During my years with the dogs I have met many different people from many different places. My life has been enriched by most of these meetings and I have learned from them all. This past week we received word that one very special person had passed away suddenly. His name was Joe and he shared his life with a dog named, "Kosmo".

When I first heard from Joe he had called me to ask me for a tracking dog. He told me that he had a dog named Kosmo but had been told by trainers in his area that Kosmo could not track. I told him to come up and to bring his dog with him, because if he really did have a dog which could not track he very likely had a valuable dog as it was the only one GOD had created without that ability. Joe was surprised to hear my reaction and he came to Baden with Kosmo.

It was not very long before Joe and his dog were tracking together very well. They were the type of team that were humble and very real. Joe proved this when after arriving home he tracked and found some lost boys. He called me to tell me about it and told me that he did not stick around for the reporters because he was a man tracker not a celebrity. He meant it; Joe was in his element with the dogs.

In the weeks and years since Joe has trained he donated many fine Blood Hounds to Law Enforcement and private agencies. Joe was real and that is very refreshing in a person.

We at Baden K9 will always remember Joe who originally came here to learn from us, but left teaching us so very much. GOD Bless you Joe, as I know He has.

©Mike McConnery/Baden K9 Incorporated, 09/19/07

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