One of my favorite photos was taken on July 23rd, 2021, as Twiggy and Lucy celebrate the joy of their new turf.
The Producer and I know you have been following Lucy and Twiggy’s antics for the last five years. Because you have invested your time and love in these two, we feel you should know that the time has come for Lucy to take a trip across the rainbow bridge and join her sister Bailey in eternal peace. Lucy has been with us for thirteen and a half years, and we have done our best to make each day a blessing for her. She has definitely made each day a blessing for us.
Pets are the only creatures that love us more than they love themselves. Their sole existence is completely and utterly for their human family. Ultimately, it’s not about their quality of life because they’ve learned to adjust to their illnesses, and life goes on for them-good or bad. As family members, we must realize and accept that all animals are put into our lives to teach us something we could never learn on our own. When that goal is achieved, their mission on earth is complete, and their quality of life to them is perfect.
Lucy has taught us the beauty of unconditional love, both given and received. She came to us as abandoned and mistreated. Even so, her big heart opened to us and then to Twiggy. We must honor her love with heartbreaking measures that will be more than painful for us.
Lucy will be at home with us, and we will be with her when she takes her steps to peace. This will be tomorrow at 4:00 in the afternoon.
Comments will remain open. I’m not sure I will be able to respond now, but I know I will in due time. A “like” on this post represents your best wishes to all of us.
I will be taking a blog break and hope to return on Monday.
Fiction Favorites 
I’m so sad John. I feel as if Lucy is a friend of mine, I too will be losing.
Susannah
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Thank you, Susannah.
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John, you articulated our relationship with our pets so perfectly. Lucy had a wonderful life and did her ‘job’ so well, providing comfort and happiness to you, the Producer, and your readers, as well as companionship to Twiggy. She will be missed. I offer sincere condolences to all, most especially to you and your wife.
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Thank you , Steve. Your words are comforting.
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Sending deepest condolences, John. These animals are so precious and add so much to our lives. May happy memories quickly eclipse the pain of her passing.
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Thank you, Lori. I so appreciate your words.
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John … Your words are wonderful – especially how pets love us more than themselves. I loved Lucy’s wit and wisdom … Bailey’s too … and Twiggy has been the perfect counter to both of them. Losing pets is a horrible feeling – and I know this news has affected me. Peace and strength to both of you.
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Thank you, Frank. I appreciate your kind words.
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We know and feel your pain, John, we’ve had 5 cats and one doggy take the trip over the past few years. 😢
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You have the experience, Chris. Thank you for sharing your feelings. It helps.
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Wishing you strength to cope with this recent loss. ❤️
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Thank you, Lynne. Very good words indeed.
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John, so sad to know this. My thoughts are with you. Our pets are family, precious to us. And they stay in our memories forever. 🐶🎶🧡
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They do, Christine. Thank you for your thoughts.
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I am not expecting a response, spend this time with Lucy. She has brought us all joy over the years and I wish she could know just how much she is loved by us out here in cyberspace. Please hold her tight once for me.
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I will do that, GP. She will appreciate your hug. Thank you.
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💙
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💙
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❤
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Thank you, Annette.
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Lucy has brought joy to your family and to your blogger friends, John. Thank you for sharing her life with us. xo
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Thank you so much,Jill. Lucy has always loved performing. I appreciate your kind words.
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😭😭❤
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I know right? Thanks, Deborah.
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My heart goes out to you and your wife. Losing a beloved pet who gave so much unconditional love is heartrending. I’m going to miss Lucy.
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Thank you, Liz. You hit on the right word, heartrending especially with a decision such as this. Your words are comforting.
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You’re welcome, John. I had to make the same decision once.
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It is a tough one for sure
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Very well said. Sorry for your loss and I’ll miss the Lucy wisdom every Thursday.
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Thank you, Charles.
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I love the photo you chose, John, and I’ll always remember her this way. I’m crying as I type this, but I know she’ll be frolicking this way with Bailey very soon. Please give her extra long belly rubs and ear scratches from me. And the same for Twiggy, who I know loves her sister. My condolences to you and yours.
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Thank you so much, Staci. You gave me a smile and I will be sure to give them both belly rubs. Thank you for your kind words and thoughts.
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My heart breaks for all of you. To know this kind of love is a blessing. I am sending love to you and your family, John.
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Thank you Maggie. We have been truly blessed and will always cherish that grace. I appreciate your thoughts.
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💔
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My heart breaks for all of you and the tears are coming as I write this. Lucy worked her way into my heart. Rest well, wise dog. You are much loved!
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Thank you so much Noelle. You have given us comfort with your words.
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I send warmth and whatever strength can fly through my heart to you and yours.
I also send so many OXen they won’t fit in this meagre comments box, so I’m shipping them to you via Trans Love Railroads.
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Thank you, dear Resa. I appreciate all the love that I feel in your message. You have given the gift of strength. I hope you sent the OXen freight collect. ❤️
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Dear John,
I prepaid. I didn’t want you to have to stress today. Anyway, when it comes to shipping OXen, I have a huge credit note! 💋❤️
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🤗😘
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❤️
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💋❤️
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😊
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😊 (ox)
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Lucy is at peace. OX 🥲
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OX 🥲 ❤️
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🤗X
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🤗X
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My dearest John (and The Producer and Twiggy) – I am sending all my love to you during this most difficult time. I know you love and respect Lucy enough to ensure her passage goes beautifully. She brought so much joy to you and, thanks to your shares, to us. We all knew this day would come but that didn’t stop the tears from showing up. Lots of love to you all. xoxo
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Thank you so much Dale. We are making sure she has not a moment of anxiety during her last hours. She always hated the car ride to the vet so we are bringing the vet to her. I appreciate your words of comfort. Thank you again. XO
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I did that for Zeke and feel it was the best decision I ever made. More hugs. 🤗
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I think so too. Thanks, Dale.
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My heart breaks for you and your family. Sending light and love as Lucy transitions.
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Thank you, Jan. The light and love is appreciated.
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It’s a tough experience, John. Condolences for your loss, and hopes that you’ll handle the grief the best you can.
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Thank you, Tim. Knowing that we did the best we could certainly helps. Lucy has had a fabulous life.
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With so much love, she sure has had a good life. 👍
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She did have a great life. I can say that with full confidence. Thanks, Again.
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I send my best wishes to you all, John: human and canine. Following Lucy has been a joy and we shall miss her.
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Thnak you, Keith. That means a lot.
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Her stories have given me so many smiles. I’ll be thinking of all of you.
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Thank you so much, Kathrine. I do appreciate your kind words.
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Heart is full of joy for the blessings you have shared with us. And there are tears on my cheeks as I send all of you my love. I hope she gives Bailey a cheeky kiss.
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Thank you for the lovely thought, Pam. We were just saying last night how wonderful it would be for the two of them to run and play.
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What a lovely and loving tribute, though I am reading through tears in my eyes. Your compassion and unconditional love shines through. May the experience be peaceful and full of the love you, Lucy, Twiggy and their “Mom” all share.
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Thank you so much for the heartwarming message, Babsje. We are trying to make Lucy’s trip as pleasant as possible for her. For us it will be very painful, but that is what comes with having a blessing like Lucy for so long. Hugs to you.
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You’re welcome. I’m sure Lucy will know how loved she is and will have a graceful journey. And I know that Twiggy will be bereft in her own way, along with you two humans. Peace to all of you.
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Thank you, again. I feel the peace.
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As you know we went through this self same situation with our beloved Nutmeg so this resonates. It is so very difficult yet so very essential to do that right thing, as you undoubtedly are. I never met her, I’ve not enjoyed the slobber that only Boxers can supply and yet you’re documentary of her life stands large in this little corner of London. Dog and I will share a moment tonight when we commune on the sofa. I send you all our best and a special best for Twiggy. Take a lot of care.
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Thank you so much Geoff. I do remember when you were faced with Nutmeg’s decline. Lucy has had a wonderful like and we have been blessed sharing it with her. Your words mean a lot. Thank you again.
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My sincere condolences to both you and Molly. Saying goodbye to a family member is a heartbreaking process. I believe you’ll find that the love you shared with Lucy lives forever – in memory and in graced presence. My little Maggy often visits and leaves a smile, even if I can’t hold her now. Sending love and prayers to you and Molly and all your extended family …. ❤️
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Thank you for the kind and uplifting thoughts, Gwen. I will look forward to Lucy’s visits and will also think of Maggy and your words when she does.
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❤️
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I am so sad, John, but I understand. They depend on us to make this decision, and it’s the hardest thing we ever have to do. I will miss seeing Lucy. She seemed like she had the perfect temperament and such a big heart. Take care. Our thoughts are with you.
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Thank you, Dan. You describe Lucy perfectly. She always had room for another in the big heart of hers. At one time she had to put up with four cats and a silky terrier. They all loved her as well. Thanks for the uplifting thoughts generated by your comment.
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❤️❤️
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My heart aches for you, John. Our little Bella will be there to greet her. How blessed we are to share the gift of unconditional love with these precious beings. You have a global family that will be with you all in prayer as you say goodbye tomorrow. May she rest easy knowing she was dearly loved. xo
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Thank you for this thoughtful and soothing message, Natalie. It means so much to me. Tomorrow will be a tough day but knowing y’all are there in spirit will mean so much.
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Oh, John, no! I knew this day was coming, but how my heart aches for you, the Producer, and Twiggy. Having just gone through this myself a few short years ago, I realize how escorting a beloved family pet over the Bridge hurts … and changes your entire world. I feel like I, too, am losing Lucy, having read about her antics for these past few years. Y’all gave her a good life, my friend, and it’s encouraging, knowing she’ll reunite with Bailey and remain pain-free forever. Condolences to all of you, and take all the time you need (it’s hard to write when your eyes are leaking, you know).
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It is never easy to let them go, John. You were generous to have shared her with us. We shall miss her too. Your words are a fine tribute to her and all the pets that come into our lives to teach us what love means. Hugs!
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Thank you, Jo. What you say is very comforting.
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What a perfect picture, John. I’m so sorry, but you gave Lucy a wonderful forever home. Even though I never met her, I feel like I know her.
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Thank you, Teri. What you saw in the pictures and stories is what she was. A patient grand old dame.
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Dear Lucy, rest in peace! And return back on Earth! 🙂 The dead is only the pass…🌹🌹💖💖💖🌿
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Thank you, Maria. ❤️
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😊😊😊🌿
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😊
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A perfect photo, John. Lucy and Twiggy look so happy there. My heart goes out to you, The Producer, and little Twiggy. Please know you all are in my prayers. Making the decision you have is never easy – even when you know it’s the right thing to do.
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It is not easy and thank you for the kind words, Joan. We are convinced that it is the right thing to do but as you know that still doesn’t take away the pain.
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I feared this post every time a Thursday would roll around and I would wonder if maybe it was that time. That’s what we do as humans, we fear the inevitable. We do it too often, when we really should be taking the lessons learned from our beautiful family members like Lucy: To love each day and to love the people we surround ourselves with. Unconditionally. She taught you and your lovely bride that lesson every day for the last thirteen years and that there is a priceless thing.
Don’t reply to this even when you get back. A like is plenty fine, just so I know you read this and you understand how much I hurt for you and with you. I love you Boss.
And to you Lucy, I just want to say thank you for making me smile, all the time. I never met you, and yet you added so much to my life.
Peace and love
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I have to reply and thank you for your kind and supportive words, Marc. We are feeling the pain and hope that before long the memories of Lucy’s love will tak its place. I love you, Marc. Thank for for your support.
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Oh, my dear friend. I hope you have some comfort in sharing your words and your grief. It’s so hard to let go but they—our furry four-legged friends—depend on us to do so when we know it’s time. I am going to miss Lucy so much. She’s the perfect foil to Twiggy. What a pair 😊
You gave Lucy the best 13+ years of her life, and I know she gave you the same. My love to you and The Producer ❤️
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Thank you so much for your kind words, Marie. Since Lucy has been a part of our life she has given herself unselfishly to us, Bailey, our four cats and to Twiggy. She also allowed us to bring in rescue boxers that needed a time out before finding a foster. I knew when I started sharing Lucy on my blog there would be a time when I would have to also share my grief. A small price to pay for the joy Lucy has brought. Thank you again and our love back to you.
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Oh, John, I am so sorry. My heart breaks for you and your wife. You both gave Lucy many precious years of love and I know she will leave paw prints on your hearts. I believe our pets will be with us in Heaven, for surely if it is all we could hope for and more, that gift must be there, too. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
I love the photo you shared. It positively exudes joy. I imagine Lucy running like that on the other side of the rainbow bridge when she meets Bailey again. Extra hugs to little Twiggy. I pray all of you feel the comfort of God’s peace. I know Lucy will carry your love with her when you say goodbye. 💙
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Thank you for your prayers, Mae. It means so much knowing others enjoyed Lucy and her antics with Twiggy. It is a very hard decision and out hears are breaking having to do it. I believe our pets will be with us and I will look forward to that day. Thanks again for your comforting words. Hugs
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💕
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My deepest condolences, John. Our dogs hold a special place in our hearts. I wish you and your wife many happy memories of Lucy.
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Thank you, Pete.
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My heart breaks for you and your family, John. Lucy indeed was a gift sent to your family. And from what we’ve seen over the years, she was a perfect match. May God grant you and your loved ones peace and comfort during your time of grieving. Thank you for sharing Lucy and Twiggy here on your blog. We, too, shall cherish her memory.
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Beautiful words, Beem. Thank you so much.
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Praying for you and your family, John. I know how hard this is. I hope it comforts you, knowing how much Lucy was loved by all of us, by remembering what a good life y’all gave her, and by realizing she’ll soon be in no more pain. {{Hugs}}
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Thank you, Debbie. Those are the thoughts we are keeping in mind today. 😊
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Oh, John, these times are so hard. There really are no words. So, I send comforting hugs and keeping you all in my prayers. Take good care. ❤️
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Thank you, Lauren. Your words are comforting for sure. 🤗
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I’m glad, John. Hugs
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Hugs to you all, John. Lucy was a blessing and she’ll be missed.
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Thank you so much, Diana. ❤️
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❤
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Thinking of you and your family, John! I love the way you have put these feelings into words.
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Oh, John… as a dog lover my heart goes out to your family. I remember Bailey, and I remember when Twiggy came into the family. Dogs are always loving and giving, they’re the rock in our family. Please know at 4:00 P.M. today the sun finally came out. Thank you, Lucy. ❤️
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So nice to hear about the sun, Jennie. Thank you for the smile today. Lucy would love that story. ❤️
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Well, you made me choke up a bit, here. I’m glad for the smiles, and I think Lucy already knows. 🥰
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She does. 😁
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❤️
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Sending you both all my love. I remember you introducing her to us years ago. My heart aches for you. *hugs* You loved her well.
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She was a dear. I will miss her. Thanks for the nice words, Audrey.
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Meus sentimentos
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Obrigado.
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Tenho a minha zoe adotamos ela com a boca queimada jogaram água quente na boquinha dela tava magra e sempre tinha medo tratamento dela e adotamos ela é minha melhor amiga com a perda da minha mãe recente mente qdo estou triste ela pula em mim me lambe é uma forma de consolo é amor verdadeiro e de gratidão nossa menina zoe
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Este é o caminho dos animais de estimação. Dê o meu melhor para Zoe. Ela tem sorte de ter você. Sinto muito pela perda de sua mãe
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Obrigado
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De nada
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RIP dear Lucy . . . we’ll miss your antics. Thank you for the memories. My thoughts out to you and your family John.
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Thank you, Mark. I appreciate your kind words.
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Oh, I’m so sorry, John. Hugs. Go in peace, Lucy.
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Thank you, Traci.
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John, it’s really heartbreaking. I lost my little Boston a year ago in May, he was 14. My condolences go out to you all, may the sweet memories he is leaving with you comfort you. ❤️
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Thank you so much, Holly. I’m sorry about Tide and I certainly know how you feel. ❤️
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Big hugs John.
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Big hugs back, Holly
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😊
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[…] Favorites https://johnwhowell.com/2023/06/08/thursday-a-little-personal-sad-news/ Such sad, sad news. I’m so sorry to […]
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Thank you for the link, Traci. and your thought about Lucy.
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John so sorry to hear this. We have been traveling and I am slowly catching up. I am glad that you have so many happy memories of Lucy and sorry for your loss.
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Thank you, John
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