ORGANIZE
My name is Sandra Musone. I am a mix of several nationalities but for the last 18 years I have called Denmark my home.
I have always loved photography and animals. I feel very lucky that for the past ten years, my life has been primarily about these two loves of mine. I have always struggled with fitting in with people, but I have always been very comfortable around animals. After being diagnosed with severe anxiety and ADHD just a few years ago, it finally made so much sense why I am the way I am and why animals have always been my best medicine.
While I had many animals in my life, when I met Josie 10 years ago - it changed everything. Josie, a French bulldog/beagle/pug/Swedish farm dog mix - was and will always be my truest soulmate. 10 years ago she saved my life and since then everything has revolved around Josie. She gave me direction.
Because of how I met Josie, I started a rescue organization, and together with Josie we helped dogs from Lithuania find new homes in Denmark for several years. Through this work, my own family also expanded, and today I have 5 dogs and 2 cats.
Josie was also the reason I moved from Odense to Langeland, where it was love at first sight with the island. Langeland was the first place I finally truly felt at home.
Josie guided me to my photography work, was my main model and assistant. Because of Josie I got my house, I wanted to give her more sun time outside.
Josie has visited nursing homes as a therapy dog, to spread joy. Because of Josie, I delved deeply into natural dog food and holistic remedies. And ultimately - I also became very educated about cancer and holistic treatments for it.
Josie changed many many lives in one way or another. Above all - she changed mine. There wasn't a single aspect of my life that wasn't related to her. Even with her illness, she truly taught me to live in the moment and not put things off until "someday."
The pain of losing someone who has kept you alive - cannot be explained.
However, I know today that Josie's spirit stayed with me and that she sent me the new puppy Kiri, who was ready to take over her job of helping me manage life. I know all this because of a wonderful clairvoyant with an amazing gift, but that is a story for another day.
The idea for the Dog Festival came to me a few years ago. This event was intended to be something for me and Josie to enjoy together. Instead, now it's a way for me to keep her name alive and continue to help her change the lives of others (hopefully).
This event is a loving tribute to my lost soulmate.
I hope you enjoy our story and our event. If you have ever had or have a soul dog - you will understand all of this even better. I hope to meet you all with your lovely dogs!
