TRIBUTES AND MESSAGES

From Sarah, owner of Celeste, and Cathy's friend......  
To my dear friend.
 
Words cannot fully express my sorrow over the loss of your beloved companion, Sebastian. My heart is aching for you and I long to give you a big hug.
Sebastian was a wonderful dog and he will be greatly missed by so many.
Like you said, he was a wonderful representation of the breed
and we have been so proud of him!
 
I wrote a poem that is dedicated to his memory. 
 May it bless your heart.
 
Love, hugs and tears,
Sarah
 

This poem is dedicated in loving memory of our special friend, Sebastian.

(AUG. 19/98 - APR. 24/06)
And to Mrs. Mellalieu
who so faithfully cared for him
and helped me come to love these wonderful dogs.

Love and Hugs forever
Sarah

Goodbye

The time has come,
my fury friend,
for us to say goodbye.
I love you, so forgive me,
if I begin to cry.

But let me please remember
all the special times we had.
All the memories we collected,
whether good or bad.

And when your gone,
I shall see
in the eyes of all your kin,
the beauty of their father
and his love that dwells within.

The traits you pass
along to them,
shall forever be,
a reminder of your charming self
and your tenderness with me.

But now the time
has come, my friend,
for us to say goodbye.
My aching soul within me
has forgotten not to cry.

But you have been the brave one,
through all our struggles and fears,
and to me your last commission was
that my heart holds no more tears.

We shall miss you Sebastian.
You will always be in our hearts.

Love, hugs, and tears,
Sarah

 

 

from the University of Guelph, Ontario Veterinary College, Office of the Dean........
 

Dear Chris and Cathy,

Please accept our sympathies on the recent loss of your pet, Sebastian.  In recognition of your loving relationship with your pet, Dr. Roger Kocheff of Maple Ridge Veterinary Hospital has made a monetary donation to the Pet Trust Fund at the Ontario Veterinary College
 
The Pet Trust Fund is dedicated to advancing the health, health care and quality of life of companion animals.  I have no doubt that some day in the future, the life of another treasured pet will be saved, due to this thoughtful gift in Sebastian's memory.  What a wonderful tribute to a special friend.
 
Our pets enrich our lives every day, in many different ways.  We hope that you derive some comfort from the knowledge that Sebastian's memory will live  on in the important work of the Ontario Veterinary College.
 
Sincerely,
Elizabeth A. Stone, DVM, MS, MPP
Dean
 
 
 
 
from our office staff, at work......
 
Dear Cathy,  When you wish upon a star........
 
Your friends at the Arcus office feel the pain of your recent loss and want you to know we understand and sympathize.
 
In honour of the shining star that Sebastian was to Nobleheart Kennels and to the Bernese Mountain Dog breed, we have purchased a star in the name of "Cathryn's Brave Heart Sebastian"
 
You will be receiving an official star certificate, customized star chart and information about the constellation. The package will also include "Sebastian's" star location, magnitude and constellation data so that you can identify him as he looks down at you.
 
We do this out of love and affection for you, Sebastian and all of his children and grandchildren.  This star will shine brightly down on all of us, reminding us of his loyalty, devotion and love...............
 
"wishing you best thoughts always, Louise" ; "Love you lots, Paulette" ; "With love, Cathy, from Yvonne" ; "My love always! Leigh" ; "With much love, Cindy F" ;
"Until you meet again at Rainbow Bridge, Marlene" ; "Love and Hugs, Cindy L" ;
"With much love, Mel" ; "Love always, Paddy" ; "Love always, Lullie"
 
 
 
 
from Sharlene and Greg Whittaker, who bred and 'gifted' this wonderful dog to us, and loved Sebastian like their own.....
 
No words can express our grief at this sorrowful time. 
Our thought and memory of this wonderful spirit are with you.
Love
Greg and Sharlene
 
 
 
from Bernadette and Dave, DOUBLEDUTCH BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOGS.....

with extreme sadness did I read your message........

Once again our heart is broken,
once again a friend is lost.
the price we pay for sharing our lives with our four legged friends is high,
a pain so  enormous when we have to say goodbye,
but their never-ending love given to us freely and without question is worth
the pain,
 over and over again.

Our thought are with you.
Bernadette and Dave

 

 

Dear Cathy,

 
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of great loss. You were as blessed to have Sebastian as he was to have you and Chris. No dog was ever loved more. He lead a charmed life and may you be blessed evermore with all your wonderful memories.
 
Love, Mel Shanley

 

from the 'Mum' of  the late, magnificent "TUCKER".....

Dear Cathy,
 

  As soon as I saw the subject line of your email, my heart dropped and I said 'oh no' out loud. For I knew that you had lost your beloved Sebastian. I am typing this through tears knowing just how much your heart must be aching. I know how much a part of you he was.
Your news has brought back the sorrow I went through when I had to say goodbye to Tucker. Two such noble dogs that have forever left their pawprints on our hearts.
Cathy, the hurt is so much now, but the time will come that you will remember with a smile all the wonderful memories that you have of your beautiful boy. A part of you will always be missing but you will see glimpses of your boy in his kids and grandkids.... a treasured gift for you. Rainbow Bridge has added yet another beautiful dog-think of Sebastian running in a lovely green meadow, strong and steady with no pain. I'm sure Tucker was there to greet him with some gleefull barks and a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
Cathy, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tears and hugs,
Your Berner friend Pam

from Jake's family...........

Kathy,
Saying I know how you feel is little comfort for you. . but I know how you feel.  My deepest and warmest condolences to you.  We are thankful for Sebastian for giving you a wonderful gift. . . your love of the Berner!  And you are so right.  . .he has touched so many families and brought so much joy to our lives through that gift.

God Bless Sebastian!  
 Douglas A. Correa, BA, CRM

 

from our friend and handler, Joanne.........

Dear Chris and Cathy;

FOR MY STAR - SEBASTIAN

If you’ve ever known the welcome of a barking ball of hair, a sloppy kiss, a friendly paw, a quiet adoring stare-

If you’ve ever had a special friend to share a tear or two, or maybe just a wagging tail to lift you when you’re blue-

If you’ve ever lost your troubles in a joyful romp outside, or shared your fears with listening ears that never left your side-

If you’ve ever felt the wrenching pain that only death can send, then you have lost not just a dog-

You’ve truly lost a friend.

A loving God would not destroy the love that he creates. So rest assured that you will find your dog at Heaven’s gate. That joyful bark, that sloppy kiss, will greet you once again, and share your love forevermore

Your dog - your precious friend.

-- May peace be in your dreams --

~Author Unknown~

 

 from my sister, Sheila.......

Hi Sis:

My heart breaks at the thought of our loss - we all loved him so much.. I'm so sorry - please let me know if I can do anything for you.
Love Lullie

Hi Sis: 
I can't imagine how difficult this must be for you - thank you for sharing these pics of Sebbie with me.  Amanda was away on a retreat for the past couple of days so I just told her today.  We will miss him so - everytime I mash potatoes I will think of him!  One of the few beings in this world that loved my cooking !!

Talk to you soon
Love you,
Lullie
XO

 

 

from Jaxon's family..........

Dear Cathy,

So sorry to hear of your loss. We know that this is a difficult time for you but everytime we look at Jaxon we are reminded of Sebastian and we hope you are a little comforted knowing that.
All our love
Chris and Christine

 

from our kids, Nathan and Cassandra, and two grandaughters Isabelle and Victoria......

We are sending many hugs and kisses your way. We will
miss Sebastian very much. We love you.
Nathan, Cassandra, Isabelle & Victoria
 
Isabelle wrote:
 hgbhkmjhrtyrewqasascbvbnm  nbnbbvmk,jnn bnbbvv\
nbbbbn
(I love you Nanna)
 
Love Isabelle

 

from our kids, Andrea and Mike, who lost their Max (Seb's son).....  

HI Mumma

 When you are feeing up to it I would like to bring lunch out to you this week
Let me know if or when that is ok with you
We love you

 

from Kona and Jada's family......

Cathy,

  We are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love,
Shannon, Steve, Casey, Mark, Kona & Jada

 


from Greta's owner.....

Cathy
I am so sorry to hear about Sebastian. You are right that he was a tremendous gift to you and to us all, but I also know that you
were a tremendous gift to him.
Know that we are thinking of you all.
Doug

 

 

from Jasper's family.....  
Cathy,
I feel so bad for you. Sebastian was indeed a great ambassador for his breed. He captured my heart that first day I saw him at your house. Such a magnificent dog! I do see him in Jasper and dred the day when I will be without him.  Their eyes are so full of love. Cathy we are blessed to have one of his puppies and we will never forget Sebastian. Please take care.
With love Cheryl, Michael, Terry and Jasper too.

 

 from Daisy's family......

Dear Cathy,
 
Our deepest condolences on this devastating loss.  Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
 
Rose and Gary Klukas

 

from our friends, Claudia, Sandy, Samantha and Katie......

Cathy, I am so sorry to hear about Sebastian. I had no idea he was ill. The girls and Sandy and I send our love and condolences. I know that we will always remember the day he went for an unscheduled swim in our pool. What a beautiful boy he was.
Our love to you all,
Claudia

from Bill, who is still waiting for one of Sebastian's handsome grandsons......

Hi Catherine,
Sorry for your loss.

Bill 

 

from the 'Mum' of wonderful "BUNTZEN"..........

HI Cathy

I’m so sorry for your loss. I know he lived a full and wonderful life with you. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

 Jane Sherris in Anmore, BC, Canada

 


 

 

from Lisbeth, the moderator of the ASEPTIC MENINGITIS SUPPORT NETWORK............

Oh, Catherine, I am so very, very sorry!

I really do not know what to say. The fear that hits us all when our beloved dogs are first diagnosed with meningitis has suddenly become reality to you. When they get better, we start believing that the worst is over, and then, suddenly now.... devastation. I wish I knew exactly what causes this terrible auto-immune condition, so that I could be angry with somebody, for Sebastian's suffering and death, and for all the other AMBerners and other dogs who suffer from AM, and who suffer from the treatment.

I look at Katie every day with gratitude. I so wish that you could have been in the same position, Catherine.

Catherine, would you like to send me a picture of Sebastian, that I can put up on the website, please? Or perhaps I can just have your permission to take the picture of him from your website?

Bless you for publishing the necropsy results when they are known.

My sincere condolences.

Lisbeth

 

from a member of the Aseptic Meningitis Support Group.......

Dear Catherine,

 My heart aches for you and your family as you mourn Sebastian's
passing. What a beautiful dog he was - his personality shines through
his pictures on the website - and I know you will miss him forever.
Please accept my sympathy at his difficult time.
 
Sincerely,
Kathy Pommerening

from our niece, Amanda......

Hi Aunty Cathy,

 
Mom told me about Sebbie today.. Im so sorry.
Everyone in the family loved him very much.. he was a great dog.
I hope you and Uncle Chris are doing okay, I know what its like to lose a
pet and it's very hard.
We are all sad about Sebbie and will miss him very much, but we wont forget
all the good times
and enjoyment that was had with him. His puppies are all beautiful, its nice
that we can see him in all of them. That makes it a little easier to handle
I guess, knowing that there's still that part of him around to help keep his
memory alive.
 
I love you very much & send my sincerest condolences on the loss of
Sebastian.
 
Love,
Amanda.
 
xoxo

from the family of Sebastian's father, Max..........

Our hearts go out to you and your family, we know too well how you must be feeling, Max was my whole life and I still miss him terribly to this day, time does heal the pain. You will always have wonderful memories and a piece of him in your heart........ that never goes away. 
 
Madeline and Geoff
 
Swisskiss Bernese reg.
"Loyal Loving Companions"
 

from Brenda, ALLSGOLD'S BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOGS..........

So sorry to hear.  It never gets any easier.
 
Brenda

from BARON'S 'mum'..........

Hi Cathy!

My most heart felt condolences.   I spent some time crying myself when I received your email on Monday.  I know what a great loss that is.  I have bought (I hope you don't think this is dumb) a shrub for you to plant in honour of Seb.  Is that okay?  It is a Magnolia bush and will bloom in spring every year. (I would like to think in his honor) 
All the best...love edel

And after all the tears we can be thankful for all the happy memories we are left with.  Some of the worst things our dogs did now become something to laugh about. 
We fondly and tearfully remember their unending loyalty and love.  Even when they themselves felt "under the weather' they never forgot to wag their tails and reward us with a slobbery kiss!

Thinking of you,
love
Edel

 

from a kind stranger..........

To the Mellalieu Family,
 
We wish to send our heartfelt sympathy to your family over the loss of your beautiful Sebastian.  We just wanted you to know we understand what you are going through and share in your grief.   I'm certain he was loved immensely so your happy memories will help to  keep his spirit close. 
 
My husband and I found your website while surfing all the Berner sites.    We have been having major  "Berner withdrawal" following the loss of our  precious Berner in March of this year.  Like Sebastian,  she would have been 8 this year ( on June 9). We lost  our   Maggie (Oberland's Ultra Maggie Mae) on March 21, 2006 to Histio.  We had put an "order" in for another pup with Wanda Tait (Oberland Kennels) back in January (thinking it was time for our family to have two) not knowing we would lose our girl first.  We're keeping our fingers crossed that Wanda will have a pup for us in the litter she's expecting in early May.  So, if all goes well we'll have a new baby late July or early August.  Of course there is no replacing our Maggie but we have learned our home is not a home without a Berner.
 
Our thoughts are with you as you go through this difficult time.
 
In Sympathy,
 Mickie & Art Anderson
Port Moody, BC
 
PS.  I've attached a poem below this.  It will probably make you cry but it is lovely.  My husband kindly left it on my desk one day about  three weeks after we lost Maggie.  He could see I was still struggling with her loss.  I think it's worth a read...
 

I Stood Beside Your Bed Last Night - Author Unknown

 I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.

I could see that you were crying, you found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear.

"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea.

You were thinking of the many times your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today, your arms were getting sore.

I want to take your parcels, I wished I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care.

I want to reassure you that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house as you fumbled for the key.

I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said "It's me".

You looked so very tired and then you sank into a chair,

I tried so hard to let you know that I was standing there.

It's possible for me to be so near you everyday,

to say to you with certainty "I never went away".

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew

That in the stillness of that evening I was very close to you.

The day is over...I smile and watch you yawning

and say, “Good Night, Sweet Dreams, God Bless,

I'll see you in the morning".

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide

I'll rush to greet you and we'll stand together side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there's much for you to see.

Be patient, live your journey out; then come home and be with me.

 

 

 

 

from a member of the Aseptic Meningitis Support Group..........

I am so sorry for your loss.  We can only hope the solutions to these
diseases can come soon. 

Hugs.

Erin

 

message from Chris's brother and family.........

Dear Chris and Cathy,
I am so sorry to hear the news that Seb has passed away.  Thanks for sending the email to let us know.  You are in our thoughts, this is such a sad time.  I will always have fond memories of visiting your home and snuggling with Seb.  He is so special and precious.

Love you both, miss you.

Dawn, Rob and Russell
 

from a member of the AM Support Group.....

Dear Catherine and Family,
  Kitty (my berner) and I are so sorry to hear about Sebastian. Please accept our thoughts and prayers for you and your family for your loss. 
  I seen  his picture on the website, he was a very handsome fellow.
  Susan and Kitty

 

from Hudson's family.....

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this very sad and difficult time.
Lindsay, George and Hudson

 

from Sebastian's groomers......

Chris, Cathy and the Mellalieu Family,
We were sorry to hear about Sebastian.  He was a wonderful dog and will always be remembered here for his sweet personality and all his sons and daughters which share this trait...
  Dina, Brigitte....The Canine Connection
 

Heaven's Doggy Door

My Best Friend closed his eyes last night,
As his head lay in my hands.

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 puppy years,
And, Oh, his many charms.

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

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

Anonymous.

 

from a collegue at work.......

Dear Cathy,
I was so very sad to hear of the death of Seb.  Such a wonderful dog.  I know you will be very sad. 
Thinking of you, and may God heal your heart.
All my love,
Liz

 

In loving memory of Sebastian.

Wishing you quiet moments filled with happy memories of your departed friend.

With sympathy,
from the doctors and staff at Newton Animal Hospital

 

 

from Maurice's family....

Cathy
 
I did receive this and I didn't know what to say at first and I left the next day for holidays , my dad printed it of for me and we have Seb on our fridge ,  my heart bleeds for you Cathy I am so sorry , I am looking at his picture and he looks so much like Maurice minus the few freckles , he was a true gift and always will be , it makes me treasure my precious time with Maurice even more , they touch our lives forever and are here for such a little part of them we must appreciate every day we have with them  ,if there is anything i can do to help even if it is a hug from Maurice , I can bring him over any time you like
 
my thoughts are with you
lots of love and sadness
Victoria and Maurice

 

from Jazmine's 'Mum".......

Hi Chris and Cathy,
I got your message and honestly don't know what to say.  I didn't know how to react when I heard about the devastating news about Sebastian.  I can remember the first time I met him when I came to meet you and Jazmine (she was Princess then though) for the first time. My heart melted when he jumped up on me and put his big paws around my shoulders. 
My heart is with you at this time of grief.
I am thinking of you guys
Take Care
Julie and Jazmine 

 

from Bianca's family......
 

Hi Cathy,
 
Thank you for the email.  We have not contacted you in respect of what you have been going through but we have been thinking about you a LOT and praying for you since we heard the sad news.  We can only imagine how you must feel.  Sebastian was truly a remarkable dog and we are so privileged to have his offspring.  He will always be in our thoughts
 
We would love to be part of a playfest and I know Bianca would be just thrilled to come and give you some big kisses.  Please let us know when we can visit.
 
Love
Doula, Trent and Bianca

 

from Melodie Grabner, BERNECHO BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOGS......

Chris and Cathy,

"May your heart find comfort and peace with each new day"

I was so sorry to hear about Seb.  He was a wonderful friend and companion.  He will live on through his progeny.  You can be very proud of his legacy.

Best,
Melodie

 

From Katey and Peter, waiting for one of Sebastian's offspring.....

 

How sad we were to read that you've lost your dear Sebastian. You
must be heartbroken. He was an amazing and noble beast! I'll never
forget the way he rose up and put his paws on Peter's shoulders, as
if to introduce himself eye-to-eye and say "You're welcome here, but
make no mistake, this is MY house!"And the way he planted himself
between my feet and every time I'd stop petting him for a moment he'd
nibble my chin and say "Hey, don't go forgetting what's REALLY
important!"He was amazing, stunning, a joy.
 
Anyway, I'm sure it's hard times right now, so I wanted you to know
we're thinking about you and were so sorry to hear your news.
 
All the best,
Katey  & Peter

 

From a representative for Berner-Garde.....

Dear Catherine,

I heard you lost your sweet precious boy Sebastian.  I'm terribly sorry for your loss.  These wonderful Berners can be our very closest friends.  Being our best companions is something they do best for us without question.

I am sending you this little Berner Angel pin in memory of Sebastian. I sincerely hope it will bring you some small comfort for your  great loss.

Our Love and Warm Berner Hugs,
Karen, Angel and Amika

 

From our friends at Rainbow Ridge......

On the loss of your pet...
We love our pets because they are somehow like ourselves,
only with more innocence and trust.
We know how much your pet meant to you and how hard it must be for you now.

With Caring Thoughts,
Thinking of you during this time.  We were very sorry to hear of your loss,

Love from all of us at Rainbow Ridge

 

With Deepest Sympathy....By our sides for such a short while........

Chris and Cathy,

We were so sorry to hear about Sebastian.  He was such a special boy and touched many lives during his time on earth.
We're sure the wonderful memories you hold in your hearts will help bring healing and peace to your souls.

With much sympathy,
Lea and Phil
Family of the late and wonderful Bandit, Halo and Passion