In Memory of
JOSEPH HARTNAGLE
(Mr. Australian Shepherd)

Joseph, Nancy and I miss you.  You were our friend from the day we first met you.  We flew to your home in Colorado and, upon arriving, you introduced us to our first Aussie puppy.  We remember seeing you standing beside the driveway waiting for us to arrive.  You had placed our new puppy in a small, overstuffed chair for the greeting with her new family.  You were full of pride as you showed us the puppy you had picked out for us.  You took us into your home, introduced us to your wonderful parents and we shared several incredible days with you.  After we returned to Florida, you called to check up on us.

You touched so many lives in such a positive way, especially ours.  You guided us through when we had questions, and now, even in death, you continue to guide us with your wonderful books.  We will never forget you Joe.

You are the Master of thie following poem which is written in your memory.

Nancy and Bill Harger
Earth Creations Kennel

A Dog in the House

A dog in the house?  It simply can’t be

He’s too much unlike you and me

He runs around acting much like a kid

He broke that dish; you know he did

He has four legs and no tail too

He’s not like me and he’s not like you

Could he be smiling when he looks at me

He’s only a dog; that simply can’t be

The other day I passed by a farm

An Aussie was herding sheep yet causing them no harm

And when he had finished his work for the day

His Master knelt and hugged him and that was his pay.

I witnessed love from mans best friend

I learned my lesson, and my rules began to bend

I asked the Aussie’s Master what he would do

About a dog in the house ‘cause I haven’t a clue

Sir, my Aussie and I live together day in and day out

When the chores are all done, we simply hangout

He gives unending love, even though I’m frequently wrong

He guards me in my home from dawn till dawn

So Mister, listen up to what I have to say

Show your dog you love him more and more each day

Give him a bed in the comfort of your home

A rug or a towel; it needn’t be foam

Give yourself joy that you’ll remember to the end

Find the peace, love and happiness given freely from your friend

Those smiles you thought you saw, “that simply can’t be”

Were God’s gift to help you finally see.

Dedicated to our friend Joe Hartnagle and his Las Rocosa Aussies, especially ours.

By  Bill Harger

Las Rocosa Flo Blue "Abbey"

Las Rocosa Gotta Be Joseph "Brinkley"