Joey O’Padilla, age 80 (a mere 16 human years), crossed the rainbow bridge on Nov 25, 2023. Joey was also lovingly known as ‘Jojo’, ‘Josefino’, ‘Jo-eeno’, ‘Little Joe’, ‘Mr. Joe’ and ‘Joseph’ if he was in a bit of trouble. Joey was adopted as a young boy in October 2008 from Watermelon Ranch Rescue. He was a handsome, reddish-brown coated chihuahua & daschund mix who was the only small dog not barking in a pen of a dozen other small doggos.
Young Joey, shortly after joining the O'Padilla family, about a year old in 2008.
Jojo brought lots of life, love, and playfulness to his new papas and everyone he met along his journey. He kept myriad toys strewn throughout the house and patio, never more than a few feet away from one of his little green seahorses, his lobster, parrot, and many others. He especially loved visiting his cousin-friend, Pep (sharpei/dalmatian mix), although one wonders if he was mostly interested in Pep’s enormous stash of toys, which Pep kindly shared with Jojo.
Joey with cousin-friend, Pepper, and helping himself to Pep's endless supply of toys.
Joey was predeceased (Dec 2019) by his brother of ten years, Chaco, who joined the family after his own heroic rescue from the tough streets of Albuquerque. Joey used his role of big brother, his wisdom and reassuring energy to guide Chaco from a life of fear and uncertainty to one of safety, love, and adventure.
Joey and Chaco hanging at a brewery and relaxing at home.
Joey was joined in March 2020 by his second brother, Javi, a feisty and loveable 3-lb chihuahua who was rescued and fostered by Tía María in Yuma, AZ. By this point, Joey had retired from playing with all his toys and preferred to spend his days taking leisurely walks through the neighborhood and the park, sunning in the side yard, and guarding the front door window from the postman (who lovingly left them treats despite their ‘vicious’ barking).
Eight-pound Joey, feeling like a 'big dog' next to new bro, 3-lb Javi, showing him around the neighborhood.
Mastering the art of sunning in the warm New Mexico winter sun.
Joey is also survived by his adoring grandparents who made the trek to the ‘big city’ to see him, but more importantly, always provided for him and his brothers the safest, coziest, and most loving refuge when the papas were gallivanting. It was hard to pull Joey away from his leisurely days of hanging in his cozy spot next to the wood-burning stove, sitting on the recliners with his abuelos and getting his fill of home-made tortillas and chicharrones.
Joey and Javi in their happy place...in the abuelos' arms and in the warm sunshine.
Jojo kept his spirits up, even after losing his hearing in 2021 and most of his vision in early 2023. Fortunately, his sense of smell remained intact (if not keener) to keep exploring the many scents of the neighborhood and yards. His final weeks were challenging, but he still managed short bouts of energy to find his way to sunny spots and wag his tail as a sort of ‘thank you’ when I carried him outside to do his business.
Jojo’s gifts and lessons to his little family included a zest for playfulness, being quick to forgive, being a loyal and loving companion through the tumults of life, an eagerness to explore the outdoors, savoring outings to coffeeshop and brewery patios, and embracing the changes that come with age with such grace and poise.
Mr. Joe, looking dapper and cozy, some might say elegant.
Always chasing the sun, wherever it may be.
Nothing like the warmth and comfort of linens fresh out of the dryer.
Savoring the sights, sounds, and smells of our neighborhood park.
Josefino, on one of his many road trip adventures, exploring the Organ Mountains.
May your days be filled with playing with your toys and running in the park, followed by long naps in the sun and dreaming of the tremendous love and warmth of your earthly family’s embrace.
Goodbye, my sweet boy. Thank you for enriching my life and making me a better human.
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