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!
It was some…weanie dog that the manager owned. I didn’t think of the dog as being a mascot though.
(note: this comment has been edited by the owner of GreaterFalls.com; the original comment was rather mean-spirited, and causing some grief…so you’ll see some references in the comments below that might not seem to make much sense)
Joshua was a black & tan miniature dachshund owned by the manager of the Triple Crown and loved by all who were lucky enough to know him. He is greatly missed, the entire motel and many of the surrounding neighbors who knew him mourn his loss. The lobby is filled with beautiful floral arrangements, plants and trees sent to the motel to honor his memory – he was truly a special little guy. The place is not the same without him!
Christine has it right. We were all devastated by the loss of Josh, except apparently Chris, who seems pretty mean spirited and nasty. I used to, and many other folks, used to take him for walks before he became so ill that was no longer possible. I used to have a dachsund when I was a kid. Even toward the end, he tried to bestir himself to greet guests and their dogs; it was kind of sad but it showed what a good heart and cheerful spirit he had until the end. The lobby is filled with condolence cards and flowers and beautiful plants. As far as this place being a dump, the GM has made such remarkable improvements I wrote a letter about it, so obviously, Chris, you are a mean-spirited jerk who likes to kick people when they are down, and I for one do not appreciate it.
Josh, you have people all over North America who have always looked forward to seeing you when they return to the Triple Crown Motor Inn…and you will be sadly missed. Your kind spirit and beautiful presence always brought a smile to everyone who came in the front door. We will always remember the joy you brought to so many.
I’ve stayed at the Triple Crown for almost thirty years whenever I travel to Great Falls – through the good times, the bad times, and now the best times. Yes, the best times, the current General Manager has done a remarkable job in turning the Triple Crown around. But, my recent visit this weekend was a sad one because my little friend, Josh had recently passed away. That little dog (miniature dachshund) had more heart, soul and spirit than the entire community of Great Falls combined. I’m a fifty-six year old man not ashamed to admit I shed a few tears when I learned Josh had passed away – he was that special. Rest In Peace, Josh, you will always be fondly remembered by everyone who loved you!
I stayed at the Triple Crown last year for several days while I was having some work done at my house. I had the pleasure of meeting Joshua the morning I checked in. You see, he was always on duty behind the front desk whenever the General Manager was working (I don’t remember her name). He was quite a friendly little fellow; he came out from behind the front desk to greet me when I was checking-in. When I was introduced to him I was told he had been the motel mascot since 2002, I think – before the GM started working at the Triple Crown. I actually looked forward to seeing him when I would go through the lobby, he was such a sweet little dachshund. I was so sorry to learn of his passing. I’m sure the staff and guests are besides themselves with grief. Everyone at the Triple Crown seemed to think the world of him.
Joshua we miss you and love you very much, you were a great little trooper who hung in till the very last, your heart and spirit are still with us at the motel….you always went to greet anyone who came into the lobby with your robust energy, tail wagging etc. Your knew who gave the best ear rubs, back rubs, back scratches, you were not afraid to let or show people you cared about them..Evidently Christine does not like animals, she must be a lonely person to be so vindictive in a way I feel sorry for you, not to know the love a very precious animal as our Josh.
Josh we will always love you and miss your dearly, after all you were a great friend and companion to all. I know you are in Heaven running around and playing Barney, We miss you!!!
Bonnie, you confused Christine with Chris. He or she, Chris, was the one that wrote the nasty message. Christine Barrett wrote a very nice memorial message.
I work across the street from the Triple Crown and became familiar with Joshua during his walks through the neighborhood. What a delightful little dog, a dachshund, I think – so full of pep and energy. I loved seeing him parade around in his little sweaters, it seemed he had a different one every day. Especially cute running down Central Avenue, those little legs of his going as fast as they could, presumably returning to the Triple Crown – home to his owner. You couldn’t help but smile, he was so darned cute. Downtown Great Falls will miss Joshua, he was a ray of sunshine to all who knew him (Except, apparently, to the first commenter, Chris, who I am sure will become the most hated person on this blog when all of Josh’s fans learn of his/her comments. What a cruel, hateful, mean-spirited person you are to post such a comment when the people at the Triple Crown are obviously mourning Josh’s passing – you are pathetic).
I worked for Davidene, the current General Manager of the Triple Crown, when she first took over management of the motel almost three years ago. That’s when I had the pleasure of meeting Josh, the heart and soul of that place. What a great little dog, loved everyone – not a mean bone in his body. Always in the office area when Davidene worked the front desk. Always greeted guests and employees in the lobby. What I especially remember is how he would wander into the first floor hallway rooms off the lobby while I was cleaning them, almost like he was checking up on me to make sure I was doing a good job. Afetrall, like everyone said, Davidene may have been the GM, but Josh was “The Boss”. I cried when I saw the sign out front that Josh had passed away. I haven’t had the guts to contact Davidene yet, she must be torn-up. That’s why I’m so angry about this “Chris” person who posted the first comment about Josh. If anyone is “UGLY”, its YOU; you have no heart or soul to post such a horrible comment about such a beaautiful, loving little dog like Joshua – shame on you!
Josh is gone? Say it ain’t so! My favorite memory of Josh is sneaking him pieces of chicken when Davidene wasn’t looking, it was his favorite food. Will always be our secret, hey little buddy? Wherever you are Josh, you will never be forgotten by those whose hearts you touched. Please don’t let Davidene see the first comment posted on this blog, it will rip her heart out – she loved Josh so.
OMG – A friend just called and told me Joshua passed away and told me about this blog. I can’t believe it, how incedibly sad for the people at the Triple Crown! I got to know Josh during his walks through the downtown neighborhood. A couple of years ago I had hoped to use him as a stud dog with my little red female dachshund, but she developed health problems and I had to have her fixed. I don’t know what jerk called Josh ugly, but Josh was one of the most handsome dachshunds I’ve ever seen. He was a champion show dog with five generations of championship bloodlines in his pedigree. I checked him out when I was going to use him as a stud dog. I can’t believe someone would post such a comment when people are obviously mourning the loss of a loved one. Chris, you make Scrooge look kind-hearted; you are mean, mean, mean.
Oh no, it is true! A friend told me about this blog concerning the Triple Crown mascot, Josh passing away. How sad! What a sweet, sweet boy. I met Josh last year when my husband and I stayed at the Triple Crown for several days. My husband was recently transferred to Malmstrom and we were waiting for our base housing. We had so much fun playing with him in the lobby, he was quite the little character – so full of life. Its hard to think of the Triple Crown without Josh, he was such a huge presence there. My deepest sympathy to the staff of the Triple Crown. I know how special he was to each of you, especially the General Manager who owned him.
We still end up crying every day. A gentle soul who touched so many lives.
Some creeps even suggested that she beat him to death. We found out about that garbage today. You can imagine how we felt.
How mean can people be?
I have a medical background and I consulted with her over his care and she went as far as sending to Europe for anything that might help him. I spent hours on the phone with Pfizer and other pharmaceutical people seeing what medicines yet unreleased might help his verious conditions, including CDS which I had never heard of before. (It is kind of like Alztheimer’s, in canines.)
This latest rumor was started indepently of this mess, and we know who they are.
Ms.D took care of her love hand and foot and we did everything for him; just when you think people are as horrible as you can imagine, you find out they can be worse.
Poor Josh, I know he is up there wondering if there was a way to bite the people hurting his mother. I think that is what this is all about, but I can’t imagine why. Nobody deserves this.
I thank you all for the remembrances of Josh, on behalf of everyone here. Not that it is my place to do so, but we are even more upset than we were yesterday.
Christine I apoligize for the mix up in names…I am terribly sorry…I was so ingrtossed with writing tha I inadvertly used to wrong name. Please forgive me..
Joshua ment a lot to me and he is sorely missed and loved by so many..
Just learned of the passing of Joshua, I’m heartsick! Hard to think of the Triple Crown without Josh, he was so much more than the mascot of the motel … everyone catered to him, it was almost like he ran the place. I worked at the Triple Crown when they filmed one of their commercials there, and they featured Josh in it – very cute. After that, whenever I took him for a walk at least one person would stop and ask me if that was Josh, because now he was a TV star and very well known around town. Rest in peace, Josh. You will be sorely missed by all who loved you! PS: Chris, You are an ugly turd to post such a hateful comment about a beautiful little show dog. I hope some day someone posts something as hateful about someone you are mourning the loss of.
I checked-in this morning at the Triple Crown and learned that my little friend, Josh had recently passed away. So strange not seeing him on his big bed behind the front desk.
The front desk clerk told me about this blog and I had to leave a message honoring the memory of Josh. However, I was horrified by the contents of the first commenter. I have several things to say in response to you, Chris.
First: Josh was not ugly. He was a champion show dog that I used as a stud dog with my little double dapple female, and he sired six of the most beautiful puppies I’ve ever seen!
Second: The Triple Crown is not a dump. It is currently undergoing extensive renovations and the last several rooms I’ve stayed in had new hardwood floors, ceramic tile bathroom floors, fireplaces, new bathroom vanities with chandeliers, and original artwork on the walls.
Third: Josh was the mascot of the Triple Crown since the summer of 2002, and so much more. He was their official greeter, always coming out from behind the front desk to greet their guests. Their unofficial head housekeeper, occasionally going into the rooms the housekeepers were cleaning, almost as though he were checking up on them. Laughingly referred to as their watchdog; laughingly referred to as because of his diminutive size (but he had a huge heart). And, their resident movie star because he was featured in their television commercials.
Fourth: As far as you, Chris. I have never seen a blog concerning the loss of a beloved pet where someone posted such despicable comments. I can’t find words ugly enough to describe you.
Lastly: To the staff of the Triple Crown, may the beautiful memories of your beloved Joshua sustain you during this time of sorrow.
Joshua was a very kind and loving dog,not only was he a pet he was our beloved companion.He touched our lives with his loving personality and gentle nature.Chris,you must not have had anyone teach you how to care you are very cruel and empty headed with no heart.Stupid people like you……. get the picture,maybe you should stop and smell the turds thats all your worth.Joshua will be missed but his memory will live on in our hearts.We at least have one.
I just checked in at the Triple Crown after driving straight through from Santa Barbara. I was so brain dead I didn’t see the sign about Josh passing away. I asked Davidene where Josh was because I had saved him a chicken strip from my dinner. She started to cry when she told me he passed away two weeks ago. That’s one tough lady, nothing gets to her. But, I know that little dog meant the world to her. I wanted to crawl into a hole when I saw that I made her cry.
On my way to my room, I passed a woman in the hallway who was in the room next to me and she told me about this blog. I feel compelled to leave a message about Josh. I have so many favorite memories of Josh, its impossible to think of the Triple Crown without him. In many ways Josh was the Triple Crown, the best part. I’ll never walk into the lobby without thinking of him. Rest in peace, Josh … and, my deepest sympathy to Davidene and the staff of the Triple Crown who loved him so.
I worked for Davidene at the Triple Crown for several months and that’s how I got to know Josh. We used to go for walks around the block from the motel. He was all business, if you know what I mean for the first half of the walk. But, the last half of the walk, about where the Set Free building is, he was ‘petal to the metal’ to get home to his mama. It used to crack me up to see him run as fast as he could, I was always out of breath and he acted as though he could run forever.
I remember Davidene used to stop everything to watch for him come running around the corner of the motel into the parking lot into the lobby and home to her. Oh how she must miss him.
Who ever runs this blog, thank you for giving Josh’s friends somewhere to post comments about him. We thought so much of him.
All I’m going to say is…the more people I meet, the more I like my dogs.
Heard about the passing of Josh this evening – so sad. I stayed there a few evenings when the power went out in my home last year. I remember him running around the Triple Crown like he owned the place, and I guess in a way he did the way everyone referred to him as the boss.
I remember one night he snuck out the front door and when the manager realized he was gone the whole place came to a screeching halt while everyone, including me, scroured the neighbored looking for him. We found him across the street at the old M&H Convenience Store. She said he did that sometimes, almost like he was going to get himself a hotdog – too funny! That was Josh, what more can I say except rest in peace little friend.
I learned last week that Josh passed away, and about this blog, but I was having trouble putting my thoughts together. What can I say about Josh that hasn’t already been said?
My last sighting of Josh was both sad and funny. He was obviously in declining health and the girls were trying to give him his medication. My gosh it seemed like they were trying to give him twenty pills. But, what was so funny is, they had an assembly line going behind the front desk.
Josh was perched up on his snuggle ball bed, Davidene was wrapping his pills in something, and she would hand it to another lady who was kneeling on the floor in front of Josh, and she would feed the wadded up pill to Josh. Josh was the center of attention at that moment; nothing else mattered in that motel. He knew it, and he acted as though he wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve never seen anything quite like that scene before. I’ll never forget it as long as I live.
Rest in peace, Josh. I’ll miss the way you used to ‘talk’ to me when Davidene had you locked up behind the front desk until she would let you out to see me in the lobby – you were an amazing friend.
We live locally here in Great Falls. My husband and I have stayed at the Triple Crown for about ten years whenever we need a break from our kids. That’s how we got to know little Josh.
We were vaguely aware that he always seemed to be the center of attention at the motel – with staff and guests alike. And, that he always seemed to be involved in some escapade that turned the place upside down. What we never fully grasped was what a HUGE presence he was at the Triple Crown until we checked in this weekend and he was gone.
There’s a discernable difference in the aura of the motel, especially in the lobby. Its almost as though the soul of the Triple Crown has been sucked out of the place. So sad for the staff, and especially the GM, about Josh’s passing.
Our deepest condolences.
First time I’ve checked in at the Triple Crown and Joshua hasn’t been lounging on his bed behind the front desk. So sad, so strange not to see him.
After he got to know me, we got into a routine. He’d run out from behind the front desk to greet me, and I’d put my bags and luggage on the floor to greet him. But, he had not time. You see, he knew that I always brought him a little treat so he was busy plowing through my bags searching for his goody.
My favorite memory of Joshua was when I had gotten two jelly donuts during my drive to Great Falls. I ate one, and one was remaining in a little white bag – I forgot about it. Josh didn’t. While I was checking in, he discovered the bag with the donut and proceeded to eat it – the whole thing. What was funny though, was when he finished eating the donut, for some reason he couldn’t get his head back out of the bag. So, for a minute or two he wandered around the lobby with the little white bag over his head! Davidene and I were howling with laughter – now, I wish I had taken a picture.
My heart goes out to Davidene for her loss; Josh was really a once in a lifetime kind of little guy.
I thought it was odd that I hadn’t seen Josh strolling through the downtown neighborhood with one of his many dog walkers. the last few weeks. Today I found out the reason. A co-worker told me she saw the signs in front of the Triple Crown announcing he had passed away.
For those of us in the downtown area who became familiar with Josh during his walks, we’ll miss seeing him. He would invariably bring a smile to our faces – something we can all use more of these days.
In a way, Josh’s spirit lives on through this blog. His friends needed some place to leave their condolences and we learned of this site, and what a wonderful site it is. I’m sure most of us who have visited here because of Josh will continue doing so in the future.
Thanks, Josh, for the many smiles you brought us!
I feel so badly for the staff and guests at the Triple Crown over the recent loss of their mascot, Josh. I can only imagine how much that darling little dog meant to them.
For some of us, he had become a fixture in the downtown neighborhood, and he will be sorely missed.
Thanks, Josh! You were always a day brightener for me whenever I saw you.
How sad that the soul of Triple Crown has passed on. Davidene is the heart, pumping life into a hotel that is going to surprise everyone when she’s accomplished her goals. But Josh?
I have a story.
Josh went missing one night. If you can imagine the panic, the fear and the mobilization of concerned folks who went searching for this lil’ pup, then you can only imagine what it’s going to be like without his cheerful furiness gracing the front desk area.
I hope you are well, Davidene.
I didn’t want to say anything more than I have already said, but I cannot help myself in saying something more. Everything all you kind folks have said have buoyed up our spirits here, and somebody had to say something, which is usually me. (I usually end up doing the dirty work.)
I cannot begin to express how much this outpouring of remembrances and love means to Ms. D. I do not think there are words for it.
She has worked herself to almost death to change this place, and she has. And then for this to happen in the middle of all this, well, to me, it just doesn’t seem fair. Josh’s passing just yanked the heart out of her and stomped on it. And that isn’t right. Thank you all for your kind words.
What a bummer! I can’t believe my little buddy, Josh passed away. He was the world’s all time great little dog. And, that’s the thing. Josh didn’t know he was a little dog, he always had a big dog attitude. I think that’s why guys liked him, too.
I feel so bad for everyone at the Triple Crown. I know I should go in there and pay my respects, but everyone is going to be so sad – I won’t know what to say. At times like this, sorry seems so inadequate.
Rest in peace, Josh. I don’t think you had any idea how much you meant to so many people.
My husband and I are staying at the Triple Crown this weekend while we’re in town for the Harley rally.
Both of us were sorry to learn that our little friend, Joshua recently passed away. As soon as we walked into the lobby this afternoon, we knew something was different, something had changed. The place just “felt” different.
We noticed the floral arrangements and there were more plants and trees in the lobby, but we didn’t quite know what was going on. Davidene was busy checking in other guests so we glanced at the cards on the counter. That’s when it hit us that Josh had passed away.
So sad, I felt so bad for her. I know how much Joshua meant to her, in fact, the entire staff of the Triple Crown really seemed to genuinely care about him.
Our deepest sympathy to the staff (and guests) of the Triple Crown. The place will never be the same without him … Rest in peace, Josh!
Heard about Josh passing away before we checked in this evening, so we were prepared for the shock of not seeing him.
But, it was still strange not seeing him behind the front desk. Or, racing down the first floor hallway escorting us to our room. Or, running into the elevator and leading the way to our room if we were on the second or third floor.
I guess we never fully appreciated what a big part of the Triple Crown he was until we checked in this evening. We tried to ask Davidene what happened to Josh, but she is still so upset over his passing (three weeks later) she can barely talk about him without crying.
God bless the staff, and rest in peace Josh!
PS: Whoever runs this blog does an outstanding job. We’re looking forward to trying Goode’s Restaurnat this weekend. And, we’ll be regular visitors to your blog from now on.
Heartbroken to check-in this afternoon and learn that my little friend, Joshua had recently passed away. He was such a sweet, sweet boy. I’m sure that little guy touched many, many hearts with his endearing personality.
I imagine people will be posting comments throughout the summer as more of his friends learn of his passing … I honestly think that little guy had more firneds than I do! How could you not love that beautiful little low-rider?
To the staff of the Triple Crown who loved him so, know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you find a small measure of comfort in knowing your sorrow is shared by all of us who had the pleasure of meeting Joshua … and growing to love him, too.
How incredibly sad to check-in this evening at the Triple Crown and learn that my little friend, Josh recently passed away. I can’t believe he’s gone! I just saw him in January when I stayed there for several days while in Great Falls on business. He seemed so full of vim and vigor.
I can’t believe how different it is around the Triple Crown, especially in the lobby area, without Josh. I guess I never realized that he was the heart and soul of the motel until now – now that he’s gone.
I hope that all of the wonderful memories of Josh will comfort the staff of the Triple Crown, especially Davidene, during this difficult time.
BTW – Great blog, will check it out whenever I’m in town! And, thank you for this section so Josh’s friends can post our condolences.
I’ve known Josh a lot of years, since before he moved to Great Falls. I saw him almost daily when he lived in Los Angeles, and at least twice a year since he became the mascot of the Triple Crown in August 2002. It’s difficult to think he’s gone.
My favorite memory of Josh is: A group of us took off to San Diego for a “girls getaway weekend”. Josh was the only “guy” invited on the trip. I was with Davidene and Josh and the three of us were walking along dog beach. We encountered a family that had two red female dachshunds – sisters, in fact.
Josh was immediately smitten. And, the little red females seemed equally taken with him. Because we were so enthralled watching Josh flirt with his new girlfriends, we didn’t see what was going on behind us.
An enormous Great Dane was quickly approaching our group. He walked around us and up to the two female dachshunds. He bent down to sniff them, and that’s all it took. Josh came unglued. He snarled and snapped at the Great Dane (I’d never seen him act this way, none of us had – including Davidene). Well, that huge dog took one look at Josh (I was afraid he was going to eat Josh for lunch) and took off running down the beach … as fast as he could to get away from that ferocious dachshund.
Josh wasn’t content to merely scare off the Great Dane. He took off in hot pursuit! Needless to say that entire section of the beach was rolling in the sand in laughter watching this little dachshund give chase to the Great Dane. And, the funny thing is, even with Josh’s short, stumpy legs he was gaining on the Great Dane!
The scene proceeded to get even funnier when Davidene realized what was happening and she took off after Josh. So, you have a Great Dane, then Josh and, then Davidene running down dog beach as fast as they can … a scene right out of an old Keystone Cops flick.
That was Josh at his finest … not afraid of anything or anyone. He was all heart, that’s why its particularly poignant that he died of congestive heart failure … that his heart gave out on him.
Rest in peace, Josh. Remembering you on that summer day so long ago will always bring a smile to my face.
Strange, strange, strange checking in to the Triple Crown last night and not seeing Josh on duty behind the front desk.
I was really sorry to hear about Joshua passing away. I know how much the staff of the Triple Crown will miss the special companionship they shared with him – he was such a special little boy.
I hope that all the wonderful memories of the good times with Josh will be a comfort to the staff of the Triple Crown now.
PS: Really enjoy this blog! Will be a regular vistor from now on. Thank you allocating a place for Josh’s fans to leave their condolences.
This weekend is the second time I’ve checked in at the Triple Crown since Joshua passed away. Strange to check-in and not see him sitting on his snuggle ball bed behind the front desk overseeing the operation of the motel. After all, Josh ran a tight ship and had his little paw in everything!
For such a little guy, he was a huge presence at the Triple Crown, and I guess I never realized how large a presence until now that he is gone.
Loved the way he’d come into the lobby to greet me whenever I checked-in – he made me feel special. Occasionally, Davidene would allow him to accompany me to my room if I was on the first floor. Joshua would run down the hallway, and when I’d open the door to my room he’d run in. He’d always spend a few minutes going over everything in the room, almost like he was making sure everything was in order. I really missed his little inspections/visits my last two stays.
I can see now after my second stay at the Triple Crown since he passed away the Triple Crown will never be the same without Joshua … Rest In Peace.
Only someone very special leaves footprints in your heart.
Joshua left footprints in everyone’s heart lucky enough to have known, and loved, him.
My deepest sympathy to the staff, especially the General Manager, of the Triple Crown over their heartbreaking loss of Josh.
Hopefully, the knowledge that his many fans and friends will miss him too makes their burden a bit easier to bear.
If love could have saved him, Josh would have lived forever!
Everyone who knew Josh, grew to love him – most of all Davidene.
May God hold her (and all of Josh’s friends) in his light and love during this most difficult time.
I was deeply saddened to hear of the recent passing of Josh. My thoughts and prayers are with the staff of the Triple Crown Motor Inn, especially Davidene his owner.
Josh will be sadly missed but warmly remembered. What a ray of sunshine he was to all that saw him on his daily walks through the downtown area.
Rest in peace, Josh!
I learned last week that Joshua, the mascot of the Triple Crown passed away several weeks ago – how incredibly sad for all who loved him!
I went into the Triple Crown this afternoon to pay my respects to Davidene – it was difficult seeing her still consumed with grief almost four weeks after Josh passed away.
I could see that it was painful for her to speak about him, she was on the verge of tears. So, I wasn’t able to tell her what I wanted to say. I hope she will see my words some day on this blog.
“The depth of your grief is a testament to the love and dedication you and Josh gave to each other. Peace be with you in your time of sorrow”.
I ran into Davidene at Holiday Village Mall this weekend, that’s when I learned that Josh passed away several weeks ago. She was so sad, I felt so bad for her … I’ve never seen her so upset.
I remember during a conversation last summer she said that Josh was the only thing in her life that was ever able to bring her to her knees and make her cry. I didn’t understand what she meant then, after seeing her this weekend I understand now.
I know that some people considered Josh a pet to her, but he was so much more. I truly believe that there are no words for the love she has in her heart for him, and I’m convinced he knew that too. Josh wasn’t happy or at ease unless he was near her, they truly were soul mates.
I’ve known Josh, the mascot of the Triple Crown Motor Inn for several years. I got to know him through my stays at the motel while I was in Great Falls on business.
What can I say about Joshua that hasn’t been said already? I’m sure all pet owners think their animal companion is special. But, Josh was, there was just something about him that tugged at your heart strings.
Certain people, places and things are carried in our memories forever. Josh will live forever in the memories and hearts of everyone he touched.
The staff of the Triple Crown, especially Davidene, are in my thoughts and prayers during this dificult time for them.
RIP JOSHUA!
I never met Joshua, but have known many like him. One of the kindest things God ever did for humankind, was to provide us with the love and companionship of our little friends.
Never judgemental, always full of happiness, and able to lift our spirits even during the most troubling times. Someone once posed the question, “Do dogs go to heaven”? Of course they do, and most likely are the first ones to greet us, when we arrive. Rest in peace little josh, your tail wags forever!!!
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
I met Josh during my stays at the Triple Crown the last two years – what a delightful, special little boy! I’ve also gotten to know his owner, Davidene during that time.
I saw her again last night when I checked in, and that’s when I learned my little friend, Josh passed away four weeks ago. She is still so sad over his passing, I hated seeing her that upset.
I know its difficult for her to say goodbye to Josh because she held him so dear to her heart. I hope and pray she finds comfort and peace in the lifetime of fond memories they made together.
After seeing Davidene twice (during check-in at the Triple Crown Motor Inn) since her beloved Josh passed away, I truly believe that when he died, a piece of her died with him.
She is still overwhelmed with grief. I think the only thing that gets her through the days is the promise that one day they will meet again (maybe at the Rainbow Bridge like a previous poster said).
Rest in peace, Josh, and God bless the staff of the Triple Crown, especially Davidene who loved him so.
His companionship was an inspiration, his love a blessing. Joshua is gone from the Triple Crown but not from our hearts. I was honored to know him, and walk him during my employment at the motel. What a beautiful, wonderful little boy!
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your darling Joshua. My thoughts and prayers are with the guests and staff of the Triple Crown.
RIP, JOSHUA!
This evening I learned of the recent death of Joshua, the mascot of the Triple Crown – and, I am so sorry to hear this news.
I hope that Davidene, and the staff and guests of the Triple Crown, take comfort in knowing there is one more angel above us.
I share your sorrow over the untimely death of Josh, how sad to think he will no longer greet me when I stay at the Triple Crown.
Thank you for your wonderful story about Josh, Charlotte. A very wonderful story by the way; I can imagine Josh taking on a vicious German Shepard if he felt his mom was in danger.
It is diffcult, I still keep looking for him. Sometimes, I swear I see him out of the corner of my eye.
But, life moves on. But, I usually hate people that say that.