Judy: Luz-y still remember everything to taugth her. She is a healthy, grow girl. She is so playfull, loving and caring. Today and always you are on our mind and hearts.

Luz's- family

So beautiful! I love her glamorpuss pics from her dancing days.

I first met Judy at a shopping center in Alameda.  I was with my daughter and a friend of hers walking through the parking lot on the way to get ice cream.  We had two aging toy poodles at the time, and the first thing I noticed was not Judy, but a small white toy poodle bursting with energy walking her human companion and another small dog (Echo). The dog's enthusiasm was matched by my daughter's enchantment.  "Mama, look, that dog is so cute!"  The next thing I heard was "Do you want her?"  It was Judy's voice, and what struck me was how reminiscent the voice was of women in my extended family.  It was a surprisingly low voice for such a diminutive woman.  I was taken aback at how direct the question was.  Judy went on to marvel at the dog's demeanor around the girls.  "I didn't know how she would be around children.  She appears to really like them."  The two girls and the small dog were in a loving circle by then, and I was making a cell phone call to my husband.  I felt like I was under a strange spell that must have somehow been transmitted to my husband, who under normal circumstances I'm positive would never have agreed to adopt a dog on the spot.

That was how we first met Judy, and Cossette (previously known as "Dauphine"). Before we could figure out the logistics of integrating Cossette into our pack of two older toy poodles, Judy guided us on the paperwork, inspected our home, and insisted that we were the right home for the sweet little dog.  It wasn't until the final drop off that Judy admitted "I didn't think I could let her go.  This is a heartbreak for me."  And that's how Judy became our dog walker and friend.  I was awe struck by the strengh it must have taken for Judy to let go of the animals she fostered, and often rescued from near death experiences.  We agreed that Judy would come at least once a week to walk our whole brood.  

That was two years ago.  Since then, Judy has coaxed our older female toy poodle out of a grumy stupor and seen us through the death of our beloved Cujo, Harpy's brother.  She has always been there for us in many ways, stayed in our home when we've traveled, and come to our house for July 4th barbecues two year's running.  Judy and I always talked about grabbing that cup of coffee, so that we could continue the quick conversations we had during pet pick up or drop off when I was working at home.  Judy was obviously well educated, interesting, interested in many things, and we shared many of those interests.  We never got around to that cup of coffee, and I will always regret it.

My human and animal families miss Judy terribly.  She was a wonderful mix of fragile, gritty, and warm, and was never afraid to tell me what to do.  Rest in peace Judy.