We let Josie go today. It was unexpected, we knew what were getting into when we got a Berner. You trade longevity for this “thing” an indescribable trait that other Berner owners know. And that “thing”, well my Josie had more than most – we called it the ‘Josie Smile’. It was more than her constant grin, it was her ability to bring joy. I never had a dog like her, I can not imagine I will. And now she is gone, sooner than the short time we were prepared to deal with. Reality works as it likes, and this is the price you pay for a pet. She loved us, she loved everyone, she loved life. We are all better for knowing her. I wanted to know her longer. Here is a post I wrote on June 27, 2016 after a day adventure with her in NH. Nothing I can add today can say it better than this from when she was only 4 months old. Followed by far too many photos, more for us as a family to quickly dial-up on the phone, than the readers here, but you are welcome to enjoy my excess too. This is only a small fraction of the model’s portfolio. After all, she was in local ads, spokes dogs for some local businesses, and always popular in the dailypic. Thank you for always giving Josie posts a little extra. If you have a dog, give it a hug from me.
tr/trp
After Josie’s first of three trips to the top of Mt Washington:
Josie’s Smile: Josie has been part of my family for 2 months. Arriving at about 10lbs, and easy to carry in one hand, now weighing in over 30lbs and makes me feel old when I have to lift her. Today we went to Mt. Washington, we drove the family up the auto road, Josie joined us. From the second she was out of the car it was the Josie show. This is not new, everywhere we go she demands attention. People look at her and smile, kids and adults all beeline to us to ask if they can pat her. Each and every person that meets this dog is greeted with affection and licks. We had to have met 30 families today. We met a man that is traveling the Appalachian Trail and has not seen his Berner in 5 months who lit up when he had time with Josie. We were called out by a Park Ranger (we thought we had done something wrong) who just had to pat her. A family from Canada that lost 2 in the last few years that told us stories of their Berneses. This dog is not for an introvert, of which I am at heart, but she makes me a better person, outgoing, approachable. I believe this dog was put on the planet to make people smile. It is that simple. I am glad each day we are the first that get to share Josie’s smile.
Rest Easy Josie
Corona Series 510 The Rice Family, April 19, 2020. Lifelong Residents (+/- couple years). Dan, Musician, College Student Mass Bay (18), Anna, College Student, Bridgewater State – Political Science Major (21), Barbie, Admin (46), Tim, Photographer (46). All four have graduated from Medway High School Classes of 1991, 1991, 2017, 2019. The dogs did not, Josie (4) and Argus (2). “There is a comfort to a community you know. Medway is our comfort.” 
Our sympathy on the loss of your family member. Thank you for sharing the smile and the personality of a terrific dog. Josie won the hearts of many .