Several years ago,
Java and I were running a trail at night near Bald Hill.
We were in an open area, but approaching a stand of trees.
As we got near, coyotes that were in the stand started howling loudly.
It sounded like there were a lot of them.
This worried me, but didn't phase Java, who was leading our run.
She kept running, and we got closer to the stand and the howling.
If I were alone, I probably would have turned around.
I asked Java if she thought it was okay if we entered the stand.
She answered by keeping a steady pace.
In we went.
The howling suddenly stopped.
It was all so quiet.
Surreal.
Though I couldn't see them, I figured they were on both sides of the trail, watching us.
Java kept moving as if this were her domain.
Maybe it was.
In a minute or so we had passed through the stand.
And as we did, the howling, now behind us, began again.
I miss you girl.

Thank you. For everything.

Ocean waves
The beat of a heart
The motion of breath
Eyes closed
What are you dreaming little one?

You would have been 15 years old today Java. Happy birthday girl. Missing you.

I wish you could know how much we still miss you girl. Maybe you do. A day doesn't go by we don't think of you.

Thinking of you pupper. Always will.

Not here but everywhere
Not now but always
Alone but never lonely
Never apart
Empty heart full

Java and Kiira at Hoodoo

There aren't any words girl. Love you pupper.

How we missed you in Colorado girl. It just wasn't the same without you. Your mother wrote some really nice words about you for the Parade of Veterans. After everyone had their time in the ring, they read them out loud. I think you would have liked it.

And another

This one is for you girl.

Java

Hey there girl. It's been more than a week since we've said good-bye. It is still difficult. I picked up your ashes the day before yesterday. We'll find some nice places to spread them. I was thinking of the ocean of course; and the Woodland trail of course. And Marys Peak. And I'll do a solo run up McCulloch some time and leave you there too. And Peavy Peak. I know you were never there, but think you'd like it. There will be deer, coyotes, cougars and maybe the occasional bear to keep you company. I miss you so much girl. You are forever loved pupper.

Java

Dec 25, 1998 – July 28, 2013

Goodbye Java. We love you girl and miss you so much already. Thanks for being a part of our lives. Thanks for all the love. The licks and the hugs. Thanks for the companionship and the running.  The walks on the beach and in the forest. Thanks for protecting and guarding us. Thanks for all the greetings when we'd come home. You were such a wonderful girl. There aren't any words to tell you how much you meant to us. But I hope you know. We were so, so lucky to have you in our lives. I can't tell you how much it hurts now that you are gone. We will always miss you girl. We will carry you forever in our hearts.