Who We Are

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Sad News Once Again From Ao4 HQs

Once again, as the "mom of the Ao4", I am taking over the blog post for the day, and once again, I have some sad news to share.  Monday, just two months after losing our Ammy to Lymphoma, we made the tough decision to let Stormy go.  Today is our 14th anniversary of adopting her; God blessed us with her company here on Earth for a good long while, but it was time to give her back.

stormyflag
Stormy Zoluschka Kryschtal, about 1 September 1995 - 14 March 2011

We released her from a body that just couldn't do what she wanted and needed it to do any more.  She fought the good fight, and as our vet said, she maintained her dignity the whole time.

She's free from her earthly pains now, and that is a comfort to me.  She has a young, strong body, and I'd love to think she is chasing around Heaven with her Ammy puppy and Booter.  She has met our Jesse and Lucky now, and all of them are playing happily with all the other dogs God has called Home to Him.  She can eat heartily, she can hear, and has no fears of thunderstorms or flies or anything else.  And no doubt she has adopted every puppy up There as if it were her own.

Booter & his herd of huskieskzk
From 1999, Booter with Stormy and Ammy

Stormy was one of the most remarkable leaders I've ever seen - strong and tough, but with a heart of gold.  She was decisive and led by example, never asking her pack to do something she wouldn't do.  And she showed restraint - just because she could do something, didn't mean she did.  One of her most endearing traits was her maternal instincts.  Puppies simply melted her heart - and seeing her adopt every one that she met melted mine.  She was my confidante and in a way, I think I was hers.  We shared some very special times and I'll never forget them.  One of my favorite memories is of her first walks with me. She'd look up at me with those Harp Seal Eyes of hers in such a happy, almost unbelievable manner - "I can't believe we get to do this together!"  She (and I) always loved her walks - even on Monday.

When we lost Ammy, I asked you not to post about it to your blogs.  Ammy would not have wanted sadness spread around.  Stormy was the same way, but was more direct about it.  So in keeping with Stormy's nature, I'm spelling it out - please, do NOT take any photos of Storm off our blog or anywhere else and post them to your blog.  Please do NOT blog about us losing her.  Please let this be the post - the one post - to talk about the loss.  Please honor my request this time.  If you would like to say something to honor her, say it to me - either in the comment section or zip me an email.

So... how best to honor Stormy?  Truly?  What she would love is for you to get up right now, hook your pups up to their leashes and go for a walk!  And that's what I'm going to do now.  Hook up the boys and head out on an adventure.

Thank you for listening and for letting me share my very special friend with you.
KZK

77 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Anonymous12:40 PM

    So sorry for your loss. Snooter kisses to the boys, and hugs to the people.

    diane

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  3. Thank you K. for such a beautiful tribute to dear Stormy. I am so sorry she has crossed the bridge, but I know her presence in your lives, will always be a beautiful light.

    And yes, time to walk Marvin, in honour of Stormy.

    Your friends, Jeannie and Marvin xxxxx

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  5. What a beautiful portrait of your girl. It has been a privilege to "know" Stormy through many years of following the Ao4. Her strength of character, her leadership skills, her caring and nurturing nature have always shone thru your photos and words. And those amazing harp seal eyes…. those would melt anyone's heart! In keeping with your wishes, we will walk in honor of Stormy today. Seems appropriate, as we have storms today. : )

    Godspeed, Stormy, may your reunion with Ammy exuded such joy that your family here will feel it in their hearts and know wherever you (and we) are, God is, and all is well.

    Love and hugs,
    Pat & joJoe, Jack & Moo

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  6. So sorry for your loss. Stormy's soul is beautiful.

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  7. I'm so sorry for your loss.

    It will be a special walk tonight while we honor Stormy...and Ammy and their reunion.

    Thinking of you and your family...

    Luv,
    Mack and Mia

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  8. Pippa's next walk will be for Stormy. Just like his smiley - possibly not very good - jokes have been for Ammy.

    Love to you all.

    K & toasty P

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  9. We have sooooooo enjoyed coming to know sweet Storms and are very sad to read about your loss, especially so soon after Ammy's passing. We send love and prayers to you and your family and are going for a hike right now with the girls.
    Huge Hugs xoxoxo
    Miche and the Girls

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  10. I'm so sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure having gotten to know both Ammy and Stormy and I thank you for sharing them with us. Hugs...

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  11. We're so sorry for your loss. As with all the Army pack, we loved Stormy like she was family and will miss her very much. We're better for having known her and are sending our thoughts and prayers to all of you.

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  12. We are all very sorry for your loss. We understand how difficult this must be. Run free, sweet Stormy - Godspeed.

    Woos ~ the OP Pack

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  13. We are so sorry for your loss. We'll light a candle for her tonight. And we just came in from a walk (in the rain) with the dogs. Run free, Stormy!

    -Dr. Liz, Fiona, Abby and Gary (the very infrequently mentioned husband)

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  14. I am so sorry to hear this sad news and I am even more sorry to say that I didnt realise you had lost Ammi. I have missed posts because of illness and this must have been one. I will just say that I am so sorry for both losses so soon after each other. Run free sweet friends.I cant put on a leash but I can sit and hold GJ and think of his friends at the bridge now.. Carol and GJ xx

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  15. Oh my goodness we are all so sad. We are so sorry to hear about Stormy. We are sending tons of good thoughts your way
    Benny & Lily

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  16. We're sorry.

    Bobo, Meja and Mommy

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  17. Sorry about your loss. As with Ammy, what a beautiful tribute in your post. Our prayers are with you.

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  18. Since coming to this blog list, I had never really known any Sibes. But meeting the Ao4, the Thundering Herd and all the rest, has just been a joy for me. The character they have, full of mischief and adventure makes for a most wonderful dog. I miss Ammy and now, Sweet Stormy, it will take a long time to get over this loss and I offer you all my sympathy.

    Sincerely,
    Jo (and Stella)

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  19. So sorry hear your Sad news of Stormy but what a beautiful tribute of her life! I do like to think of our animals well and happy in Gods care and I'm sure Stormy is there with her extended family. My thoughts are with all she left behind as you comes to terms with her absence. Hugs Teri and Dulcie xxx

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  20. Wow! What a tough couple of months for you. Hope you are all coping as well as one can through this. You have a positive, hopeful attitude, which can be a tremendous asset in times like these. Our thoughts are with you all, and with Ammy and Stormy while they frolick in the forever green grass.

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  21. I'm so sorry to hear this. So close to losing Ammy too! I guess Storm really wanted to be with her 'daughter' again. You'll be in my thoughts. We just got back from a really good walk and so I'll dedicate it to Storms!

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  22. We are sorry Stormy had to leave but we know she brought you much joy! We don't have any dogs here to walk in her honor, but we are sending you all kitty kisses.

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  23. We will walk proudly in honour of Stormy.

    Run free Stormy xxx

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  24. Heading out with RA & Isis for an extra long walkie right now...peace to you & yours,

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  25. We are sad to hear that Stormy has gone over the bridge. She truly was special. As we look up the night sky, we will watch out for the bright stars of Stormy and Ammy. Beautiful tribute indeed.

    Wai-Pai will be joining a Dog run next weekend and we will have Stormy in our thoughts and we will run in her honour.

    Run free sweet Storms! We love you always!

    Love,
    Piappies Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Wai-Pai, Wai-Max & Forgie

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  26. We already told you how sad we were on Facebook to read this news. We are SO very sorry for your loss and wish we could give you all a big hug and go for a walk with you guys. If there is anything we can do, please let us know.

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  27. Anonymous4:05 PM

    oh my. my heart is breaking again. I think I've said many times and I"m sure you've heard it a million or so from others, one look from Stormy and I'd hand her over anything she wanted. those eyes... they were one in a million.

    run free with ammy stormy. I will miss you.

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  28. We love, Stormy, Ammy, Dave and Zim, we are so happy to have met you all. What an awesome post in Stormy's honor and perfect pictures to remember her (and Ammy and Booter) by, what a beauty. This morning we went thru many random posts from the past to remember what a great puppy Stormy and all her sibliings are.Thanks for sharing with us.

    We will be taking a very nice long walk this evening and will be thinking great thoughts of Stormy and watching the sky for a shooting star which will no doubt be Stormy in her silver harness.

    Remy and Flash

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  29. We are so sorry to hear about your loss. God bless Stormy, may her love live on in your hearts xxxx

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  30. Oh no! We are so sorry for your loss. What a tough couple months for the Ao4 HQ. Our thoughts are with you and Zim and Dave as we remember Stormy. She must be so happy to be reunited with her daughter Ammy!
    Big Hugs and Giant Dane kisses from Seattle.

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  31. As we said yesterday, we are just heartbroken over Stormy. What a beautiful tribute.

    Huffs, Teddy, Mum and Dad

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  32. No doggie does harp seal like Stormy. She will be missed.

    Mango Momma

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  33. Our hearts are aching for you as tears slide down mom's cheeks. Stormy was so beautiful.

    Love ya lots
    Maggie, Mitch and Sue

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  34. Anonymous6:18 PM

    farewell dear Stormy xxx
    I am glad that you are now free from pain and having fun over the bridge. Mumma asks for you to find Mr Darcy and mother him because he was one of those dogs who needs a mumma if ever there was one!
    Your Human wrote the perfect tribute for you and your beautiful personality.
    We'll be thinking of you over the bridge and sending love to your humans and Zim and Dave.

    much love from,
    Digby, Delta and their humans

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  35. Very sorry for your loss. I will miss seeing Stormy's harp seal look.

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  36. Our hearts are just breaking and we couldn't be more sorry for your loss. Stormy always had such a special place in our mom's heart because she was her Shula's "twin". We are especially proud that we actually got to meet sweet Stormy in person and more than one occasion. She was such a wonderful leader of her pack and couldn't be more lucky to have found such an incredible family.

    She will be very missed. Sending lots and lots of hugs to all of you.

    Holly, Khady and mom Jan

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  37. We are very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing her with us.

    Turbo and his Human (and the others in the pack)

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  38. My deepest condolences on your family's loss. Your blog was one of the first sibe blogs I found and your wonderful pics & stories were enchanting. Thanks for sharing a piece of your heart. It's always hard to let go and it shows your strength and love for them when you share one last selfless act. I'm sure they're watching over the AO4.

    Rose, Daiquiri & Timba

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  39. We're very sorry for both of your losses, especially in a short period of time. You must have a stockpile of happy memories of each.

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  40. Soft, sad woo from the gimpy gang

    Meeshka

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  41. We are so very sorry to hear of this and we share your pain. We thank you very much for sharing this beautiful tribute of a beautiful soul who touched your lives and our too, in so many ways. We will say a prayer for Stormy, Ammy and all our fur-iends who have crossed over. Our best regards to the rest of the pack! :)

    Maxx and family

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  42. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

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  43. I am so very sorry to hear about Stormy. I know he is with Ammy and many others.....my prayers are with you over your loss. Lots of love, Debbie

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  44. Oh, Karen, we are so incredibly sorry for your loss of beautiful Stormy. We loved her calm confident leadership style and the way she clearly mothered the AO4.

    We will, of course, honor your request to post nothing about Storms, but know that our heartfelt sympathies are with you.

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  45. I'm so sorry for your loss of Stormy, especially so close after your loss of Ammy. Hugs to all of you. It was evident in your posts that Stormy was a wise and kind old gal. We'll miss her and will take a walk tomorrow in memory of her. Thank you for letting us get to know her.

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  46. My heart is breaking for you. I'm so sorry to hear this. We have not been around much lately and just wanted to check in with you and see how things were. I will be praying for God to hold you in His hands and heal your broken hearts.
    Sending tearful hugs to you,
    Twix, Taffy, and Teresa

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  47. Thanks for sharing Stormy with us.
    I love your beautiful tribute to her.
    You all are in my thoughts.
    Take care
    Kisses and hugs
    Lorenza

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  48. We are so sorry to hear about Stormy. She was such a special girl. We are on our way out the door to go on a special walk tonight. Hugs to you all

    Love,
    Mochi & Bali

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  49. our next walk shall be in stormys honor. n if its okay we shall light a candle for her tonight as well.we are sending our most heartfelt sugar pibble kisses to you and your entire pack

    pibble sniffles
    the pittie pack

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  50. i was crying until you smartened me up--you are right and spoke such true words. We felt the same when we let Saige go...such an unburdening just to let her be free of pain and free from a body that wouldn't contain her lively spirit. Even though you are sad, we can tell you have a handle on loosing Stormy physically, because you know she will always be with you in spirit. They never really leave, just become part of us, embedded forever in our hearts. We will remember dear Stormy tonight and light a candle to help her along her journey. love Guinness and Maggi

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  51. I will go back to my finca and take a nice long walk and think of Stormy. I will look at the Mediterranean Sea and think of the Kansas Ocean. And all my thoughts will be in honour of Stormy. And my jokes and smiles will still be for Ammy.
    Look after those tough boys, they must be missing their girls.

    Pippa xx

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  52. Oh man, I'm so sorry to hear this. RIP beautiful Stormy, you will be missed by many who have loved you. We will go out for a walk this evening as an honor for you.

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  53. Was thinking last night that these are the very times when it is lovely to have the blog.
    So many memories to cherish - thinking of you xxx

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  54. sad woofs, soooo sorry on the loss of Stormy...she was a leader...a bute ti ful post for your girl...RIP Stormy, run with the wind..

    a sad,
    rocky and jodee
    bear and angel lacylulu
    and mama...

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  55. I am so sorry to hear about Stormy. My thoughts are with you all.

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  56. Sorry to hear this, many hugs to you guys.

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  57. I am so, so sorry for your loss. Thinking about you all.

    Maryann & The Brats

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  58. Words cannot express my sadness at your loss of Stormy. The more they are loved, the greater the loss when they leave us, as they all will one day. I know she is happy being with her Ami. You're right. She wouldn't want everyone to be sad, but I cant help it. God Speed, Dear Stormy! Much love to you all.

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  59. Anonymous12:06 PM

    So sorry for your loss... will take Tank to his favorite place to walk this afternoon:)

    I admire your insistence on no one blogging about this. One of my pet peeves is when a dogs passing becomes fodder for everyone else to write about.

    Tank's Asst.

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  61. so very sorry for her passing. But, wow she has left some wonderful memories with you x

    ~ Bren and Scrappy and Pebbles
    scrappyandpebbles@blogspot.com

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  62. So sorry to hear of you loosing Stormy. We know she has good company up at the Rainbow Bridge!

    Wags and Licks,
    Mollie Jo & Bobo & the gang!

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  63. Stowmy
    You wewe and awe a vewy specila woofie. I know you awe nuwtuwing othew pups ovew the wainbow and getting them to play and enjoy evewy moment.
    I'm so sowwy you had to leave us, but know that you wewe soo loved that you will stay on in all ouw heawts! I celebwate youw life and am going fow that walk wight now and will look up and see you bwightly looking down on me
    smoochie fwewell kisses till we meet in heaven
    love
    ASta

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  64. So very deeply sorry for you loss(es) I cannot imagine, but glad you have wonderful memories, and this blog you can look back on when you are feeling sad..Hugs..

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  65. I am so sorry for this second, incredible loss. Please know that you all, Dave and Zim also, are in our prayers. I'm sure she is up in Heaven with our Koova and Doodle. What a grand reunion we all have waiting for us!

    We love you.

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  66. I'm so sorry for your loss. She was beautiful and proud. We are sending hugs your way.

    Sam

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  67. We are so very sorry, we loved Stormy and shall miss seeing her beautiful face on here.

    She is now reunited with her Ammy and Booter, running and playing with them again.

    Rest in peace sweet Stormy.

    Lots of hugs sent to you all.

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  68. My heart is breaking for you. Such a hard thing to deal with after so recently losing Am. I'm so sorry you had to make that decision, but proud of you for making it. There is no reason to make our babies suffer when we can give them that. Stormy will be missed. I'll wipe my tears now and take my pups for a bike ride (can't walk, hurt my foot) in her honor. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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  69. No, thank you for sharing Stormy with us! She taught us so much about how to be good Siberian Huskies and we will work extra hard to make her proud.

    Steve and Kat

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  70. I am so sorry for your loss, it's never easy losing a friend.

    Rudy's Raiser

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  71. So sorry to hear of your loss. I hope Sasha and Storm meet up at the bridge. They sound like they would have really gotten along!

    the Girlz (and Cache)

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  72. Goodbye for now Stormy, the beautiful. Loved you, love you. See you soon.

    Bussie Kissies
    Buster

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  73. Hi Karen,

    Both Ammy and Stormy were very lucky girls and they left knowing that they were truly loved. Your heart will be heavy for a long time, but try to take comfort from knowing your girls had a very happy life with you and a peaceful end. No dog could wish for more than that. In time, may memories of your girls bring smiles instead of tears. Godspeed sweet Stormy and Ammy.

    Sorry I didn't find out about the girls until recent as I haven't been very active with the blogs.

    I'm not sure if you know this, but Sunshade was dx with cancer in November 2010, and we're fighting a good fight too....

    Thinking of you and wishing you strength and peace,
    Elaine, Sunshade & Jaffa

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  74. “Every time a dog of mine dies, it takes a piece of my heart with it. And each
    time I bring in a new dog, it gives me a piece of it’s heart. By the time I die,

    I believe my entire heart will be that of a dog’s.”

    "It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with
    them.
    And every new dog that comes into my life gifts me a piece of their heart.
    If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog
    and I will become as generous and loving as they are."- Unknown

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  75. Our hearts are melting, tears flowing. We apologize in being so late in reading this sad news. Yet, your words assure us that all your sweet pups live in your heart if present or in spirit. This amazing love is something you know and hold so dear. Sierra Rose and I did take a walk today...a little adventure, just her and I...and this time is the best, and to be cherished.
    Blessings.

    Sweet hugs,
    Sierra Rose & mom

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  76. It's been a couple of weeks since Stormy left us and I'm just now finding out..I was reading posts I've missed the last month or so.

    I'm thankful that you had Storms. She did such an outstanding job of mothering the pack. I know she's lovin' it at the Bridge. Just imagine the walks she's takin' Him on!

    My bestest purrs for you all,

    Angus

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