8/11/2004: Fluke Has Sailed On

Last week, we had several passengers who liked the humpback whales, but they loved our dogs. While Rumba can only take so much petting before she yips and announces she needs some space, Fluke soaked it up as though it was her birth right. Stretching full length on her bed on the bridge, she allowed 4 or 5 kids to pet and cuddle her at a time.
Who knew that would be her last cruise with us?

The little golden retriever that appeared out by our house in the middle of nowhere, just 10 hours after we put down our 16 year old Chesapeake Bay retriever, has sailed over the horizon and Steph and I are left standing on this side. We know it was time and we know that she’s in a better place, but we also know how much it hurts to have said good-bye and the holes left behind. Home, the boats, our cars and our hearts feel like Swiss cheese.

Fluke was full of surprises. She loved having affection lavished on her, but one of her many endearing quirks was that if we paused while petting her, she’d rear her head up and stare at us as though to say, “You have nothing more important to do than pet me!” But if the pause turned into a true lull of several seconds, she would stand up and walk off in disgust. It was clear she could take us or leave us; we had to keep on our toes.

Fluke had been badly abused before she came to us. If a dog walked up to her, she lowered her head and closed her eyes, prepared for the worst. We wondered if she would ever feel secure again; we didn’t have to wait long to find out.

Back then, Steph and I were just starting to run a whale watching boat in Monterey. I am sure Fluke had never been on a boat before, but that was where we spent our days, so she had to go, too. I was involved in teaching my Sea Dog School for several days and not on the boat. I worried that she’d have trouble with such an alien environment, but I needn’t have.

I was at the dock after their first trip and watched them pull in. There was Fluke, sitting up on the flying bridge on a cushion, surveying her kingdom with serene satisfaction. That was just the start.

Fluke had a natural sea sense and she rode out rough days with ease. When Rumba joined us, she relied heavily on Fluke, anxiously looking at her peacefully snoozing and bouncing sister for assurance.

As Fluke aged, she found her voice with other dogs. Her absolute favorite thing to do was bitch dogs out at the harbor. Walking to the boat, she’d spot another dog and I could feel the quiet growl through her collar leash. She loved charging at the offending animal and I’d make a big show of holding her back. Then I’d have to explain to the owner she was 14 and this was great fun. At that age and after her tough younger years, Fluke deserved it. After such a display, she‘d would sashay off, tail wagging, immensely pleased with herself.

Cats had an affinity for Fluke from the beginning. Several tiny kittens we rescued over the years cuddled up either in her fluffy hindquarter feathers or curled next to her tummy. She took it all in stride.

Fluke always loved Sanctuary most, probably because that was her first command as an owner. Back when we ran out of Santa Cruz and stayed aboard some nights, we’d walk down the dock and Steph would say, “Go find your boat!“ Off she’d run, tail describing a big circle, happily leaping aboard.

On days when she and Rumba hung out while Steph did maintenance, she would pace Sanctuary’s deck with smug confidence, barking at passing dogs just enough to let them know she wasn’t pleased, but never to the point of excess. It just wasn’t her style.

On Princess of Whales, while at the dock, Fluke would position herself on the sundeck, paws hanging over the top step. It would have made a wonderful photo, but every time I had a camera in hand, she stood up and walked away before I was ready. Darn.

Fluke’s spot at the top of the stairs was where she had a good view of passersby on the dock. If no passing dogs were in the offing, she’d bark at people. Just a brief grumble to let them know she’d seen them and they better watch it. And yet, she was always the perfect hostess when they came aboard. Tolerant of being hugged and kissed and patted and rolled on, she endured it all when we opened the bridge during the cruise back in from the whales.

But each day, at a certain point, she hopped up off her bed and cheerfully made her way to the starboard cabinet where the dog treats are stashed. Wagging her tail, Rumba at her side, their message was clear. It was their favorite time of the day, SNACK TIME!

Any time could be snack time, including the day I left Fluke in the car with a package of Costco muffins. I returned to find 3 chocolate muffins, wrappers and all, missing. Forget that nonsense about chocolate killing dogs, at least not our Fluke. She was perfectly fine and completely without remorse over her binge.

Fluke would get so excited at dinner time that she'd do what we called "Shaky Butt." Trotting toward the kitchen, she'd give an all over wiggle that ran through her body, ending at the butt. There was nothing as exciting as meal time for her.

Convinced we would get lost without her guidance on hikes, Fluke took up the lead and kept it. We called her Scout. On a nice walk up along Butano Creek in the redwoods, Fluke led, but kept a distance ahead of us. She’d look back to make sure we hadn’t screwed up, pause briefly, then continue on. She announced the end of our upstream direction by walking out into the creek and lying down in the cool water. After her rest, she got up and headed back downstream. We could follow or not, but we weren’t stupid. We went where Scout went and we never got lost.

Fluke had impossibly long, delicate paws. She'd finish her dinner, check to make sure Rumba hadn't left some of hers, then lie down and cross those paws. Her expression was often the one you see here. Calm, relaxed. Probably thinking about breakfast, since she was always a chow bug. She had a full tummy and life was good.

Recently, Fluke showed us more affection than usual. She'd walk up to one of us, give us a head butt, then relish the scratches and rubs we'd give her. Pushing into our hands, rubbing her head against our legs, a big ol' smile on her face. It sure felt good for all of us.

Fluke always acknowledged Rumba as they trotted along on walks. She‘d dash toward her and nose her muzzle before romping off. Rumba is pretty much in her own world. She’s sweet, but boorish. At doors, she would barge in and Fluke would get pushed aside if she wasn’t savvy enough to wait. But that was Fluke for you. She was savvy. She’d known some tough times and she’d stuck them out. She hit the jackpot with us, as we did with her. I don't really know if Rumba will miss her sister, but we sure will. Sail on, Sweet Girl. See you out there.

Fluke had a lot of friends and many of them sent the sweetest and most eloquent remembrances of her. You can read them here.

If heaven isn't for dogs, I'm not going. "Heaven for climate, Hell for company." Mark Twain ~ Earle
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I want to send my condolences for Fluke's death. She was so much a part of your family, your work, your passions; it's hard to find the right words to send. You've done such a remarkable job of portraying her past challenges, developing personality and daily antics, that it's comforting to your readers. I only hope you find the some of the same sense of comfort as the days go on. Jo Ann Siemson
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Heidi & Steph, on behalf of all your friends at the Central California SPCA, I wish to express our heartfelt condolences. I am glad to have had the pleasure of sailing with Fluke and she will be missed by everyone. I believe she will be waiting for you when you cross over the bridge. Look forward to visiting again soon. Stephen Goode, Shelter Office Manager/CCSPCA Fresno
------------------------------------------- Dear Heidi and Steph, I share your sorrow at the loss of Fluke. A spirit guide told me to" know that there is a kingdom for animal spirits" and to "release the sorrow at their passing." But you never let go of the empty place that they filled in your life. With love, Mary Brooks
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Dear Heidi & Steph, We are so sorry about the loss of Fluke. My husband and I have been on your cruises a couple of times and it has always been an additional pleasure to see Fluke and say hello to her. Our life is shared with cats and it is heartbreaking to lose one, but their presence continues to live in us as I know Fluke will with you two. I am sure Rumba will miss her. No matter how independent they are of each other, animals, I am sure, feel loss. Our thoughts are with you. Lynn & Zack Stuart
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Dear Steph and Heidi, I am sure I am only one of many to send my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beautiful and faithful friend Fluke. She was a dear sweet dog and will be missed by all her friends. I still carry in my mind my first glimpse of her at the Monterey pier tucked snugly into her favorite spot on Sanctuary. I knew before we left the dock that you two were my kind of people.
While Fluke has gone on ahead, the love that she evoked in all her friends remains and brings us together. Once again, thank you for sharing an important piece of your lives and allowing it to touch us as well. Know that you are both in my thoughts through this difficult period.
Kindest regards, Mary Murray, Carmel
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Fluke Crosses the Bar ~ From Captain Russ Hoburg, Blue and Gold Fleet, S.F.
That's the heading in the MM&P [Masters, Mates & Pilots) monthly mag that then leads into the list of deceased members. They've "crossed the bar." I've always thought that it had a sort of ambiguous appropriateness to it. I presume that "the bar" is a metaphor for our lives. It suggests the turbulence and danger and demand for attention to our task that the bar crossing makes on us. Those demands are reflected constantly in the demands that life makes on us. But, the bar crossing is not the same for everyone. For some it's a sleigh ride with loved ones and a snug harbor on the other side. For others it's a painful, harrowing experience where once it's crossed we are left to face the open sea and the dangers that it presents.

The Marine Engineers Beneficial Association, of which I am a past member and current pension recipient, has a monthly magazine and it leads into it's obituaries with the heading, "Finished With Engines." I've always liked that term a little more. It's the last signal that the Mate rings down to the engine room after the ship has been moored. The voyage is over with. The "plant" is being shut down. When I sailed big ships and was on the wheel, I used to look at the engine room telegraph with it's orders from "slow ahead" to "full ahead" to "full astern" to "finished with engines" and think what a fine metaphor for life that it was. I usually keep my communications with VTS [Vessel Traffic Service] to a minimum. I'll check in on my last departure from an out port but that will be the end of my contact with VTS. I may mention that it's my "last trip of the day." But, now and then, if it's late at night and it's been a long hard day and the crew is putting out the night lines, I'll call VTS one last time, "Bay Clipper, moored pier 41, finished with engines." And Traffic will come back with "Thank You, Bay Clipper. Good night." Then I really feel that I 've ended that day. Fluke was the proverbial "Lucky Dog." She was lucky to have found you guys and she was lucky to have finished her life at sea. It could not have been much better.  Russ
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Dear Heidi and Steph, I was so sorry to hear that Fluke has "sailed on," as you so eloquently wrote in your moving tribute to her. As a dog-lover myself, I especially enjoyed all of the vivid stories regarding her personality, alternately laughing and crying while reading them. And although I am grateful to have been on one of her final voyages last Saturday, I will really miss her on the next time out. Thought you might be comforted by two of my favorite quotes about dogs. The first is especially relevant for Fluke since she endured some tough days before her time with you. My thoughts are with you guys. Lisa Craig
Here is what Lisa included: "If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man." Mark Twain
"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." Anonymous (from a labrador retriever calendar)
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Thanks very much for writing the wonderful piece about Fluke. And the handsome picture showing the crossed paws is super. As I type this there's a golden retriever nudging my left hand. They are such great dogs. All the best, Diane Rosenberger
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Sorry about Fluke. Love your story about her arrival and friendship. I remember how she let anyone, especially kids, hug and pet her.
I know how special she was to you both and my heart is both sad and happy for you. Happy she was in your life and sad because she
is gone. LONG LIVE FLUKE!!!!!!! O'NEIL
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Am sorry to hear of your loss. My dogs have always been such a large part of my family. Fluke brought so much pleasure to your passengers and I will miss her my next time out. Maureen Hall
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I just read your eulogy for Fluke and, of course, I am in tears. I love her picture with the crossed legs. Dylan used to do that. Love, Carol
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I believe that nothing of beauty and goodness and truth is ever truly lost, Heidi. Some day it will all be restored to us. What would heaven be without Fluke and all the other animals each of us has loved, depended on, and looked at in absolute wonder? And that includes those magnificent whales! Heaven is going to be the best wildlife sanctuary God can dream up! Doris Schoenhoff
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DEAR HEIDI AND STEPH,
MY GRANDDAUGHTER, ALYSSA, READ YOUR HEARTFELT TRIBUTE TO FLUKE WHILE SITTING NEXT TO ME HERE AT THE COMPUTER. WHEN SHE FINISHED READING SHE LOOKED AT ME AND OF COURSE, I HAD SOME TEARS. YOUR WORDS BROUGHT BACK WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF OUR VERY MUCH LOVED AND MISSED BLACK LAB, MERLE HAGGARD. I AM SO SORRY FOR FLUKES PASSING BUT AM ALSO GLAD I GOT TO MEET HER WHENEVER I CAME ABOARD THE PRINCESS OF WHALES. SHE ADDED ALOT OF JOY TO THE WHALE TRIPS. A SPECIAL SPOT WILL ALWAYS BE KEPT IN YOUR HEARTS FOR FLUKE AND AFTER AWHILE THE ACHING WILL TEMPER DOWN AND YOUR WILL KNOW HOW BLESSED YOU TWO WERE TO HAVE HER IN YOUR LIFE. I KNOW THAT YOU KNOW ALREADY.

AFTER ALYSSA AND I READ YOUR E-MAIL, WE TALKED ABOUT HOW MUCH TRUST THAT PETS PUT ON US AND HOW VERY MUCH APART OF YOUR FAMILY THEY BECOME. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT HOW WE SHOULD TREAT OUR ANIMALS AND HOW MUCH WE CAN LEARN FROM THEIR UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.

ALYSSA IS ALMOST 11 AND RIGHT NOW WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A VET, ESPECIALLY FOR HORSES. SHE WAS CONCERNED THAT RUMBA WOULD MISS FLUKE ALOT!! WE ARE SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS OF FLUKE AND WISH HER CALM SEAS AHEAD! LINDA AND ALYSSA COLEHOWER
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It is always so hard to say good-bye to our four legged family members. You are in our thoughts and prayers, Marty and Kathi Mogalian
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We were so sorry to hear of Fluke's passing. I just wanted to tell you that despite your warnings to my daughter and niece to give Fluke her space, they were always so interested in her they just kept trying to pet her--and she sweetly abided them. As I am sure you know, even as Fluke neared the end of her journey on earth, she was always sweet and patient with the girls, allowing them to get close and pet her despite her age and illness. What a sweet, sweet girl! She will be sorely missed by our family on our future cruises. Elizabeth, Joel, Amaya, and Marika
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Heidi and Steph, We recently lost our beloved cat, Tristan. I share your grief.
Your eulogy was a perfect tribute. Patrick and Marie
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Dear Heidi and Steph, My deepest sympathy to you for losing Fluke. Your dogs are such a beautiful part of your environment on Monterey Bay. Your eulogy is beautiful too. Thank you. My dog, Precious, had surgery yesterday for a huge tumor that appeared within two weeks on her neck. The surgeon, Dr. Lisa Metelman at Pacific Vet Hosp. phoned me late yesterday and said the surgery was successful and that Precious was awake. She couldn't take as wide a margin on the tumor as she would have liked because it was sitting on her Jugular vein.
May you heal in time by remembering what a miracle is was for Fluke to have you adopt her.
Fondly, Connie Grimes
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So sorry to hear about your dear sweet "Fluke". My husband and I took in an abused dog a year and a half ago from the San Mateo pound. My husband found out he had cancer and was going to be home a lot from the treatments. I feared he would be home alone and scared while I still had to run our business. So a dog seems to be the answer. Her name is Shelby.......pit bull mix.......... best dog we have ever had. Dog seems to come into our live when we need them the most. Fluke will always sail in your hearts. Big hugs to both of you. See ya out there!
Anna May Eichhorn-Oertwig
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Ouch. Barry will miss his friend.
David B. Tillotson
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Heidi & Steph - So sorry to hear of the loss of one of your family. Fluke was an endearing family/crew member to all who met her. Your love of all creatures, great and small (and even those of us with 2 legs) is so wonderful. Any critter who becomes part of your family is guaranteed love, affection and genuine caring and respect for their role in your household.
Fluke will live on in our hearts and memories as a great sailor and companion.
Fondly, Tom & Denise Noack
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Heid & Steph,
We were so sorry to hear the news about Fluke. You gave her such a wonderful life. We will think of her on the bridge with kids petting her making the cruise that much more fun.
Much love, Steve & Sona
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I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Having been through it more times than we would like, we both send our hope that your pleasant memories will help you through this difficult time.
Walker & Mary
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What a beautiful testimony. You must miss her terribly. We are all disappointed not to meet Fluke next week, but looking forward to our cruise with Rumba.
The Coletti's
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Wow, what a tribute! Sorry for your loss. Sounds like she lived a long, full life, but I don't think we are ever really prepared to say goodbye to a beloved pet. Take care, Bobbi
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Heidi & Steph,
I'm so sorry to hear of Fluke's departure... she's been a special part of your trips, as she graciously accepted the admiration of her fans. (I remember your saying how many people have made sure that the dogs will be aboard when they call to make reservations.) Fluke certainly had a rich life - how many dogs get to see whales, walk the plank in dry dock, and explore the country with loving companions? You're right - you all hit the jackpot with each other. I'll miss seeing her on her cushion on Sanctuary, calmly moving with the motion of the boat while peacefully napping away the afternoon. Here's hoping she's out there enjoying a marvelous cruise. Anne Harrington
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Heidi & Steph,
So sorry about Fluke. When you helped put my sister to rest three years ago, Fluke was there to greet us and tell us that everything was okay. Fluke is now is Dog Heaven, chasing all the cats [She never did chase cats. In fact, two of the tiny kittens we rescued spent their early days cuddled up in Fluke‘s hindquarter feathers!], eating all the treats, and sleeping on the softest cloud beds there are. Bless Fluke and all pets gone before our time to be there wagging their tails when we arrive. Our thoughts are with you. Love Judy & Richard Chrzanowski
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Heidi and Steph,
Wow, we are so sorry to hear about Fluke. We are glad that she landed with you two and was so happy in your company. We are thinking of you both and Rumba, too. Anne, Jeff and John
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Hey there Heidi, Steph, and Rumba - greetings from Tim and Christi Doyle (formerly of PG and now traveling in Australia) - G'day. We are still on your email list and have just received news of Fluke - our hearts and tears go out to you. We lost our 16 year old 3 years ago and it still hurts - so we feel we can empathize with you - just a little. We really appreciated all you wrote about her - we were sitting here remembering her from the days you all went out of Monterey....funny how time flies. She was well-loved and what a great deal of therapy you and the creatures of the sea provided her. We'll be thinking of you. Nevertheless, we are here in Australia getting ready to go out with Oceania - Humback whale researchers out of Hervey Bay. We have been seeing mating pairs, mom and calves, and breaching whales while kayaking the coast over the last 3 weeks - we are very excited as you are with the whales on your side of the Pacific. Keep up all your good work and efforts - you guys are really doing it! Thank you for your inspiration.
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Hey there Heidi, Steph, and Rumba - greetings from Tim and Christi Doyle (formerly of PG and now traveling in Australia) - G'day. We are still on your email list and have just received news of Fluke - our hearts and tears go out to you. We lost our 16 year old 3 years ago and it still hurts - so we feel we can empathize with you - just a little. We really appreciated all you wrote about her - we were sitting here remembering her from the days you all went out of Monterey.... funny how time flies. She was well-loved and what a great deal of therapy you and the creatures of the sea provided her. We'll be thinking of you. Nevertheless, we are here in Australia getting ready to go out with Oceania - Humpback whale researchers out of Hervey Bay. We have been seeing mating pairs, mom and calves, and breaching whales while kayaking the coast over the last 3 weeks - we are very excited as you are with the whales on your side of the Pacific. Keep up all your good work and efforts - you guys are really doing it! Thank you for your inspiration. G'day, Christi and Tim
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Good sailing Fluke - old shipmate from your friend, fourteen hours out
cargoed with vegetables and tinware . . . And you - you are . . .
The Begum of Bengal--Carroll Briggs
It is one of my favorite Mark Twain quotations:
"Many and many a year ago I gathered an incident from Dana's Two Years Before the Mast. It was like this: There was a presumptuous little self-important skipper in a coasting sloop engaged in the dried-apple and kitchen-furniture trade, and he was always hailing every ship that came in sight. He did it just to hear himself talk and to air his small grandeur. One day a majestic Indiaman came plowing by with course on course of canvas towering into the sky, her decks and yards swarming with sailors, her hull burdened to the Plimsoll line with a rich freightage of precious spices, lading the breezes with gracious and mysterious odors of the Orient. It was a noble spectacle, a sublime spectacle! Of course the little skipper popped into the shrouds and squeaked out a hail, "Ship ahoy! What ship is that? And whence and whither?" In a deep and thunderous bass the answer came back through the speaking- trumpet, "The Begum, of Bengal--142 days out from Canton--homeward bound! What ship is that?" Well, it just crushed that poor little creature's vanity flat, and he squeaked back most humbly, "Only the Mary Ann, fourteen hours out from Boston, bound for Kittery Point-- with nothing to speak of!" Oh, what an eloquent word that "only," to express the depths of his humbleness! That is just my case. During just one hour in the twenty-four--not more--I pause and reflect in the stillness of the night with the echoes of your English welcome still lingering in my ears, and then I am humble. Then I am properly meek, and for that little while I am only the Mary Ann, fourteen hours out, cargoed with vegetables and tinware; but during all the other twenty-three hours my vain self-complacency rides high on the white crests of your approval, and then I am a stately Indiaman, plowing the great seas under a cloud of canvas and laden with the kindest words that have ever been vouchsafed to any wandering alien in this world, I think; then my twenty-six fortunate days on this old mother soil seem to be multiplied by six, and I am the Begum, of Bengal, 142 days out from Canton--homeward bound!"
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Hello Heidi-Thanks for the wonderful recap about Fluke. It sounds like she had a wonderful life, and you, Steph and Rumba all helped her live it. I have lost a few dogs over the years, and I know it's one of the more painful things to go through. I do remember Fluke sitting very calmly and regally -- inside the bridge on her cushion. Just looked and acted like a very cool dog. I'm glad she found you. Hang in there. You -- and Fluke -- will be in our thoughts. Gene Tognetti
PS: Thanks also for letting my son Chris steer the boat way back when we took the cruise.
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Heidi, Steph, Rumba and the Sanctuary Cruises Crew Members;
This truly is sad news to hear that you have lost a valuable member of your crew!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
It's going to be a very different whale watching trip without the elegant and stately 'Miss Fluke' on the bridge of Princess of Whales. So very sorry for this big hole left in your lives!
Lucy & Jeff
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So sorry for your loss, guys. They're more family than family most times. - DeAnne
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I only had the opportunity to meet Fluke twice and she was very sweet to me. Especially the second time. I was seasick and she came over and laid her head on my knee then went up and laid in her spot on the bridge. Pre-Princess for both. I also want you to know how much she meant to me--and probably everyone--that was away from home without their beloved pets. Just to pet a sweet dog makes life better away from home. As part of an animal rescue, I can guarantee you fate will step in and Fluke will be reincarnated into another wonderful doggie that you’ll compare to her forever (even though they won’t look at all the same, or they may). Just the way fate brought her to you in the first place. Hugs from sunny Arizona, Mona
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So very sorry to hear this Heidi!
Having lost a few good dogs myself, I relate and write this with a more than a few tears. My Tasha and Bella will have a life-celebrating biscuit tonight for Fluke! Rumba will miss her, maybe not as much as you - but our Tasha was sure a bit happier when we picked up Miss Bella after our 14 yr old Joey passed. :-) Revel in the memories and she will always be with you! Dawn
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Dear Heidi and Steph,
We went whale watching with you in May, my 5 year-old son and I. We didn’t see any whales that day and my son got sick, but we are looking forward to coming back the next chance we have and try again. We enjoy your e-mails, especially the photos. We felt we must write to you and offer some measure of comfort on losing Fluke. We keenly know how it feels, as we lost our sweet Eika in November. She was such a lady, and a truly special and intricate part of our family. She was a German Shepherd of working lines and would go anywhere and try anything as long as she could be with us. She was a faithful, selfless friend and watched over my babies like a guardian angel. Kyle was 4 ½ when our girl died of a sudden, aggressive cancer that resulted in internal bleeding tumors. Kyle and I both took it so hard. We just wanted to send our most heart-felt condolences. We know the Swiss cheese feeling. We take comfort in knowing that when our Lord returns, there will be no more tears. I take that to mean we will be reunited and share eternal life together. We anxiously await the day we will hug her again. In Christ’s Love, Katie and Kyle Colgan
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I am so sorry to hear about Fluke! She was a lovely dog and a most pleasant surprise on a whale watching boat. She was very sweet to the kids surrounding her and very gentle. I am sure that you will miss her. My thoughts are with you. Joyce
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Oh my dear Lord...I know she is in Heaven and I am crying right along with you. It is so very sad but she had a beautiful life with you two. She was such a princess and I loved her too. Anyone who knew Fluke loved her. Bruce and I send our you both our condolences.
Love, Nancy
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Dear ones!
We are so sorry to hear about Fluke. She was a one-of-a-kind sweet gal and will be sorely missed by all who came to know her. There's a hole in your lives the size of Texas. My heart breaks for you! Love, Carole
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I am sorry to hear about your loss. Fluke will be deeply missed. I remember Fluke all those years ago when me and my daughter were there with her class for the adventure of our life time. Our deepest Sympathies, Debbie and Stephanie Ly
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Steph and Heidi, so sorry to hear about Fluke.
We only just met her and you all once on the 28th of July. That was our first time out with you all and we were lucky to see Humpback and Blues. We were impressed with both Fluke and Rumba's tolerance of all the people on board and they just lay there napping and then when you let the children in on the return trip they let the kids pet them and seemed to enjoy it.We lost our Spike nearly 16 years ago, he was a little Boston Terrier Bulldog and we still miss him. So we know how you feel. Thanks for a good time out on your boat and for sharing with us the news about Fluke. I'm sure you have lots of good memories to get you through this.
Love and Prayers, Dennis and Pat from Texas
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Dearest Sanctuary family-Our love to you and our thanks for so many long lovely days in the fine company of such a wonderful dog. Life is short, grief long, joy a rare commodity who do not know the pangs of love. We send you our hugs and best dog prayers, Anne, Mat & Rowan Rowley
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I imagine your eyes were filled to overflowing as you wrote this lovely good-bye. It certainly touched me. Steve Peck
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Oh, no, Heidi and Steph... I'm so sorry. I know you can't hear or see my emotion in this heart wrenching email... but I'm balling. I had to send it to my friend here at work... who also had a golden... I needed comforting... how selfish... but I know she'll cry with me. I can't tell you how sad this makes me and the emptiness she has left with each one she touched will be felt for a long-time coming. I only hope she passed peacefully. She was lucky to have found you... we all know it was fate. Love you - Heidi Stalder
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Sail on, Sweet Girl. I am sorry for you both in your loss. I am convinced
there is a special spot in heaven for pets, and it sounds like Fluke will be
right at home. Miss you both! Deborah Streeter
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Oh Heidi,
I'm so sorry to hear about Fluke. As a "golden mom" myself, I know too well how they find their way into your heart and leave all too soon.
Katie Campagna (and Buffy the resident princess)
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I read your log this morning and I too have a hole in my heart. We have been on two cruises with you and Fluke was definitely a warm and fuzzy part of those trips. I am just happy that our grandkids got to give her a pat on the head on August 7th. They loved the trip, except for the fog and as Cheyanne calls it "chunky waves", but they had a wonderful time.  The first thing they told their Mom, was the beautiful dogs that went with us on the trip. You and Steph are in our thoughts and prayers. It's tough to lose a wonderful friend. Thanks again for your dedication. You continue to be an inspiration to us. Larry & Pat Kelley and Cheyanne & Dylan
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Heidi and Steph, My husband and I have only had the great opportunity to whale watch with you once, and it was a glorious experience. Ever since (about 10 months ago), I have truly enjoyed reading your e-mailed stories about your adventures on and off the bay and your musings about life. I remember briefly meeting Fluke and giving her a little tummy rub before we left that day. There is something about Golden Retrievers that cannot be passed by. They demand attention and love without being demanding. They simply cannot be ignored. Their presence quietly fills a room with their own brand of peace, sense of fun, contentment and love. I am so sorry that she is gone, as I know firsthand how big the hole in your lives one leaves behind when they go. I had a retriever (yes, one who possessed an overage of the retriever gene!), Allie, who was like my animal soul mate. She knew me better, I sometimes thought, than I knew myself. To this day I miss her presence in my life, and she died over 5 years ago. Some days I think I see a bit of her spirit still with me when one of our dogs does something so reminiscent of Allie. And I am comforted to think perhaps she is still watching out for me and making me laugh. Take heart in having had the gift of her presence for the time that you did. And know how well you touch the lives of many animals (and people) through your work to educate humans about their presence and importance. And watch for those little signs that Fluke's spirit still touches your lives. Regards, Kim Pongpat
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Heidi and Steph, I am so sorry you lost your dog. I am sure all animal lovers' hearts went out to you when they heard. I want to thank you agian for our great kitty Sasha. She is a pistol. My German shepherd and she play everyday. Chris brought home a 1 year old German shepherd from the pound three weeks ago. I was nervous about Shasha adjusting to a new dog (untrained). We have the dog in a crate in the kitchen. Sasha got on top of the crate, peered in, stuck her paw into the crate. When Rudy (that is his name now) sniffed it, she gave him a whack to let him know who is in charge. Arthur, our other shepherd, won't let Rudy chase Sasha. He growls and blocks Rudy. Arthur thinks it is his cat only, no sharing. You gave your friend a wonderful home. Take care, Roberta