Memories that Make You Paws...

Yes, the pun is intended with gusto. Today marks a week since I had to say goodbye to a most beloved companion, my sweet dog Joshua. In his ripe age of nearly 19 (which he would have turned in November), his body was failing him and we knew it was time. I believe 100% he knew it was time too. So, I wanted to take just a few moments to remember him, as a great dog, who shared 2/3 of my life, deserves.

Joshua, also known as Joshers, Joshman, puppy and many more, can't be captured fully in a few short paragraphs. His temperament was equally loving as it was stubborn, and he certainly preferred to be the center of attention. He was another family member, only hairier and with a tail. I can't say he was much shorter than I was, and like the old adage says "Owners look like their pets," Josh and I certainly did, down to the curly hair and our funny struts. Josh was a sibling of three, so am I. He was the runt, and considering I have two brothers who are now stronger and taller than me, I guess I'm kind of the runt too.

There are a thousand memories flooding my mind as I think of him. He was my crying buddy when things went wrong. He made me laugh and was great at giving doggy kisses. He helped me learn responsibility and how to clean up messes, which I know will come in handy when I have kids :) He was a great listener- all loyal dogs are. He was my buddy, my baby, my friend. His tail always wagged and his butt always wiggled when I came home to visit after "growing up." I hated leaving him when college hit, but I think he understood- for that I'm thankful.

He was forgiving when I hurt him, and patient when I didn't speak dog. I loved the way, after a bath, he would rub his nose and face all over the carpet in my dad's office. He had the puppy-dog-look down pat and could usually brown-eye his way into persuading you to spoil him. When my mom cooked dinner and beef was involved, he made sure to partake in taste testing it first. He was never much for walking, and whenever we did as soon as we lapped back and came to our street he would full sprint back home. Again just like me he was a homebody. Whenever people hugged, he would jump up and down until someone picked him up and hugged him too. He protected us and barked like a big dog when he sensed something was wrong. He hated the rain (unlike me), but only because he'd have to get wet to go out. He wasn't a big fan of snow either, for the same reason.

He loved our family, that's an understatement. My older brother holding a special place in his heart as the giver of dinner scraps. And he inspired my youngest brother in many creative cartoon drawings. He knew my Dad was the alpha dog, and gave him the throne (most of the time). And mom, he followed her many days like a shadow, sitting beneath or beside her as she read or worked at her desk.

19 years is hard to capture on a blog. I've already written more than I expected, but am not surprised. When you have experienced so much joy for so many years, it's hard not to share it all. But with that I will conclude my tribute to my sweet baby puppy- for he will always be a puppy in my eyes. Thank you Josh for the years you chose to live with us. It is true- he picked us from when he was a puppy- following me around at the breeder's house before we even took him home. Josh your life and impact on mine will never be forgotten. And for that I can say I am blessed, I will miss you, always love you and in your memory I take a moment to paws...

Joshua Wiggles Waite
November 12, 1991- August 25, 2010