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Rainbow Bridge: Moxie, A Life Well-Lived

Writer's picture: Kari Bastyr, MS, CDBC, CPCNKari Bastyr, MS, CDBC, CPCN

Hi Kari,


As you can see by the original email (1/17/2009), its been almost 16 years since my Moxie was in your puppy and adolescent classes.


This August, I laid Moxie to rest, and my heart is broken. Although inevitable, it doesn't make it any easier.

I came across this series of emails because Moxie had her own folder :)

I wanted to send you a note of Deep Gratitude for the training you gave to me, to give to her.


Moxie was such a sweet-tempered girl, but also so willing to be compliant.


Your training, socialization and information for her first year and our work together set Me and Moxie on an almost 16-year path of being each other's "ride or die".


When Moxie was two, we left Denver and headed back to Calif where we remained for most of her life.


Our adventures never stopped.


She did it all with me. Mountains, Oceans, Deserts. Forests, Lakes, Rocks and Sand. Road Trips, Campgrounds, Parties, Hotels. Backpacking, running, climbing, swimming.


Her adventure ended here in Tucson, in our first home. She got me settled and then took her well-deserved final rest.


EVERYONE who met Moxie, absolutely loved her.


She was so well behaved that everyone welcomed her to their homes. She met and befriended dogs, cats, puppies, kittens and birds. All with respect and manners.


And people. Man, she was such a people lover.


Always courteous and calm, her greetings from other dogs were never met with resistance, aggression or reluctance.


She taught so many of my friend's puppies how to be a good dog (she really did).


If I ever needed a dog sitter, all my friends and family were eager to take her, because she was so easy, well behaved and still fun loving.


I can't tell you how many strangers with shy dogs (or dogs that are very choosey and aloof) could not get over how Moxie's grace gave their dog confidence and more security that made them feel like part of a pack.


It was because I learned from you how to gain trust and respect from her. It built her confidence as she grew. She became an exemplary dog, no matter where we went in life.


I cannot thank you enough for all the energy and wisdom you provided us, all those years ago.


I thought I knew dogs! But I'm so glad my rational brain told me to go back to training, all those years ago, with my new puppy Moxie.


Your wealth of knowledge and the practical application of your training techniques were invaluable.


I cannot thank you enough for helping me set my dog up for success and for a wonderfully long and happy life.


A Life filled with Moxie.


Warmest,


Stefanie and Moxie: Class of 2009, super puppy kindergarten, Adolescent I & II




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