23 April, 2010

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too.
But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love...

So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart....

David M. Romano 1993

Kindness of everyone who has loved our precious Templeton. He will be missed beyond measure...XXOO

111 comments:

  1. Oh, Alice, I am so, so sorry. Losing a pet is akin to losing a family member. They become so much a part of you. I don't even know you, but my eyes are welling up as I type this. Please accept a hug from someone you don't know in another state.

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  2. So so sorry. My heart is just breaking for you and Babe and Pilgie. xoxo

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  3. I'm sorry for your loss. Your post made me cry. It's so hard to lose a friend who has given us unconditional love their whole life!

    Hugs to you!

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  4. Oh I am so very sorry for your loss! Sending you bloggy hugs.

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  5. He is forever at peace.
    My heart is broken for you.
    The memories and the photos are glorious.

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  6. Oh noooo...we've all come to love that precious angel. I feel so sad for all of you. Those pets are family and I'll be sending out prayers for you. :(

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  7. Templeton, yes we shall miss you beyond measure.
    My condolences to your family, your devoted side-kick and to your Mummy. I will prepare a little something to send in your place of honor to love in your memory.
    pve

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  8. Handsome,sweet Templeton...oh how you will be missed. Your mama has loved you as well as any pet I've ever known and you have loved her well in return. Al... you, Babe and beloved Templeton will be in my thoughts and especially my prayers today. Until we meet again Templeton...tell Phineas and Googey hello.

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  9. I am so sorry for your loss, I know Templeton will be "in your heart" forever.

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  10. My condolences for the passing of such a dynamic creature. When I found myself re-reading a few of your past blog entries the other evening, I stood impressed with both Templeton’s moxie and tenderness during his decline. I’ve never considered a feline to be able to possess grace (not in movement, but in spirit) until then. I’m also deeply touched by your vigilance and care of such an amazing being. I hope that you will find only peace in his passing.

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  11. oh my darling, my heart breaks for you. The worst thing about the loss of a pet is that not everyone can understand your grief. The poem is so perfect, well said.

    Thinking of you, xx

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  12. Hugs to you Alice. I am SO SO sorry. xoxo

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  13. Oh Alice~ I'm so sorry for your loss. These little guys become as important as any member of our family. I know you are leaning on all of your sweet memories right now. Blessing to you~

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  14. So sorry for your loss. Big hugs from across the bridge in Arlington!

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  15. Dear Alice,
    I am crying as I read this too. I am so sorry about your sweet kitty. Pets are just like a part of the family. My heart goes out to you and your husband, and your other sweet kitty.

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  16. I'm so sorry for your loss. Templeton was truly charming and I'm sure all his blog fans will be praying for your family.

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  17. I am so sorry for your loss. Two years ago I lost my cat of 15 years.

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  18. Hard to leave a message through the tears. Anyone who has loved a lost a sweet pet knows the all-encompassing feeling of emptiness. A big hug to you!

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  19. I was so sorry to read this. Save a bit of his fur to put in a locket or a small jewelry box. My thoughts are sincerely with you.

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  20. Oh Alice..I am thinking of you today! xo

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  21. can hardly type through the tears...feeling your loss...

    love
    lottie

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  22. I lost the only pet I've ever had last year and I'm still sad.

    Thinking of you. xoxo

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  23. Alice, I am really sorry for your loss. This post made me cry, my thoughts are with you and your family. Just remember that Templeton is in a better place now. xoxoxo

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  24. Oh Alice...tears are flowing...a beautiful poem. Thinking of you, Babe and George today. I'm still not over losing Paddington and he's been gone 5 years. Peace, CZ

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  25. Ohhh sweety...there is nothing like losing your dear Templeton to make your heart ache. I feel it so acutely and think of old Winston, my English Setter that I miss daily... maybe Winnie and Templeton are frolicking together, but it doesn't make the absence any easier! Thoughts and prayers for you, xoxoxox

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  26. So sorry. Take comfort in the amazing care you provided for him.

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  27. My thoughts are with you and Babe today. It's so hard to lose a pet. Best wishes for kindness, patience, and understanding shown to you as you move through this difficult time. I only found your blog last week, but in that time, it has quickly become my favorite. I save your posts for last- like literary dessert. I've read every post, and like all your other readers, I feel like I could know sweet Templeton. Poor kitty. (Your post made me cry. On the -packed- train. Commuting.) I am certain he appreciated all your compassion and love. I'm so sorry for your loss. Xoxoxo

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  28. It's very hard when we loose one of our furry family members! Hugs to you and know that you and yours are in our thoughts!

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  29. aww I am so sorry for your loss. Poor templeton, he fought on as long as a could. Keeping you in my prayers.

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  30. I'm so, so, sorry. Templeton was a lucky guy to have such a wonderful and loving home and I'm sure he knows how much you, Babe and Pilgie loved him.

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  31. keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers and T can play with Maggie the golden, aka my family's "3rd daughter", in heaven.

    xoox

    kHm

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  32. Allie - our thoughts are with you. This was a wonderful post to your beloved Templeton.

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  33. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Loosing pets is never easy. I know how much you loved him and how much he was a part of your blog too. He will be missed. {hugs}

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  34. I am so sorry to hear about your sweet Templeton. You and yours are in my thoughts. Take comfort in knowing that your precious feline fellow was loved and cared for.

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  35. Alice, I'm so sorry for all three of you. Your posts have showed me just how much job Templeton brought to all of your lives. I know he'll be missed by everyone in blog-land.
    xx, Whitney

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  36. I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts & prayers. xox MBM

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  37. I am so sorry about your beloved Templeton. Thinking of you.

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  38. So very, very sorry for your loss.

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  39. Big hugs and prayers to you. So sorry for your loss. Templeton will be missed. I hope the memories will fill your broken heart.
    xoxo, Nelle (@Baltiville)

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  40. I am so sad to hear this news. What a wonderful life Telmpleton lived. My heart goes out to you in this tough time.

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  41. Oh my gosh, this breaks my heart. I am so, so sorry and I will be thinking about you. XOXO

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  42. There is absolutely nothing to say. Just know that you're in my heart and prayers today. Templeton was your gift from God.

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  43. The hearts of all of your readers are heavy today as we feel your loss. Kindest thoughts to your family.

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  44. I'm so, so very sorry for your enormous loss. I will miss your sweet, funny kitty.

    How hard it is to do right by our pets.

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  45. My family has had this sad yet joyous experience twice in 21 years. The first was a kitty named Lex that I got for my wife, then girl friend. She lived 16 years and was loved and missed by all of us. The second was a Chesapeake Retriever named Chelsea that lived with the family for almost 15 years.

    I say sad first because it has that effect on us as a family unit. Our animals ARE part of our family's. But I say joyous because for them there is no more pain or sorrow. They get to chase birds, play in rivers, sleep and just plain have fun for eternity.

    I am truly sorry for you loss and happy for Templeton.

    PS - I have already sent a prayer memo to both Lex and Chelsea to be on the lookout for Templeton in animal heaven. They will make sure he knows where all the fun activities are taking place.

    TWJ

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  46. Thinking of you and so sorry to hear that Templeton is gone. He was a little blessing to your family, that was so obvious. Best to you and take care.

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  47. I'm very sorry to read of your loss. Pets are so awesome, and give us so much.

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  48. Thinking of you and Babe today.

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  49. oh sweetie, my heart just absolutely breaks for you. losing a pet is the worst, and it sounds like templeton was the best kitty a girl could hope for.

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  50. I'm so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you!

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  51. So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

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  52. Dear Allie,
    Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of Templeton. Take care of yourself, Denise

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  53. We are so sorry for you and your family. Please take care of yourself during this very sad time.

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  54. SO sorry to hear the news. I can't imagine what you're going through...losing a sweet feline family member just doesn't seem fair. Hugs to you! xoxoxo

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  55. Maybe Templeton will be taking high tea with Julia Sugarbaker and in good company. Sorry for your loss Alice.

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  56. I have become an avid reader of your wonderful blog. Losing a pet is completely heartbreaking. My thoughts are with you. Rest in Peace brave, sweet Templeton!

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  57. Oh my goodness, bless your heart. I've been reading about your kitty here and on FB. I know your pain! Have that cocktail and I'm sending hugs!

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  58. Your sadness is shared with the world.

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  59. OMG I can barely stand it. This poem just says it...
    what a beautiful cat, right up to the end, Alice! This is thanks to you and your incredible devotion to him, to all great lengths.

    You are a fine mother, friend!

    XOXO

    Anne

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  60. "when tomorrow starts without me"
    so loving a tribute to your friend, your precious cat
    my sympathy
    BarG

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  61. Alice, so sorry to hear of Templeton's passing. He looked liked a dear angel. My thoughts are with you.

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  62. What a beautiful poem. I wish you lots of strength to get through this difficult time. {{Hugs}}

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  63. So sorry...although I have only started following you, I could definitely tell how much you loved your Templeton.

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  64. I am so sorry. What a sweet poem. It says it all. I know that Templeton is smiling down on you.

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  65. I'm so sorry to read about the loss of your precious kitty.

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  66. I am so sorry for your loss. We had a 7yo pup that we lost to bladder cancer a couple of years ago and are still not over it. They are truly family members.
    kisses,
    Susie

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  67. So sorry for the heartbreaking loss of Templeton. I went through the same illness with my Zoe. She lost her fight 2 years ago. It was also in April when it was her time to go. I cried and cried reading your post on his passing. I've been through losing a pet many times through the years and it never gets easier. They were all loved and their loss was devastating to me. I still think about them all. I recently got a new kitty. Her name is Gracie and she is just a sweetheart. She keeps me busy and on my toes.
    You are in my thoughts and prayers.
    It will get better eventhough it doesn't feel like it right now.

    God bless,
    Wanda

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  68. I'm so sorry, dear Alice. Heartfelt condolences to you and the whole family from Leesie, Paris and Boston.
    xo

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  69. My thoughts and prayers go out to you as you go through your grief. It is never easy to lose a child, be it human or furry. As I read your poem, it actually brought tears to my eyes and reminded me yet again of my precious furry child (dog variety) I lost 2 years ago.

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  70. Babe and I were just discussing just how much all of these kinds words have helped buoy us today. We are so appreciative of every comment, email, bbm, tweet and direct message that came through. So appreciative. Please keep our lil Pilge in your prayers as he is taking this hardest of all...XXOO Alice and Family, minus one

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  71. Alice, big hugs to you, Babe and Pilge. Templeton will be sorely missed. Your mothering of him was inspiring, take care of yourself and try to take comfort, knowing he's no longer suffering. What a sweet poem. Here's to brighter days. XOXO

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  72. ((((((Alice and "Babe")))))) Pilgie too, as he will miss his "brother" terribly. Although there is no replacing your unique, much beloved Templeton, perhaps as time passes you will consider getting a new companion for Pilgie. Unthinkable now, I know! In the meanwhile, know that many people are feeling badly about your loss.

    Sincerely,
    Anonymous in Boca a.k.a. Suzi

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  73. I am so sorry for you loss ;(
    xoxo

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  74. Allie - What a sweet, courageous and graceful gentlemen your Templeton was. Pets are true friends and he will be with you always in spirit. He will always know how much he was loved. Hugs to Pilge.
    Charlotte

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  75. Allie - What a sweet, courageous and graceful gentlemen your Templeton was. Pets are true friends and he will be with you always in spirit. He will always know how much he was loved. Hugs to Pilge.
    Charlotte

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  76. Oh no, lil Pilge! I hope he is ok. How fortunate for Templeton to be so loved and cared for. He obviously had a beautiful and happy life. Sending warm thoughts your way....

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  77. Such a sad day! I'm sorry for your loss.

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  78. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I know it is not easy for you and your family, but hope that with each day more joy than pain will be remembered. Thank you so very much for sharing Templeton with us.

    Beth

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  79. Oh Alice and Babe! I am so sorry to hear about your precious little boy. I know sweet Pilgie will miss him so much. He had a wonderful life with your family. Hugs to you.

    Sincerely,
    Margaret, Virginia Beach

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  80. Alice,

    I am so sorry to hear of Templeton's passing. I know it has left a hole in your heart. It is every bit like losing a member of your family. Stay strong!

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  81. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family...poor darling Pilge...we went through the same with our cats...so heartbreaking for those left behind...I have just gone and given my dogs big, sobbing hugs...and hope that someone is pouring you a stiff drink over which to share happy memories...with love.

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  82. i'm so sorry. i always loved seeing templeton on your blog and i feel like i got to know him and his playful spirit via your blog posts. sending you a big hug.

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  83. And St. Francis asked Templeton ’s spirit
    Are you ready to come home?
    Oh, yes, quite so, replied Templeton’s precious soul
    And, as a cat, I am most able
    To decide anything for myself.

    Are you coming then? Asked St. Francis
    Soon, replied the whiskered angel Templeton
    But I must come slowly.
    For my human friend is troubled.
    For you see, she needs me, quite certainly.

    But doesn’t she understand? asked St. Francis
    That you'll never leave her?
    That your souls are intertwined for all eternity?
    That nothing is created or destroyed?
    It just is...forever and ever and ever.

    Eventually she will understand,
    Replied the glorious Templeton,
    For I will whisper into her heart
    That I am always with her.

    I just am...forever and ever and ever
    Her precious, angel, Tatsie.

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  84. I am so very sorry for your lose.

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  85. I am very sorry for your loss, and inspired by the loving example you set as a caretaker for your cats. Thank you for sharing so much with your readers.

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  86. Templeton has give all of us so much love. We have been bless. Love to you. XO

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  87. Things will get a little bit better every single day. Until then, I've now monikered you AllieVonSneakItHome in my last post.

    Hang in.

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  88. You will get a new cat, but only when you are ready. You will know when you are ready - or maybe not, you'll be like me and a cat (or two) will land in your lap. But don't try to replace Templeton - don't even think about it because it is impossible. And read and re-read the Rainbow Bridge poem everytime you think of Templeton and want to burst out in tears. (I've been giving my cats extra-special treatment all weekend.)

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  89. My heart is so sad for you all. Templeton was so beautiful to the very end. I have lost a beloved cat to kidney failure and now have two fifteen year olds. I am giving them extra hugs and treats and remembering. Lots of love.

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  90. My heart is so sad for you all. Templeton was so beautiful to the very end. I have lost a beloved cat to kidney failure and now have two fifteen year olds. I am giving them extra hugs and treats and remembering. Lots of love.

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  91. He shall be missed by many.
    Licks to Pilge who must be saddest by far.
    My heart goes out to you all.
    pve

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  92. Thanks to all for the messages re Templeton, your thoughts mean a lot to Alice and I. Few animals have been loved by so many.

    Regards,
    Josh

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  93. So sorry for your loss. Templeton will be missed. Thinking of you at this time.

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  94. Alice... I am so sorry to hear the news. Templeton fought the good fight, but it was time to go. Thinking of you!

    xoxo

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  95. So sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed seeing his fluffy little face in posts. My thoughts are with you at this time.

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  96. I am so sorry to hear your sad news. Thank you for letting us get to know little Templeton in your posts. Wendy

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  97. Oh Miss Allie, what a shame. I am so very sorry, and send you, your dear Babe, and Pilge big hugs. I know your handsome guy is in a good place, probably rubbing whiskers with the original Scooter and Phred, but I know it's a big, gaping hole in your hearts right now.
    To

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  98. I am so so sorry. I am reading your post and crying...losing a pet really is like losing a family member. Praying for you :(

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  99. Very sorry for your loss. Hope you are OK.

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  100. I am so sorry. Sincerest of sympathy. Animals are such a part of our family. If they could only be with us longer. Take care. Janine

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