Joseph with Dahlia at Nationals

Joseph’s involvement with Aussies came from the unique perspective of first-hand experience with the foundation dogs and the pioneer breeders.  He knew Jay Sisler and had met Stub and Shorty.    Joseph was a boy when little Goody used to handle several thousand sheep on the range in southern Colorado.  He lived on the family ranch when our father would send little Jinx across the horizon to bring the sheep home down the lane along the creeks.  He had experienced the loving guidance of an Aussie grabbing his hand to indicate he was heading toward danger (down the driveway toward the road).

Joseph started in the fancy as a Junior Handler when the breed was in its infancy in the dog world and shows were few and far between.  Later he hosted judges’ seminars to teach future judges. He was a well-respected ASCA Breeder Judge and the first to be approved for an AKC Breeder-Judgeship.  He was the first and only dual AKC Judge certified for both Conformation and Herding Events.  While Joseph presided over some of the largest and most prestigious ASCA and AKC events, he never was too busy to help out at the local 4-H Fair – always encouraging young people with their dog projects.

Joseph with Dahlia & Blue Diamond

Joseph contributed greatly to the success of Las Rocosa – his family’s bloodstock and kennel, as the first breeder to be admitted in to the ASCA Hall of Fame.  The achievement he was most pleased with, however, was the realization of producing healthy, happy Aussies that were genuinely loved and cared for as part of their new owner’s family.  He viewed it as an adoption process that was not to be taken lightly and took great care to place his puppies in loving homes.

Joe was getting ready to go to the doctor on that fateful cold, snowy April day, to get relief from a bout with pneumonia.  But prior to leaving for his appointment, his first thought and main priority was to care for his dogs.  We will never know the exact details, but somehow Joseph fell -blacking out from a coughing spell perhaps - and hit his head on a rock.

Joseph at the ocean with friends

Very few people are able to live their dream. Joseph was fortunate enough to spend his entire life following his dream by working with his lovely, bright Aussies.  Joseph Hartnagle passed away doing what he loved the most, being with his beautiful Aussies.  While Joseph will be remembered for many accomplishments, he will most of all be remembered for his deeds of kindness and the encouraging words he took the time to share with those who needed it most.