Josie Milbradt

My condolences Krissy. I know the pain you’re feeling and how difficult it is to lose a furry family member. Seeing your post and Josie’s Memorial page reminded me of sadness I felt when my parents Golden Retriever (Amber) passed away unexpectedly at age 9 from a cardiac Tamponade and seeing my parents grieve her loss so intensely. It looks as though you’re dealing with it as best as one can though; by reflecting on the time you cherished together and memories you have, which is also difficult but important for moving on. Over time these memories will bring you feelings of happiness rather than grief, and that’s a slow process but you’ll get there soon enough. People/ friends along the way will help you through this, as you did for me unknowingly along with Josie. I was reminded of this from your picture you posted on her Memorial of the Unit 44 hiking group when we hiked up Larch Valley Trail in September to see the Golden Larch Trees (Crazy how that was 10 yrs ago already eh, but I remember it like it was yesterday!!). I was happy to see you were there joining us because you’re kinda quiet (like me), so it was nice to see you outside of our regular work environment enjoying the outdoors. This is when I got to meet Josie, who was happy as can be to have the job of leading you and her new group of hiking friends all the way up the mountain trail. I remember she was really friendly and calm disposition, just happy to be going along on a new exciting adventure, wherever the trail leads…all the way to the top! Haha What I remember most though about that day was towards the end of the hike as we were all making our way back down the trail. About 15 min from the trailhead, when we were taking a little break on the trail above Moraine Lake, you and Josie arrived a few minutes behind because you were at the back of the group and lagging behind a bit which really frustrated you. She was now going slow and stopping frequently to sniff at everything as she walked by, which was no doubt a strategy she deployed to prolong the fun adventure as long as possible before the long/ boring car ride back home…as this is exactly what my dog Teegan does pretty much on every walk and it can be really frustrating!! Smart doggie though! Hahaha😆 You however were visibly upset though because you were frustrated with constantly having to pull her leash to get her moving again and again which was causing pain in your arm and back as a result. So you obviously needed a break for a few minutes! After a short rest when we were all ready to move on I volunteered to take the leash and walk Josie for you along the remainder of the trail. Obviously it was my intention to help while you were struggling with a sore back/ arm, but also because I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to walk a really friendly and well tempered dog which I hadn’t done since I last walked Amber before she died. So that brief interaction I had quietly walking Josie with you for about 15min to the parking lot was extremely therapeutic for me because I forgot the joy it gave me that I missed from walking Amber. I knew at that moment that I was going to get a dog like this someday! So now in retrospect, getting Teegan during the social isolation in 2020 from Covid outbreak was not a coincidence. I feel that subconsciously my brief time with you and Josie that September day in 2016 perhaps led me to AARCS to rescue an adorable Shepherd Mix puppy named Teegan, who has done exactly for me what Josie did for you. Thank you Krissy and Josie!!🙏 RIP sweet doggie 🐕 😔 Take care Krissy.

Please share your condolences and memories of Josie with me

Josey's Toesies. This always made me smile. In the 3ish years I had the joy of being Josey's pedicurist, she stole my heart. And there her paw prints will remain along with so many others. Hers are extra special though. Love ya little lady. Run wild and free, until we meet again <3