Invite others to view this Memorial. Enter email addresses below:
Memorial created 12-31-2008 by Laurel Stone
Josephine
September 17 1991 - July 3 2003
Josephine,
...... you charged into my life and changed it forever!
I remember when Jean and I went to look at the litter of puppies how you bolted out, pushing through the others! I later found out that they had given you the nickname Bubba! I didn't know then what I know now about puppy behavior and which pup to choose and when Jean said "If you don't take that little girl, I'm coming back and getting her", I KNEW you were the one!
For 12 years you tested me continuely and I loved every minute.
Everyone knew who you were at dog training classes because the SECOND you were off lead, away you would go playing the "YOU CAN'T CATCH ME" game!
You found creative ways to escape when I left you at Nicki's for the day - over the roof of a shed or scaling the chain link fence. I learned the what the phrase COUNTER SURFER meant and my friends did too when you went to visit them.
Your claim to fame, however, was being the BEST Therapy Dog ever! You were one of the first dogs in the program at Theda Clark Regional Medical Center and even had your picture on the cover of the magazine published by Therapy Dogs Inc. in Cheyenne WY.
We traveled to the East Coast and even through New York City. We stayed with friends and relatives who thought you were the PERFECT dog! They didn't really take note of the leash securely tied to my belt so I wouldn't have to play your games!
We visited relatives in MN on the Gunflint Trail and friends in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. You swam in lakes and splashed in streams always winning the hearts of others.
Your first boyfriend was Butch the Boxer,then Kelsey the collie, then GB the Giant, then Bo the lab, then Roscoe the Golden Retriever.... I could go on... you were quite the hussy!
And then when it came time to leave, you got together with Grandma, who was always on your side, and planned your journey to cross together.
She was there for you when I brought other dogs home saying, "Poor Josephine..." and you ate up all the attention giving me the "at least SOMEBODY loves me" look!
So, when you were a few months shy of 12, I was told that your kidneys were failing and the time was short. The next day I was told that HER kidneys were also failing and that her time was short.
I knew THEN that you two had something cooked up.
Within a week you were both gone....off to a better place....together...
Josephine.....
You made me a dog trainer... I HAD to learn...it was vital or you would have seriously taken over my life.
You taught me HUMILITY and you taught me that failing was ok for in EVERY failure there is a LESSON to be learned.
You taught me to ALWAYS keep a positive attitude and have a sense of humor. But most of all, you taught me how to LIVE!
