Pas de Deux

Together, they were a lion and a gazelle dancing,
Choreography by Tonya, syncopation by Kirby.

A gliding waltz, a sassy samba,
Airs above the ground, two athletes in synchrony.

Matching each other stride for stride,
They floated over the grass, defying Time.

Not listening to the murmurs of the crowd
But hearing each other’s hearts—they belonged to each other.

She laughing at the antics of her silly, smiling, glorious,
Perfect red boy; he laughing back, celebrating the day.

We watched them with the cameras of our minds,
Wanting only to memorize their glory while we could.

Knowing as we did, through all those shining years,
That nothing Gold can stay.

 In loving remembrance,
Suzanne Wakefield

     ...That's all I remember about the first time I saw him 8 or 9  years ago.  There were goose bumps still - combined with a monumental lump in my throat, and tears in my eyes from memories of years of thrilling to him in the ring, and those too brief moments of snuggling and playing with him outside, - when I saw him for what was to be the last time, earlier this year. 

     I wish I had had just one more opportunity to cheer like an idiot at yet another of his many righteous wins -- where what was being acknowledged and rewarded was an *exquisite* dog, with a rich deep coat, floating side gait, and breathtaking type, who was being handled to perfection by his breeder, owner, trainer, and the love of his life..... Tonya.  They were proving to everyone that a truly versatile Golden Retriever could be beautiful (without looking/moving like the proverbial All-American Show Dog), birdy, smart, sound, and sweet....and that you don't have to play politics or buy your way to the top.  They simply EARNED it.

     I will remember Kirby every time Poppy floats across the field with her daddy's sidegait, and when I melt into Boogie's eyes which bear that same, remarkable depth and sparkle of love that I saw in his Grandfather's face.  And I will cry just a little bit again.  I love you, Mr. Perfect.

Angela Major

Jennifer Krawsczyn 

Diane Quinlan

The Rest is Silence....

"Now cracks a noble heart. Good-night, sweet prince, And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!"

-(William Shakespeare) Hamlet Act V, Scene II

Rest Well Kirby....

Jennifer Abramson
BardsTale Goldens

     He taught me truth, patience, love and opened some beautiful doors. I thank Mark & Tonya for letting me share part of my life and career with Kirby.

Carol Bygdnes, "Jazz", "Dooley" & "Lil Autumn"
Redwood City, California

Vivien and Joe Gilli
Jovi's Goldens

     Kirby, you will never be forgotten.....GOD BLESS.

Janet Share
Gold Satin/Jackpot Goldens

     While he was truly one of the greatest of all dogs, the things I will most remember about Kirby are spiritual in nature.  He was so kind and so "knowing," a true sanctuary against the cold world and it's realities.  A Bear of a dog, with the heart of a Lamb.....

Debbie Berry
Sunshine Goldens

     Both John and I were so very sorry to hear of your loss.  We were fortunate enough to see him on several occasions and each and every time we were thrilled to watch him and KNEW we were in the presence of greatness.  His contribution to this magnificent breed has been staggering.  Thank you both for sharing him with all of us.  He will never be forgotten.

Marsha York
MY Goldens

    We spent the day with Kirby on the Thursday just before he died. Our daughter Robyn had been down the day before and when she got home she told us that he wasn't eating very well. On the way to "Kirby's" house we stopped at McDonald's. I had ordered for Kirby a vanilla shake and a cheeseburger. We had also picked up 4 Big Extra's just in case anyone else might like something to eat.

     As we drove down the driveway we were greeted by that handsome boy who came trotting right over to say welcome. He was having a wonderful day.

     I asked Tonya if he was allowed to have the shake and burger and she replied "He can have whatever he wants." Well, Kirby wolfed down the cheeseburger, 2 1/2 Big Extras and the milkshake.

     We spent the day with him, it was wonderful. Stacia had come over and proceeded to start weeding and planting new flowers. Kirby thought this was great and sat or laid down in the newly planted garden. He would come for his cuddles and to bring you the tennis ball telling you he wanted to play.

     As other's came to visit Kirby greeted each and every one. Nothing had changed, he was still Kirby and he loved having company. This was his day, everyone was there "just for him."

     We stayed for pizza, and Kirby, of course, had his share as well.

     As we got ready to leave, we gave him hugs, said our goodbyes and thanked him for all he had given to everyone.

     Thank you Tonya and Mark for allowing us this time with him and remember to

"... think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched... for nothing loved is ever lost--and he was loved so much."

Lesley, Marty & Robyn McDonald

     Keegan (Kirby x Chyna) and I went outside the night that Kirby crossed the Rainbow Bridge to light a candle and look up at the night sky. The first star we saw, I pointed it out to Keegan and told him that that was his daddy's star. It turned out to be the brightest star in the whole night sky. Keegan stared up to where I was pointing and just looked as though he understood what I was saying. He most definitely inherited Kirby's heart and empathy.

     Keegan knew that at that moment I needed him to be nearby and he sat with me rather than running around the yard as he would have usually done any other springtime evening. I believe he felt my sorrow at the loss of such an awesome dog.

     There exist no adequate words of condolences for Kirby. He was a one in a million dog and I know Tonya is proud of him. There will be little doubt in the history of the breed that Kirby stood out. His legacy lives on though in the many champions, SDHF honors, obedience and agility titles, and hunting awards his offspring have accomplished. He touched many in the Golden

     Retriever world. He was truly a great dog. Anyone who has been touched by Kirby has been richly blessed.

I      absolutely loved watching Kirby and Tonya and remember the first time I saw him win a Best in Show at Corvallis. And there is no way I will ever forget the last time I saw him win Best in Specialty at NorCal from the Veteran Class. He was a historical Golden Retriever.

     The heavens are a bit brighter tonight but the world is a bit darker because of the void left behind.

Laura Finco

To Tonya and Mark:

     Do not grieve dear friends. Kirby has left you a legacy of memories to make you smile, chuckle and laugh.

     In the early morning mist, see him as he floats across an open field. See him in the sparkling ripples of a stream on an autumn day. In a summer breeze feel the touch of his silky fur and the warmth of his love.

     I have many memories of Kirby while watching him in the ring in his younger years and as a seasoned champion. However, my fondest and proudest memory was the day Tonya and I stood in the winners circle with Kirby and Chela as they were the only two dogs to receive a WCX on that day. This was near the beginning of a journey for the "awesome - twosome". They went forth to claim many more fun titles while thoroughly enjoying each other and proving that a show dog can do far more than run around the ring looking handsome. Nothing can take away these happy memories Tonya and Mark. Cherish them.

     With loving memories of a great golden. 

Eileen Battley and Chela

     Kirby was a special dog. 

     He was honest, true and genuine. He was special in the world of Goldens, yet he reached those of us who come from other breeds as well. He represented greatness in so many forms. He was a dog that stopped you in your tracks, held your attention and created those goals we all seem to desire. 

     I remember each and every time I saw him. He has that effect. I remember a dog that was mesmerizing to watch. I remember a dog and his handler that moved together with a unity that can't be taught. I remember movement, structure, type and temperament rarely found in one dog. I remember the desire to clap and cheer for a dog that simply moved me. And mostly I remember a Tonya and a Kirby, and a special bond of love visible to all. It came from their hearts and it showed in their eyes. A love that was honest, true and genuine.

JoAnna Matthisen

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swifter uplifting rush 
of quiet birds in circled flight;
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.
                        - author unknown

     Nothing that is remembered ever really dies. Those of us who truly love this breed will be forever grateful for Kirby's contributions.

Laurie Doumaux

     Thank you Tonya, from someone who is new to the breed.  How blessed we feel to cherish these precious memories of you and Kirby on that special day. You have given so much, and we all love you. Take care and God bless!!! 

Marianne Clifford  & family 
Glendale, Arizona 

     All were glorious in their form, but Kirby ALWAYS stood out in the crowd.  He was favored in the household, even above my own dogs.  HE COMMANDED IT  YOU SEE.

     His first day in our home, he claimed it as his own. He claimed the only "Non-Dog" woobie I owned, begged from the table and laid majestically where ever he wished. HE COMMANDED IT YOU SEE.

     I was also blessed with a day all to myself a Kirby! What a day we had running and playing in the sagebrush!

     Kirby touched so many lives, leaving always a tender glow.  Kirby, you will be sorely missed in our home, but forever in our hearts.

     Mark and Tonya , thank you for sharing your Million Dollar Man with us.

Darryl and Sherry Chevalier

Sleep well,
Barb & Bill Thornberry

Kirby - so much has be seen, 
so much has been said.
Häagen-Dazs ... a variety of flavors.
Kirby...giving us of himself, 
a variety of special memories. 
- To our breeding programs, 
     a variety of attributes; 
- To his legacy, 
      a variety of standards;
- To our dreams, 
     no boundaries.

     Thank you, Tonya, Mark & Kirby - for your commitment to our sport, strength of character and 
dignity.  We, too, share in your loss. My deepest condolences.

God bless, 
Sharon Hanson 
Crossbow 

How do we say goodbye to this boy who means so much to us? Words are simply not enough to express our sadness...our tenderness for him who has brought profound meaning to our understanding of how a Golden should be. Beyond a show dog lies the heart of a true champion. He had this inspiring and most gentle presence which has touched our lives in the most poignant way. 

He was a dream which began the moment we first saw him. He seemed to leap out from the pages of the GR News where we first saw him. He was simply
beautiful. He filled our senses ... no doubt, it was love at first sight. It is amazing how this remarkable boy touched the essence of our lives ... for we are practically a world apart ... Though we come from a distant land, the Philippines, his awesome presence inspired us. 

Our inspiration brought us to the 1998 Nationals in Seattle where our dream came true. We finally saw him. Our joy was so intense, it seemed the world was brought to its humble feet. We were so honored to visit him in his home. Time stopped for awhile for us. Memories of all the playing and hugging, these we all kept and will be forever cherished.

To our dearest Mark and Tonya, Thank you. We will always be grateful to you for sharing Him with us. Kirby is and will always be a legend in our hearts.

Bye, dear friend.

Michael and Christine Aldeguer
GoldenHills Golden Retrievers
Philippines