For those of you that have visited ANN HQ, you may have met our canine-in-residence, Josan... a quirky little German Shepherd with more personality and affection in her furry little body than any ten creatures (of any species) we ever met. For nearly a decade and a half, we were privileged to understand why 'dog people' get so wrapped up in their pets.

Especially Josan... from the time she crawled from the arms of one of my employees, under my desk, to cuddle up to my loafers and take a snooze (her favorite place for that activity for over a decade thereafter), I understood what it it was to be "adopted" by an animal... and from the time that she was six weeks old (as shown, right) to a point just a few hours ago, we were the very best of buddies.

Age takes us all sooner or later, and Josan left us late Thursday, wrapped in my arms, freeing herself of the pains of old age, and leaving me choked with memories that will last a lifetime.

Yeah, we're sad and a little heartbroken, but when you look at all the love we got from this critter... and all the laughs and companionship, we can only believe that we were incredibly lucky to have been her caretaker for as long as God allowed. Josan was a great little dog... well-known for a sixth sense that caused her to growl at every Fed who attempted to ramp check my airplanes (no kidding... she scared the bejesus out of an inspector from Jacksonville one year while cuddling up to every non-Fed around), and enjoying the occasional barrel roll, tail wagging, paws on the top of the panel, and digging life. She was the perfect dog for me and she will be missed... 

We hope that each of you, in your own way, has something as joyful in your life as that pooch was for us... and if you do, consider yourself blessed. We do.

FMI: www.aero-news.net