Martin Luther, founder of the Lutheran faith, once said, "Fear not, little dog. In the world to come, you too shall wear a crown of gold." I should hope so. |
Just-a-Wynter Witchcraft
"SAR K-9 Diana"
Beloved Partner of Judy Otto
October 29, 1999 - Sept. 5, 2007
SAR K-9 Diana sacrificed her life in the line of duty, during a search training exercise on a misty night when visibility was poor. She died instantly as the result of a 12' fall from an unsuspected overhang into a gully filled with bricks. My team helped bury her on family property, beside her consort, SAR K-9 Max (2/22/93-9/19/06), who had cherished her faithfully in life, and predeceased her by less than a year.
One moment, she was my sassy Princess, full of life and fire and attitude, supremely confident that the world was created to amuse and adore her. The next, she was gone.
Her joyful enthusiasm for her work; the eagerness with which she threw her heart into giving her best and boldly tackling every challenge; and the exuberant delight and pride she took in "showing off" her expert skills-confident, poised, charming and gracious to strangers-all made Diana a perfect ambassador at SAR demos. She was a born showgirl who loved the spotlight and the attention of the audience-and she made people smile.
I have been amazed and humbled by the outpouring of sympathy, and the realization of how many people loved Diana, and how many lives she touched during her life of service.
I am proud to have had such a special partner, and thankful that she left me in a blaze of glory-happy, triumphant, at the top of her game, knowing she was loved and valued-and without suffering. I will forever miss her vibrant presence-effervescent, irrepressible, full of herself, supremely confident of her 'SAR-power' and her right to rule her full-grown sons with an iron paw-and, above all, a master communicator of her overflowing joy in life and her love for me.
Till later, Diana. |