The Triple Crown Motor Inn, located downtown, mourns the loss of their mascot, Joshua.
I assume (?) that Joshua was a dog that “lived” at the hotel and was loved by staff, residents, and visitors. Does anyone know anything at all about Joshua?
UPDATE: wow – thanks, everyone, for sharing your thoughts about Joshua. Well, except for the first commenter, who is certainly entitled to his opinion, but who might benefit from the wisdom of “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” At least in the first few days of the passing of a beloved friend. Very poor taste. Does anyone have a picture of Joshua that I can post here? If you do, please e-mail me at david AT greaterfalls.com.
UPDATE: Here’s a picture of Josh – what a cute little guy!
I had not heard that Josh, the mascot of the Triple Crown Motor Inn had recently passed away until I checked-in to the motel this afternoon … how sad!
During my stays at the Triple Crown, I witnessed a touching bond between Davidene and Josh … you could tell they adored each other!
It was evident by the way Josh looked at her that being by her side, feeling her gentle touch
was his greatest joy.
I hope that some day soon, her wonderful memories of Josh will offer her comfort.
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved mascot, Joshua. It was weird checking-in this evening and not seeing him behind the front desk. The lobby seemed empty without him.
And now, Davidene, comes the hard part; learning to live without him. I hope you know that all of Josh’s friends and fans are here for you, to listen, to care.
The joy that your Joshua brought to your life is yours to keep forever. Hopefully it brings you some comfort in the days ahead. Knowing that he is in a better place, with no suffering, after a wonderful, wonderful life surrounded by people that loved him well, and that he loved in return.
Take care of yourself, and your staff and guests too, as they are grieving as well.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
BTW: Congratulations on a great blob to the webmaster! I’m looking forward to trying out Goode’s Restaurant and being a regular visitor to your site.
I checked in last night at the Triple Crown to spend the Fourth of July weekend in Great Falls. That’s when I heard that Josh passed away several weeks (I was also told about this wonderful website).
Davidene, I understand your feelings my friend. It is heartbreaking to lose one we love so. But they are never really gone. They leave a part of their heart with us and they take a part of ours with them when it is time for them to go to the Rainbow Bridge.
Josh loves you. That love goes on forever. As does yours for him. The pain does ease in time but you will always miss him and wish that you had had more time together. But whether they are with us for one month, or years, it is all the same. Their passing leaves a hole in our hearts.
Know that Josh is in Paradise, reborn into total joy and perfect love. And he will be waiting for you to join him when your time on this earth is over, never to be parted again.
I am in tears as I write this memorial to Josh remembering all of his crazy antics – what a little character. Davidene, please take care and know that I am always here to listen and offer comfort and understanding. God bless you.
The greater the love, the greater the loss. And, oh how Davidene and Joshua loved each other – a true love story between soulmates.
May the love of so many who care for you be a comfort to you now, Davidene.
With deepest sympathy for the recent loss of you beloved Joshua.
Having gotten to know Josh through my stays at the Triple Crown, one could easily see why everyone was so besotted with him, especially his owner, Davidene.
I know her heart is aching and she feels she will never be whole again, but she has to ask herself, “What would Joshua want for me?” I truly believe our pups want us to remember them with smiles and laughter, as best we can – not with sadness and tears.
I hope one day Davidene will be able to remember her beloved Josh with more smiles than tears. Until then, all of Joshua’s many friends will be here for her.
P.S. Thank you for this section on the Greater Falls blog so Josh’s friends can post their remembrances of him.
I made a delivery yesterday afternoon to the Triple Crown. I thought it was odd that my little friend, Josh wasn’t at the front door of the motel to greet me as always.
I asked Davidene where “our” little pup was, that’s when she told me Josh passed away last month. I felt awful for her – I thought she was going to cry, but she caught herself.
I don’t know what to say except: Davidene, may your sadness be a gentle reminder of the joy your special animal companion, Josh brought to your life. What a special little boy he was!
I’ll miss seeing you, Josh when I make my deliveries to the Triple Crown – rest in peace.
Our animal friends teach us more than we could have expected and love us more than we could have hoped. That’s why we miss them more than we could have imagined.
I can only imagine the depth of your sorrow at the loss of that darling little dog, Joshua. I so enjoyed watching him prance through the downtown neighborhood on his daily walks.
To the staff and guests of the Triple Crown Motor Inn my deepest sympathy at this time of loss.
Davidene, as time passes your heart will heal and Josh’s memory will forever stay with you. I know you would much rather mourn his death, than have never experienced the unconditional love, loyalty and companionship Josh gave you.
I will miss seeing Josh whenever I stay at the Triple Crown … he was always up to something and invariably brought a smile to my face.
God bless you, Davidene and rest in eace, Josh.
No longer by your side, but forever in your heart.
Wishing you a lifetime of happy memories to fill the lonely places of your heart.
With deepest sympathies on the recent loss of your beloved mascot, Joshua.
In extending our most sincere sympathies, we wanted to let you know your mascot and pet, Joshua was special to us, too.
Our caring thoughts are with you during this time.
The Erickson Family
How can I possibly express my sorrow and sadness at the death of your beloved, Joshua? Josh was such a little character, everyone who met him while staying at the Triple Crown couldn’t help loving him, too.
His crazy antics, merry ways, and unconditional love will be a part of your life forever living within your memories for years to come.
My deepest sympathy and heartfelt sorrow goes out to you during these very difficult times. I know you will miss him terribly, and so will many others who had the good fortune of knowing him.
I’m sorry Dave…but you know me. I speak my mind whenever I can…..
I never got to meet the beautiful dog in the picture so lovingly names Joshua. But I love dogs and I know that he must have been a great friend to all who knew him. After reading all of these entries I have to say that he is and will always be loved by Davidene and everyone else that knew him.
That said, CHRIS…you are an idiot and a jackass for the things you said about Joshua. You have no class and are my proof that some that people like you are nothing more than a waste of space and air.
Sorry Dave…..forgive me for posting this….but I couldn’t bite my tounge….and trust me…I could have said much more.
For Davidene & Joshua
Golden Memories
They say memories are golden, well, maybe that is true.
I never wanted memories, I only wanted you.
If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died.
In life I loved you dearly, in death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a place no one else could fill.
If tears could build a stairway and heartache make a lane.
I’d walk the path to Heaven and bring you back again.
Our soul mate chain is broken, and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us back one by one, the chain will link again.
That was very beautiful, Yolanda. I am sure that Josh up in Heaven, and all of his friends that are still down here, apprecate your words as much as I do.
Joshua had a larger than life personality in the most adorable little twelve pound body. He was always in the middle of every activity at the Triple Crown Motor Inn, greeting everyone with a determined, intent look that said “I have something to say”. It was as if there was a human inside saying I need to come out and I have things to tell you.
Josh had an indomitable spirit – clear about who he was and what he wanted. And, what he wanted most of all, Davidene, was to be near you. That will not change. Although it may be difficult for you to understand and accept, Josh is still with you … he’s in your heart watching over you.
I have always known you to be a strong and resourceful person and I am sure your strength of character will help you cope at this difficult time.
Please accept my sincere and deepest sympathy.
RIP JOSHUA!
I know that losing Joshua was a terrible loss for you, Davidene, and I wanted to let you know how sorry I am.
I know that Josh wasn’t just a pet; he was a big part of your life, the biggest part as you said many times. Every time I saw you, Joshua was there with you always attentive, loving, and ready to do whatever you wanted.
Special dogs are rare but you were fortunate to find him and Josh was lucky to have you as his loving owner (”mom”).
My deepest sympathy for your heartbreaking loss of Joshua – gone too soon.
RIP JOSHUA!
My thoughts are with you as you mourn your loss and celebrate Joshua’s remarkable life. I’m sorry that I cannot be with you in person to comfort you.
Josh was a special little boy, and we were all blessed to have known him. His loyalty to his Triple Crown family especially, of course, you Davidene, was remarkable.
Please accept my heart-felt condolences. You, and Joshua, are in my thoughts and prayers.
Davidene: I found out last night that Josh passed away last month, I’m really sorry.
I know that Joshua meant the world to you, and I know you will miss him a lot – I miss him, too (everyone who knew Josh misses him).
I offer my deepest sympathy to you, the staff of the Triple Crown Motor Inn, and all of Josh’s friends and fans.
Davidene: May you take comfort in knowing there is one more angel watching over us.
Please know my loving thoughts embrace you.
RIP JOSHUA!
To: Joshua
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered “come to me.”
With tearful eyes and a sob in our throat, we learned you passed away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, the giver of unconditional love and the provider of so many smiles.
God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.
RIP JOSHUA!
Davidene:
Say not, in grief, that Joshua has gone, but give thanks that he was yours!
Joshua will be sadly missed by all who knew, and loved, him.
RIP JOSHUA!
To: Joshua and Davidene
What do you say when a good friend dies?
What do you do when a good friend dies?
Do you lash out in anger and curse at the sky.
Or grasp hard denial, the means of the weak,
In an effort to kindle the comfort you seek.
What do you do when a good friend dies?
Once life’s breath, so precious, gives the chest final rise.
In haste you take blame, no other at fault,
You kneel upturned earth and deem all happiness to halt.
What do you do when a good friend dies?
When with him the times, both good and bad, lie.
Do you cast aside the past,
for memories hurt much too much,
Or struggle and fight for that last lingering touch.
What do you do when a good friend dies?
When all of the tears have all but been cried.
No matter how much, no matter how hard you try.
The only thing to do is say farewell.
Goodbye.
RIP JOSHUA!
I see you cry, I cry for you. I see you hurt, it hurts me too. Everyday as you grow worse, I die inside, as you are consumed with grief over the loss of your beloved Joshua.
Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer.
You have my deepest sympathies on the death of Joshua.
Davidene: It is with heartfelt regrets that I post this comment to express my profound sympathies and deepest condolences to you, and the staff of the Triple Crown Motor Inn, for the tragic loss of your soul mate, Joshua. My heart goes out to you all.
Should there be anything I can do to lessen your pain and grief, please call at any time.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Davidene: Mourning can go on for years and years, especially when grieving over the loss of someone as special as your beloved Joshua. It doesn\’t end after a year, that\’s a false fantasy.
It usually ends when people realize that they can live again, that they can concentrate their energies on their lives as a whole, and not on their hurt, and guilt and pain.
Most importantly, remember that death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
RIP JOSHUA!
As you grieve know that I am remembering you and honoring the memory of Joshua.
I pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief.
I send you thoughts of comfort.
Davidene: As you grieve know that we are remembering you and honoring the memory of Joshua.
We pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief. We send you thoughts of comfort.
I was so sorry to hear that Joshua died two months ago. From the many photos that decorate your front desk counter, I know he was a light in your life, and I realize that you will miss him deeply.
Thank you for making me a part of his Celebration of Life this weekend – bravo to Josh on a lfe well-lived.
And, Davidene, please accept my condolences on your sad and sudden loss and know that I am sharing it with you.
Davidene: It feels like you’re alone but you’re not really. Joshua will no longer be in that soft furry body that you love so much to hold, but he will still be with you. In your heart and soul, yes, but also around you. You know that, I think. You may not feel him at first because of the
intensity of your emotions but he’ll be there
nevertheless.
I know how your heart is breaking. But just hold on to the knowledge that this is your gift of love to him, to free his beautiful living spirit from the body that can’t go on. It is we who are left behind who suffer, surrounded by all that is familiar and that reminds us of his leaving.
But you’re not alone. Joshua will be with you. This will be the beginning of a different part of both your journeys but the closeness that you shared indicates that you have always touched each other through time and will again, countless times.
Bless you.
Joshua
Today–A celebration of your life.
How could such a tiny soul touch so many hearts?
You were small, but you stood tall.
You made your Mama so proud!
You won championships, swam in the deep blue and chose chicken over your birthday steak.
I remember the day we met, you came in out of the rain after your daily walk with Cece. You were all wet and shivering. I grabbed a towel and picked you up to dry you, and in that instant you touched my heart too.
I didn’t know you long before you had to go.
You were tired and weak and you knew your job here was complete. You showed so many the greatest love they’ll ever know.
So, today we celebrate your passing also because we know you were happy here but now you are jumping and running around through grassy fields, just waiting to greet us again, perhaps on the Rainbow Bridge.
Peace, Love & Joy to you My Dear Joshua!
Thank You Davidene for including us in such a wonderful celebration on Saturday!
Davidene: The deep sadness you feel over the recent loss of your beloved Joshua comes from the loss of companionship, loyalty, and “unconditional love” that he gave so enthusiastically.
For the staff and guests of the Triple Crown there is no eager-eyed, tail-wagging little dachshund to greet them when they enter the lobby. In many ways, since Josh’s death the motel stands silent and empty now.
Please accept my deepest sympathy. I will be thinking of you in your sorrow
I’m Still Here
Dear friend, please don’t mourn for me
I’m still here, though you don’t see.
I’m right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.
My body is gone but I’m always near.
I’m everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I’ll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.
I’ll never wander out of your sight-
I’m the brightest star
on a summer night.
I’ll never be beyond your reach-
I’m the warm moist sand
when you’re at the beach.
I’m the colorful leaves
when fall comes around
And the pure white snow
that blankets the ground.
I’m the beautiful flowers
of which you’re so fond,
The clear cool water
in a quiet pond.
I’m the first bright blossom
you’ll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop
that April will bring.
I’m the first ray of light
when the sun starts to shine,
and you’ll see that
the face in the moon is mine.
When you start thinking
there’s no one to love you,
you can talk to me
through the Lord above you.
I’ll whisper my answer
through the leaves on the trees,
and you’ll feel my presence
in the soft summer breeze.
I’m the hot salty tears
that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams
that come while you sleep.
I’m the smile you see
on a baby’s face.
Just look for me, dear friend,
I’m everyplace!
Josh provided you with unconditional love and acceptance and was a true and loyal friend, teacher, guide, healer and confidant. He offered you a safe haven and the opportunity to be who you genuinely and truly were without façade or pretense or affectation. He allowed you to lower your guard and to display emotions and share feelings you might not feel comfortable sharing with another human being. He brought out the best in you!
Josh decreased your worries, fears, stress, loneliness, anxiety and depression. Simply petting him always had an amazing calming, soothing effect on you. You were truly blessed to have Josh in your life, what a wonderful, wonderful boy. He will be sorely missed by all who knew (and loved) him.
RIP JOSHUA!
Davidene: You’re in my thoughts, and I wanted to let you know that I remember Josh passed away three months ago on September 3, 2008, too. I’m so very, very sorry for OUR loss!
Thank you for inviting me to his Celebration of Life on August 16, 2008, what would have been his fourteenth birthday. It was an honor to be included in his memorial service.
Joshua came into our lives, left pawprints on our hearts, and we are forever changed. It’s difficult to believe that it’s four months tonight since he passed away.
Davidene, you remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Davidene: Please allow me to convey to you and the staff of the Triple Crown my sincere condolences for the recent loss of Joshua. I didn’t know he had passed away until I stayed with you last weekend.
In the hearts of all who knew him, his memory lives. May you find strength and comfort to help you through this time of sorrow.
In the days and weeks to come, grief may cause you to find many of the routine tasks of life difficult to perform. It is during these times that I as your friend would be glad to help. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
RIP Joshua,
Good Night, Sweet Prince!
It’s painful looking into your eyes. I can see you haven’t begun to heal from the loss of your beloved Joshua … I wonder if you ever will.
Remember the wonderful gifts he taught you … compassion, mercy, patience, and understanding. And, his biggest gift of all, what it means to receive unconditional love. What a truly wonderful, wonderful boy he was – missed by all who knew him.
I was so very, very sorry to learn that your little “right-hand man”, Josh recently passed away. I had not heard the news until I checked-in last night at the Triple Crown. How sad not to see him “on duty” guarding the lobby while you worked the front desk last night, Davidene.
Oh my, how different the check-in process was without my little friend there to greet me with his enthusiastic wag of his tail and sweet kisses on my hand. You always said that Josh was the “heart and soul” of the Triple Crown. Now that he’s gone, I understand your statement … there is a huge void where he should be, it’s just not the same at the Triple Crown without him.
Interesting how such a tiny soul could have such a profound impact on so many people.
You will be sorely missed by all who knew you, Josh, but you will never be forgotten!
Sorry about the recent death of the mascot of the Triple Crown, he was such a friendly little fellow. In recent years, he’s what provided the ‘flavor’ to the motel. Learned Josh passed away when I stayed at the Triple Crown this weekend.
We always stop in at the City Bar because we receive a complimentary drink card for their lounge at check-in at the Triple Crown. For those who love a good hamburger, check it out – its not your typical lounge fare. We always add bacon and cheese, its wonderful, definitely a different cut of meat than your normal burger!
Anyway, Rest In Peace Josh, you will be sadly missed be all of us who got to know you when staying at the Triple Crown.
Didn’t know my little buddy, Josh recently passed away until I took my son Trick-or-Treating downtown on Halloween.
When we walked into the Triple Crown my son immediately ran to the front desk area where Josh sat. No Josh. Then he ran up and down the first floor hallway looking for him yelling “Josh”, “Josh” the whole time. No Josh.
About that time the woman behind the front desk pointed outside, I turned, and saw the sign “RIP JOSHUA”. Oh no! Neither of us knew what to say to my son, so I said nothing.
How do you explain ‘Dog Heaven’ to a five-year old?
I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing little Joshua, I’m sorry to say. That was my loss. He looks to have been a beautiful little soul.RIP Joshua. I’m so sorry for your loss.