Thursday, May 20, 2010

Summer finally!

We have been having unusually warm weather for the past week. It has been wonderful after the long and cold winter. The lake is free, the light is like magic, the birds are busy nesting and the whole world is once again quite new. This spring was long and harsh and one of the most difficult ones I have had.



Old Miina did not make it until the new summer. She would have been 15 today, but she is gone and I miss my old friend very much. For 15 years she was where my feet were and my eyes seek for her all the time before I remember that she is gone. She was old and it was only natural for her to go.

Kukka last summer

But what we were not prepared at all was that horrible Saturday few weeks ago, when Kukka was hit by a car and in an instant was gone. This was devastating, and seeing my daughter miss her has made the blow a lot more difficult.
Kukka two years ago

Kukka was active, cute, loving and funny little dog and a perfect companion to my daughter. Kukka was eager to please and had picked up an amazing number of words already, she was a joy to all of us. The worst pain is gone, I did not want to write about this earlier, this has been more than I could handle for a while.

I just came in from outside, it is another very warm day up here, I took Tina out for a dip in the lake and I am so happy we have her.


Wool has felt a little bit sticky in my hands, so I have been quilting and drawing... This is just my normal routine, once it gets warm, the wool steps into the back ground and I spend more and more time looking and admiring my fabrics... And right at the moment, I will just follow the muse and will go where ever she leads me.

And maybe just once in a whole year, it feels sort of ridiculous to say even up here wool with you. So what could I say...

all the best of the season,

Lene

97 comments:

  1. Oh, Lene, I feel for you all. I'm so sorry to hear your sad news.

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  2. Your post brought tears to my eyes. I'm so sorry for both of your losses.

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  3. Voi ei. Oli ihan tarpeeks kamalaa kuulla Miinasta, mutta että Kukkakin. Otan osaa, lämpimiä ajatuksia täältä etelämmästä!

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  4. Lene, I'm so sorry for your doggy losses. I am sorry Miina did not see another summer. I have never met you, and never met Kukka, but I felt like I had been kicked in my chest when I heard about her sudden death.

    I am not sure I have ever commented on your blog before (though I enjoy it greatly), but I had to send you some good wishes on this.

    Hoping the summer brings you peace, and joy.

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  5. So, so sorry for your losses. I still miss my Lacey even though it's been seventeen years.

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  6. That's very sad. I'm sorry that your trusty friends have passed away.

    I love your illustrations, will you be selling them as notecards or prints? I'm sure there are many of us that would be happy to purchase something so beautiful.

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  7. Loosing a dear pet is very sad and difficult and even harder when you loose two. My tears flow for you my heart opens for you.
    Find your peace in your talents and crafts.
    Sending good thoughts.

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  8. Lene - I am so sorry for your losses. That must have been awful. I do hope the spring weather brings you some healing.

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  9. I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of two of your sweet dogs. I hope the happy memories soon outshine the pain of their loss.

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  10. I'm so sorry for your losses. Our furry friends are so very important to us.

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  11. So sad to read of the loss of your beloved pets. It must be very difficult.

    As an aside, I am so happy that you are sharing your wonderful illustrations with us again.

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  12. I'm so sorry for your losses.exotion

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  13. Carmen15:44

    Lene, to loose an old and faithful companion is hearbreaking but expected. To loose a second furry friend, this one full of youth and expectation, is even more difficult to bear. My thoughts are with you and your daughter.

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  14. Oh Lene, I am so sorry for your loss. I know what it is to look for your friend and then realize all over again that she is gone. What a good and happy life both Miina and Kukka enjoyed with you, surrounded by love! I hope that is a comfort to you now.

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  15. Anonymous15:55

    Dear Lene, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved companions. My heart hurts for you and your family. kelley secrest

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  16. Anonymous15:56

    What sad sad news - you have my deepest sympathy.

    yes follow the muse.
    deni

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  17. Two! Oh my, it's so hard to lose ANY and a double blow like that...my heart hurts for you and your daughter!
    (((((hugs)))))

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  18. Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about your dogs. I know how hard that can be. Hang in there!

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  19. Lene, I am so sorry to hear about your dogs. How much you must miss them.

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  20. Oh Lene, I am so very sorry. I had been hoping for Miina to make it to Summer, taking a few moments to wish her well.
    Seeing the photos of Kukka, the one with the garland of flowers has always been a favourite, but then reading on.. and feeling the blow straight to the heart. I am so sorry beyond words. Wishing her well also.
    Yes, the muse is to follow.
    Sending loving thoughts to you and yours.

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  21. Lene, I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your two dogs. I hope the warming weather continues to bring some healing to your heart. That photo of Kukka with the flowers is so beautiful--and the picture of her as a puppy not long ago at all is so bittersweet. Kind thoughts from me to you.

    I love your illustrations and this recent one is my favorite yet!

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  22. Lene, I am so sorry for your losses and grieve with you. I have a sweet senior dog who is starting to fade in small, subtle ways. It is heartbreaking that we cannot keep them with us forever.

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  23. I am so very sorry. I still have my beloved Maggie's collar in my car and it's been three years. This must have been a difficult post for you to write. Thank you for sharing it.

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  24. So sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful dogs, Miina and Kukka. Thinking of you.

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  25. Ann in Montreal17:47

    Lene, I am so sorry to learn of this terrible loss. I imagine Tina must feel the loss of her friends as well.

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  26. I'm so, so sorry to hear of your losses.

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  27. Anonymous18:31

    Oh, so sorry about the loss of your darling dogs. I am in tears for you and your family. I hope that new family friend will find their way into your home.

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  28. How rough. I'm so very sorry for all your losses...

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  29. Anonymous18:44

    Thank you for the reminder to love your people and your pets everyday, as much as you can, and to tell them often how much you love them. Please kiss Tina for me, as she must also be missing her companions. I am off to pat Liza and to take her for an extra long walk, with a little extra treat and some cuddling when we come home.

    Barbara M.

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  30. So sorry to hear of so much loss. Pets are so much a part of our family. I wish you and your family the best.
    Take Care,
    Meredith

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  31. I'm so sorry for your losses. Warm thoughts from across the seas.

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  32. You have had a terrible Spring and I am sorry for your losses. I understand the pain, it triples when we see our children enduring it too. Our mother's instincts come out and we want to shield them, it is so difficult. I am hoping that with the changing of the seasons things will be better for you and your family.

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  33. MaureenTakoma19:12

    Deeply sorry for your family's double loss. As the initial pain fades may you take solace in your many happy memories of Miina and Kukka.

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  34. Voi ei – kuinka surullisia uutisia! Lämmin halaus sulle ja perheellesi näin virtuaalisesti.

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  35. I am so sad for the loss of your dogs, Lene. I know that pain too well - when I was 13 we lost our old dog to age and our year-old pup to poisoning in the same day. I wish your family a healing summer with many joys to blunt the grief.

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  36. Sorry for the loss of your two family members :(
    I can understand your pain.

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  37. Lene so sorry for your loss. I hope the spring and coming summer bring you happiness, if even in a bittersweet way.

    Your illustrations are wonderful and crying out to be published on postcards and greeting cards. I would certainly buy them.

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  38. Oh no!!! I am so very sorry! As someone above me said, kick in the chest... they were both such familiar faces here... again, I am so sorry.

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  39. Trista20:48

    Seeing their pictures is to see that both Miina and Kukka were both glorious souls. Thank you for sharing so we can all appreciate them. We are so lucky for the blessing our beloved pets bring into our lives. I'm so glad Tina is still with you- foxy lady that she is. You have my sincerest heartfelt condolences, and to your daughter. I really hope a new puppy finds you this Summer, as that is the only sure way I know to heal the pain of losing one so precious.

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  40. Dear Lene and family, my deepest sympathy for your loss. Thank you for sharing those beautiful photos, hugs. A.xx

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  41. Aldona from Maine23:18

    Lene, I'm so sorry for your family's losses. I'm keeping you all in my thoughts.

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  42. Oh, I am so, so sorry for the losses! A hard Spring indeed.
    I remember the puppy pictures of Kukka... my heart breaks a little too. I am so sorry.

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  43. Anonymous01:44

    I know how you have been feeling. My beautiful black lab died in september at 13 1/2 and then a month ago my sweet 3 year old cat died. Such a big space where they were. Lucky for us to have known them, Lucky for them to have been with us. much love to you Lene, Kathleen

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  44. As a dog owner and lover I feel your pain. It is so hard to lose a pet and I am sorry for your loss. I hope the brighter, warmer weather brings some peace to you and your family.

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  45. I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful companion, Lene.

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  46. Oh dear, what a sad winter. It has been hard for everyone I know - I don't know what was the bad juju at work in early 2010, but I can't wait for it to be over.

    I am sorry for your sadness.

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  47. I am so sorry. Two losses, too many. My mother would have said that the merry little souls were called home.

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  48. I'm so sorry to hear about your beloved dogs. Glad to hear that the sun is shining to bring a little gladness into your hearts.

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  49. oh, i'm so sorry you lost your 2 friends! as soon as I read you'd had a hard spring I knew it what it was, but the car strike was unpredictable. again, my sincere sympathy.

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  50. I have never cried the way I did when we lost our Seamus. I have never seen my husband cry the way he did. We mourned him and still miss him. It has been 9 months since he passed, only 4 years old. I hope you have a summer of joy and sweet remembrance.

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  51. "We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own, live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan." -- Irving Townsend

    I'm so sorry.

    Melissa in El Cajon, California, USA

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  52. so very sorry to hear about the loss of your companions.

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  53. I am so sorry for your loss. I rarely comment on blogs but I follow yours very closely and this made me truly sad. My deepest sympathy. I know how it feels.

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  54. I feel so sorry.....

    what about winning a silk shawl?

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  55. So sorry for you loss.

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  56. Anonymous16:06

    Lene, I am so sorry for the loss of your two sweet companions-- and so close together. My thoughts are with you and your family. As someone else said, I hope the spring/summer will bring healing. I've never posted before, but would like to say how much I enjoy your blog and reading your thoughts about life...
    Elizabeth

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  57. Lene, I am so, so sorry. How terrible.

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  58. Anonymous19:23

    Dear Lene,
    Pats belong to your life and home, loose them is missing a part of your life and house. many wishes from my
    Annette Brederoo

    Amsterdam
    The Netherlands

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  59. Dear Lene,

    Good wishes by the lost of your two dearest pets.
    Havind pets is a part of your life and a part of your home, loosing them is loose a part of your life and a part of your home.

    Lots of sympathy
    Annette Brederoo

    Amsterdam, The Netherlands

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  60. Anonymous20:04

    Please accept my heartfelt condolences on your and your daughter's losses. I'm so so sorry!

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  61. My sympathy. Sorry for your losses.

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  62. My heart is crying for your family's losses. May the gentle summer bring you peace.

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  63. My dogs are like my children and I can't imagine loosing two in such a short span of time. I'm so sorry to hear that and wish I could make your pain go away.

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  64. Anonymous05:45

    I'm so sorry for the loss of your companions. But spring signals that there are new animals that need your love.

    And, I'm so glad to see your artwork again! I so enjoyed the drawings with Finnish vocabulary a couple years back.

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  65. I'm sorry for the loss of your companions; it is not an easy thing to go through.

    On a happier note, I'd like to tell you that I enjoy your blog immensely, even though I've never commented before. Your writing style is lovely, and your knitting is stunning.

    But it's your illustrations that are a real joy to see, they are so beautiful. You must get a lot of pleasure from creating them as well.

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  66. Tanja00:55

    I follow your blog on a regular basis and was saddened to read about the loss of your beloved pets. I remember when you first posted about Kukka....I had thought she was one of the prettiest pups I'd seen. I still have tears in my eyes when I think what you must be feeling. My dog means the world to me and I would be so lost without her. Take care....

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  67. So sorry to hear about your losses. Old friends and gentle, timely passings are difficult to deal with but losing a youngster...

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  68. Lene, I'm so sorry for your terrible losses. I know Miina and Kukka were very special in your lives. Hugs to you and your girls.

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  69. The drawing is delightful. I am so sorry to hear your sad news. Pets hold our heartstrings tightly with their unconditional love. Please know I'm thinking of you!

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  70. jeanie20:31

    Lene, I remember when you got Kukka. I am so sorry. I, too, will always remember your pictures and text about her. I haven't been in touch for a while. I have moved from Missoula, Montana to live with my daughter in Helena, Montana USA. I am loving knitting and quilting more than ever. My very best to you and your little family at this sad time. Jeanie M. in Montana

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  71. Carol in Md20:43

    I know how hard it is to lose a pet - even when she is old and you know it will happen soon. WE lost ours just before she turned 15, and she looked so much like Miina! I can't imagine how rough losing Kukka was - one so young and vibrant; I can only imagine. I am not surprised you have not wanted to write of it. So sorry for this double loss to your wonderful family.

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  72. Anonymous02:22

    Dear Lene
    I'm so sorry about your dogs' deaths. The double loss must be so difficult.

    I'm relieved that you have the light of summer to bring you some measure of joy.

    MargieinMaryland

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  73. I'm sorry to hear about Mina and Kukka, but they were lucky dogs to have spent their lives with humans who obviously loved them very much. Take care.

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  74. I'm very, very sorry for your family's loss of both Miina and Kukka. It is very hard to lose 2 family members who bring joy, loving companionship and bright, playful energy.

    My prayers are with your whole family.

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  75. I am so sorry for the loss of your two dogs. Our pets do become family.

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  76. Lene,

    I'm so sorry to hear about your losses. I know too well how you feel. We also lost two dogs this year, one young and one old. My two year old son was totally bereft. It's so hard to lose our closest and most loyal friends. May you and your family find peace and healing.

    ~saneknitter

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  77. That is very sad news, but thank you for sharing it when you were ready to do so. I love your blog.

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  78. Lene, it is sooo sad when our beloved dogs or cats die...I'm so sorry to hear that...I'm sure they will always have a place in your heart - as mine have in my heart...

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  79. Anonymous01:40

    I was so sorry to read about your dogs. There is nothing as special as the love of a dog and I can only imagine how much you and your family must miss them both. Sending a hug your way.

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  80. Thinking of you with sympathy. Best wishes for a good summer!

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  81. Very Sad, we love our animals so much. The Pain of loosing them is the price we pay for knowing such Love.

    Tina

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  82. I am so sorry for your losses - I know how difficult it is.

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  83. Tricia14:38

    I am so sorry to hear of your losses. To lose an older dog is as you say natural, but having a dog hit by a car or in my case a truck is devastating and harder yet when that dog is the light of a child's life. Take Care.

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  84. I'm so sorry. Losing your dog is so heart rending.... it leaves a hole in your life for a long time.

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  85. Ohhh, I'm so sorry about your doggies :-(
    I hope spring and the breath of new life helps the healing process.

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  86. I'm so sorry about the loss of your sweet pups. I know how hard it is to lose an old friend; how horrible to lose a new one too. May the summer bring much comfort.

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  87. Anonymous10:07

    Wishing you and your family all the very best in your loss of both your dearest furry friends.

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  88. SarahP in Toronto15:13

    Such sad news Lene. I so enjoy your writing about a corner of the world far away from my own, but am very sorry to hear about your two dogs. "Grief is the price we pay for love", and they were certainly loved.
    I hope spring lifts your spirits.

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  89. I am so sorry for your loss - our pets are with us for such a short time, but they bring us such joy! May you have other furry children to keep your feet warm during the long winter!

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  90. Such sad news of your precious dogs. I hope your memories of them will comfort you and your daughter.

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  91. Dear Lene,

    I am sorry and saddened to hear about the loss of your beloved pets. I have gone through the same sort of grief as well. It takes a long time for the hurt to go away but your fond memories of all the good times will fill in those bad spots eventually.

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  92. tess19:43

    Lene, your feeling for Miina & Kukka made them so vivid in your writing that they became my own dog friends. They had very happy lives with you, even though Kukka's, especially, was much too short, but they were good lives. I am so sorry that you have lost them, there is such a hole in your life, and your family's and Tina's, too. Take good care of each other.

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  93. Anonymous00:01

    I am so sorry about the loss of your dogs.

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  94. So, so sorry about your double loss. Time heals but we never forget. XX

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  95. I am so sorry for your losses.

    It is hard enough to lose an old one. I can't imagine how hard it is to lose a youngster so suddenly.

    I am very sorry.

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  96. I hope it doesn't make you feel bad again to have one more comment. I am months behind on reading blog posts. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your doggy friends. They leave such a hole in your heart when they go.

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  97. Honey, I lost my sister two months ago.She still being my best friend and company. Before that happened one of our dogs an one of our lovely cats passed away too. They are together, I know. Even for me, live will be shine again, we need just time. A big hug for you and your doghter.

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