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Denise C. Ritter's avatar

I feel this so deeply. A few years back, I lost what my husband referred to as my son. Nelson really was my boy. We rescued him at 1 year old and said goodbye to him at 17 years old. I am so glad I stayed with him for his final moments. Painful, yes, but I would’ve regretted it if I hadn’t done so.

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Lorraine C. Ladish's avatar

Absolutely feel the same way. It would have been easy to miss that moment for my own comfort, but I wouldn´t have wanted him to be alone. Sending you all the love.

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Alejandra Alvarez's avatar

Qué bello post, Lorraine. Mi Paca (labrador retriever) cumplió 13 añazos en diciembre. Está ancianita, con sus pelitos blancos y su artrosis. Cada día agradezco que siga con nosotros y pido que sea por unos años más mientras ella esté bien. Me estemece pensar en su final pero, entonces, la disfruto a lo máximo. Los acompaño en su duelo. Son realmente angelitos de los que tenemos mucho que aprender, empezando por el amor incondicional. Un abrazo enorme desde Holanda.

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Lorraine C. Ladish's avatar

Muchas gracias de todo corazón. Ya sentí duelo anticipado (ni sé si existe esta expresión), y durante el pasado año le dediqué aún más tiempo, cariño y atención. Te mando un fuerte abrazo. Miles de gracias por tu nota tan amable.

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Susan B's avatar

I believe we are here to grow our souls so that we can serve the greatest good when we pass to what is next. The challenges we suffer here are the very things that grow us - the loneliness, the fears, the losses. If this has any truth, then the love we experience with our beloved pets -sometimes most especially in the selfless gift of letting them go - is among our greatest teachers. Such losses are uniquely and profoundly heartbreaking, but ultimately, also profoundly nourishing of all that is best in us. Well done, Toby, good boy!

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Lorraine C. Ladish's avatar

Thank you ever so much for your introspective and thoughtful comment. I’m still reeling and doing my best to breathe. I know this all to be true and yet it’s hard. Once again, thank you.

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Skylar Liberty Rose's avatar

Such a poignant share. I feel lucky to have felt Toby's joyful presence through your shares over the years. What a gift he was, and always will be. Hugging you xo

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Lorraine C. Ladish's avatar

Thank you. I'm struggling. But I'm doing what I can to fully mourn as needed. Hugs.

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Carla Moss, NBC-HWC's avatar

So sorry for your loss. A beautiful tribute to Toby.

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Lorraine C. Ladish's avatar

Thank you so very much. 💕

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Maria Jaquez's avatar

Un abrazo muy fuerte🩷

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Lorraine C. Ladish's avatar

Muchísimas gracias de corazón.

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