years ago on this night I held you in my hands and somehow knew that a bond was forged between us at that moment. As the end approached I looked into eyes that lost their clarity but still managed to radiate love just the same as they always had. I observed muscles that were stiff when rising out of a warm bed after a long nap, but still saw a heart that was as young as ever. I recall your stiff gait as you romped across a beach shrouded in morning fog and marveled that somehow I could still see the spirit of who you were and your noble field heritage residing in the fiber of your being.
I watched as the years weighed heavily on your shoulders and lightly frosted your dark red muzzle with white hairs. I gave thanks for each and every day that you could still share your love with me. You always had the ability to convince me to share my favorite morsels with you and were always able to persuade me that you really did need that extra dog biscuit hiding in the cookie jar. I can't bear the pain knowing you won't be here to share my joy and accomplishments.
You amassed no titles except those that represent the greatest gifts of unconditional love radiating from an impeccable temperament. You were honorary father to kittens and all the Goldens of your pack. You were an inspiration to me by showing me how to handle with grace and dignity what old age bestows on us all. I am grateful for your willingness to pretend to be a show dog while we took conformation handling classes together.
Thank you for all you have taught me and given me, I truly understand the real blessings of unconditional love. May I always be able to live up to your image of who you needed me to be. I love you, Hunter, dog of my heart.
Hunter --my first Golden Retriever--is the dog who started it all for me. Hunter excelled at obedience and doing dozens of really impressive tricks. He traveled with me throughout the country and had several TV appearances. Hunter was my "Great Go-Along Dog", "Constant Companion", and "Best Friend". Sleep well, sweet boy. "Stay"--and wait for me one more time until we can be together again.
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