Tripoli McGinness

Tripoli

On January 13, 2014 a parti-color American Cocker Spaniel was born in Kokomo, IN to Pamela and Gary Fuller, the proprietors of Crescentmoon Cocker Spaniels. They immediately knew this puppy was special and gave her the unique name of Tripoli because her coat was black and white with tan accents. Tripoli came from champion bloodlines through both parents. Naturally the plan was for her to be a show dog and continue the family tradition. What the Fullers didn’t know was God had another plan.

Sometimes God sends His angels unseen to mankind. Sometimes angels take on the form of humans to accomplish their tasks. Sometimes angels have four paws, a tail, and a lot of hair. This was one of those times.

There was a family in a small town in Illinois that had lost their black Cocker, Dahlia, in June. Their broken hearts could only be mended with another Cocker to love and fill the house with its presence. The Fullers had decided not to show Tripoli and reluctantly advertised her for sale. In July of 2014 Tripoli’s human brother found her picture online and was immediately smitten. Discussion began in the family about getting another Cocker. Color determines temperament in Cocker Spaniels and the parti-colors are known as the “clowns” not only because of their markings but because they usually aren’t as laid back as the solid colors. The McGinnesses had a parti-color named Scarlett before Dahlia. Scarlett was a live wire and busy from the time she got up in the morning until she went to bed at night. After calm Dahlia the family didn’t know if they could handle another parti-color, but they had already fallen in love with Tripoli from her online pictures. What the McGinnesses didn’t know yet was they were about to experience that dog you only encounter once in a lifetime.

The family had rescued many stray dogs over the years but Cockers always had a special place in their hearts. The family’s obsession with Cockers had begun years earlier when Mary Ann was a girl and her father, Earl Jackson, surprised her with a black Cocker Spaniel puppy named Dixie. Of course, they thought all of their cockers had been special but Tripoli was extra special. Her mother always told her, “you’re the best one.” She had the best attributes of Angel, Smarty, Misty, Scarlett, and Dahlia all rolled into one.

The Fullers required all applicants for their dogs to produce a letter from their veterinarian, a letter from their groomer, as well as a character reference letter along with pictures of a fenced in yard. Tripoli’s human brother, Charles, provided everything they requested and at the last minute didn’t think he would obtain her. Finally, the Fuller’s agreed the McGinness family was worthy of Tripoli. The long trip was made by car to Kokomo and when the door of the Fuller’s home opened there stood Pamela holding six-month-old Tripoli like a small child. Tripoli had a scowl on her face as if to say, I’m not going with you, I’m staying here. After talking, petting, and a selfie Tripoli agreed to go to the little town of Cairo with Charles. She made the long trip to her new home on Charles’ lap with a lambchop stuffed animal nearly as large as she was while her new daddy drove.

For the next twelve years and two months she ran the McGinness household. Much of the day revolved around her needs and her wants. She attended weekly Bible study as well as ensemble practice at the church she was a member of, Mighty Rivers Regional Worship Center. She loved her pastor, Rev. Dr. Larry L. Potts, because he loved her and loved giving her treats. Sometimes he would tell her, “you’re going to get us both in trouble I can’t give you anymore.” She never understood why her family didn’t take her to Sunday morning worship and of course out to eat afterwards. All she wanted was an order of fried chicken.

After many years of love from Tripoli and for Tripoli she crossed the rainbow bridge on September 21, 2026. She was preceded in death by her uncle Allan Joe Jackson, aunts, Dora McGinness and Louise McGinness Hornberger as well as her feline friend that she took afternoon naps with, Fluffy. She is survived by her aunt Mary Satterfield, mother Mary Ann McGinness, father Donald McGinness, and brother Charles McGinness as well as her church family, the office staff at Cairo Public Utility (where in recent years she worked an hour nearly every Friday), family friends, and one special buddy, Laura Sissom.

A special thank you to her veterinarian Dr. Amber Swain who extended her life despite many years of health issues as well as the staff at LaCroix Pet Hospital who treated her like the prima donna she was. Also, thank you to Sarah Moyers of Country K9 grooming who kept her looking her very best. Thank you to Terry Parker and the staff at McMikle Funeral Home for giving her the dignified homegoing she so much deserved.

There will be a celebration of Tripoli’s life at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston, MO, on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 3:00 pm. Her pastor, Rev. Dr. Larry L. Potts, of Mighty Rivers Regional Worship Center will officiate. The family will receive friends from 2:30 p.m. until service time on Friday afternoon.

Interment will immediately follow at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery outside of Charleston, MO.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.

Memorials may be made to Magnolia Manor, P.O. Box 286, Cairo, IL 62914