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Monday, October 7, 2013

Losing our best friend


What a sad news I have to tell you today.
We lost our beloved and sweetest friend Ralph.
Last Friday we had to let him go… our sweetie, our baby, the centre of our family, our heart, our Ralph.
Ralph suffered from mitral valve disease, which led to heart failure. This appears in most Cavaliers King Charles Spaniel at some point in their lives and is the most common cause of death.
Our sweetie was only 6 years old. I can not express how much pain we feel, it is unbearable at this moment.

RalphOur sweetest Ralph

We loved you so much sweetie, you were the centre of our family, our closest friend. You meant everything to us…you were our family therapist. We can’t believe we won’t see you, won’t hear, won’t feel you anymore.
You will be in our hearts forever. We are so grateful we have had you in our life and we are blessed we have been given the chance to take care of you the past years.
Thank you for all the love and joy you have given us, dearest friend, we will never forget you.

" Grief is the price we pay for love "

Greet
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80 comments:

  1. Renae MooreOctober 7, 2013 at 12:35 PM

    Greet and family,
    I am so very sorry to hear of your sweet one Ralph. I know your heart are broken but know that he is romping around heaven free of pain and smelling all of God's glory. Hugs and loves to you all.

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  2. CÉLINE CHOLLETOctober 7, 2013 at 12:51 PM

    Oh Greet pauvre petit Ralph !
    Consolez-vous en pensant qu'il a eu une très belle vie dans votre famille, dans votre maison, dans vos bras, pleine d'affection.
    Je pense bien à vous chère Greet.
    Céline.

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  3. UnknownOctober 7, 2013 at 1:18 PM

    How sad. Sorry for your loss. He will live in your hearts for ever

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  4. Greet LefèvreOctober 7, 2013 at 1:20 PM

    Thank you Anastassis!
    xx
    Greet

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  5. MimOctober 7, 2013 at 1:27 PM

    OH it hurts so much. I am so sorry. We had to put our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bailey, to sleep, on August 10, for the same reason. He was 13, was born in Ireland, but we bought him here in the US. IT is heartbreaking. Cavaliers are such lovely dogs.
    I am sad with you.
    Mim

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  6. Michael HamptonOctober 7, 2013 at 1:39 PM

    I am so sorry to hear about putting your beloved Ralph down. Our dogs are our children in many ways and their daily unconditional love fills our lives with such joy. As a dog lover my heart goes out to you and your family. I have a 12 year old pug who is slowing down and I am dreading the day that I might have to make that decision. I cant imagine life without him.

    Sending you the best,

    Michael Hampton

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  7. Boxwood TerraceOctober 7, 2013 at 1:51 PM

    Greet,

    I am so sorry to learn of this sad news for you and your family. It is so heartbreaking to lose a pet (my beloved cat had to be put down last spring--we still miss him everyday). They are truly special members of the family.

    Deborah

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  8. Segreto SecretsOctober 7, 2013 at 1:56 PM

    Greet! I am so sorry, I know that he was such a special part of the family! Heartfelt thoughts are with you!! xo Leslie

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  9. A Perfect GrayOctober 7, 2013 at 1:58 PM

    so very sorry to hear, greet. how precious he was. hope you will find comfort in knowing many carry you in their thoughts and prayers. sincerely, donna

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  10. cristina antoniaOctober 7, 2013 at 2:09 PM

    mi dispiace tantissimo...mi sono commossa , posso immaginare il vostro dolore.
    Cristina

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  11. UnknownOctober 7, 2013 at 3:31 PM

    Greet - I am so sorry to hear about your beloved Ralph. They truly are one of the family and give us so much love and happiness. My thoughts are with you and your family.

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  12. Home and LifestyleOctober 7, 2013 at 3:40 PM

    Heel veel sterkte gewenst lieve Greet!

    Liefs, Ingrid

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  13. ArchitectDesign™October 7, 2013 at 3:42 PM

    Oh no! I'm so sorry for your loss, let the fond memories of Ralph take you through this rough time.

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  14. AnonymousOctober 7, 2013 at 3:48 PM

    Greet,
    Ralphke is door jullie verwend, jullie hebben er alles voor gedaan en je wist dat zijn tijd beperkt was!!! Ik kan me goed voorstellen hoe jullie je nu voelen, het doet pijn! Een super dikke knuffel!
    Dette

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  15. quintessenceOctober 7, 2013 at 4:21 PM

    Greet - I am so very sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. Dogs are such a beloved part of family life. Ours is also 6 and I can't even imagine. Thinking of you and your family.

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  16. billieOctober 7, 2013 at 4:21 PM

    Dear Greet,
    So many readers, like myself, feel your pain. Dogs are sometimes the best part of us and always remain our faithful friends, even after death. Know you have all my sympathy.
    xo,
    b

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  17. Donna-s LairOctober 7, 2013 at 4:22 PM

    So sorry for your loss. Our pets are family and I know you are hurting. Thinking of you and Ralph.
    Fondly, Donna

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  18. BarbranluvstennisOctober 7, 2013 at 4:24 PM

    Losing our dog was one of the most significant events in our life and if you ever have lost a dog, you will understand...I grieve with you back in the United States. A part of me was lost that day, and like all trauma, time eases the pain, but I still hear her the jingle of her tags when I walk down the stairs.. I am so sorry, and I completely empathize with your profound loss..

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  19. La ContessaOctober 7, 2013 at 4:35 PM

    I had that repaired on my little heart three years ago!
    So, sorry...............VERY VERY hard.I know as I am an animal lover too.

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  20. marieOctober 7, 2013 at 4:38 PM

    Greet, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Ralph. We have only had 3 dogs join our family in 26 years of marriage. We have a black lab who is 8 years old, his name is Tar. He is the center of our home. He truly makes us feel up when we are down, licks our wounds when we have scrapes, is always there to greet us when we return home, is my running companion and so, so much more. We lost one little guy two years ago. He was a Yorkie. He was so tiny and had the funniest personality. We fell in love immediately when we first met him. His name was Gil. We still hold him in our hearts. It is so true that the price we pay for love is grief.

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  21. Maryanne WhiteOctober 7, 2013 at 4:39 PM

    So sorry for your loss. Let knowing he is in a better place help to heal your grief right now.

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  22. Heather RobinsonOctober 7, 2013 at 4:53 PM

    Greet, I am extending my sincere condolences to you and your entire family. We love our animals so much, they are such an important part of our family and it is so hard when they leave us. But, as others have mentioned, Ralph has crossed the Rainbow Bridge and is now playing joyfully on the other side.
    Gros Bisous and a big hug to you, friend.
    H.

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  23. Vel CristeOctober 7, 2013 at 4:55 PM

    Deeply saddened for your loss...wishing you a big hug...

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  24. BeachCountryOctober 7, 2013 at 5:00 PM

    Ralph was very lucky to have such a loving family. And you were lucky to have him. There is no sweeter love than that of a beloved pet. Time heals all pain - but it will take time. Be well.

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  25. SALLYOctober 7, 2013 at 5:03 PM

    Greet,

    I am so terribly sorry. Ralph looks like the most precious fellow. Our beloved Cavalier, Wally, has the same condition so I know we will face this
    one day.

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  26. Darleen~ Places In The HomeOctober 7, 2013 at 5:12 PM

    So very sorry for the loss of Ralph, Greet. Our four-legged children bring such joy to our lives. I hope the memories of life with Ralph comfort you all.

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  27. BRASWELLOctober 7, 2013 at 5:13 PM

    doggies give unconditional love + licks. how sad to have lost ralph. arms around you at this time of sadness. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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  28. Linda MerrillOctober 7, 2013 at 5:17 PM

    Dear Greet- I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Ralph. Our four-legged family members are so dear to us! xxoo Linda

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  29. Kay dancingbrushpainting.blogspot.comOctober 7, 2013 at 5:18 PM

    Oh Greet, my heart goes out to you.
    Kay

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  30. AnonymousOctober 7, 2013 at 5:19 PM

    My heart goes out to you and your family for the loss of Ralph. Furkids are family members and loved forever.

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  31. bea de caracasOctober 7, 2013 at 5:22 PM

    Oh, ma chère Greet, je te comprends et je compatis tellement à ta douleur!
    Nous avons dit adieu à notre Setter Irlandais Guiness voici trois semaines et nous sommes inconsolables...
    Quel vide il laisse...
    Je t'embrasse bien fort...

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    Replies
    1. Greet LefèvreOctober 8, 2013 at 9:39 AM

      Oh Bea, c'est vraiment terrible n'est-ce pas? Je ne sais pas comment diriger le chagrin!
      Merci pour votre mots de compassion! xx Greet

      Delete
    2. bea de caracasOctober 11, 2013 at 6:55 PM

      Pleure tant que tu peux... Tes larmes s'arrêteront quand tu n'en auras plus!
      C'est vrai, tu sais... Courage!
      Lieve groetjes, jolie Greet...

      Delete
  32. Kari LønningOctober 7, 2013 at 5:52 PM

    So sorry.

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  33. AnonymousOctober 7, 2013 at 6:12 PM

    Oh No !! I am sooooo sorry ! He is with the Angels now and you will be together again I promise, grief is so awful, I will pray for your family to find comfort and peace.

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  34. cindy hattersley designOctober 7, 2013 at 6:12 PM

    So sorry to hear of your loss. My mother has always had Cavalier's her last dog passed due to the same disease. They are such wonderful dogs it is a shame they suffer so many maladies. My heart goes out to you and your family.

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  35. The-CountrypolitanOctober 7, 2013 at 6:24 PM

    I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved friend...

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  36. Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid SassOctober 7, 2013 at 6:27 PM

    Greet-
    With tears running down my face, I can't tell you how sad I am for you. I do know what you are going through. I lost my Lady little over a year ago. All I can tell you is that with time, it will be at least bearable.
    My prayers are for you and your family.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  37. Rhonda FOctober 7, 2013 at 6:32 PM

    Sending love and prayers to you and your family.

    Xxxx
    Rhonda

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  38. UnknownOctober 7, 2013 at 6:49 PM

    Een stukje van je hart gaat dan mee... wil je wel even over de zee vanuit Utah, een knuffel sturen. Met liefs en opdelige mede leving. Weet wat je voelt. Sterkte... <3

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  39. DottiebOctober 7, 2013 at 7:00 PM

    I am so very sorry. I will keep you close to my heart. What a lucky boy Ralph was to have you as his human.

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  40. Woodside ParkOctober 7, 2013 at 8:20 PM

    Dear Greet - I'm so sorry to hear about Ralph, and very sorry for your loss. I loved seeing Ralph featured on your blog, and will miss reading about him. Take care, Loi

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  41. SqueakOctober 7, 2013 at 9:20 PM

    Greet, my heart is breaking for you and your family. Tears are rolling down my cheeks as I write this message. Please know that I will be thinking of you and your beloved Ralph.

    Much love.

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  42. Bij Guusje ThuisOctober 7, 2013 at 9:42 PM

    Het zijn zulke lieverds die cavjes; de mijne mocht maar 5 jaar worden (vanwege het andere cavjes-probleem Syringo) en we missen hem nog altijd. Heel veel sterkte!

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    Replies
    1. Greet LefèvreOctober 8, 2013 at 9:44 AM

      Och Colin, dit moet ook verschrikkelijk geweest zijn voor jullie en voor jullie Cavke! Het zijn gewoonweg prachtige en ongelooflijk lieve diertjes niet! Maar het is zo jammer dat ze 'doorkweekt' zijn. Dit zou eigenlijk moeten stoppen, vind je niet!
      Ik heb enkele weken geleden de reportage gezien van de BBC over al de rassen met vreselijke ziekten. Wat doen mensen die diertjes toch aan! Verschrikkelijk! Heel erg bedankt voor je berichtje! xx Greet

      Delete
  43. Danielle BoudrotOctober 7, 2013 at 9:59 PM

    Greet, my heart is breaking for you...please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers...
    lots of love,
    danielle

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  44. Cathy HickmanOctober 7, 2013 at 10:56 PM

    Blessed is the soul that has loved a dog. Sending love & prayers to help mend your broken hearts.

    Cathy

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    Replies
    1. Greet LefèvreOctober 8, 2013 at 9:45 AM

      Cathy,
      This is soooo true! Thank you for sending me this comment!
      xx
      Greet

      Delete
  45. het moonhuisOctober 7, 2013 at 11:03 PM

    Wat erg voor jullie, heel veel sterkte!!

    Liefs Monica

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  46. KarenOctober 8, 2013 at 1:15 AM

    Oh, Greet, I'm so sorry for your loss. I know he is in doggie heaven playing with other pups that have gone. I hope your memories of the good times will help with the pain during this time.
    xo,
    Karen

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  47. Cindy @ a curious gardenerOctober 8, 2013 at 3:22 AM

    Your words about your beloved Ralph are so lovely. Losing a pet never gets easier, no matter how old we are. We all can feel your pain and know what you are going through. Thank you for sharing your love for your beautiful boy, Ralph.

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  48. UnknownOctober 8, 2013 at 3:58 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  49. La Maison FouOctober 8, 2013 at 5:06 AM

    Greet,
    So sorry to hear of the loss of your family friend....my brother just lost his family pet as well. I am in the process of doing a portrait for him.
    Best,
    La Maison Fou

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  50. berylOctober 8, 2013 at 7:26 AM

    What a dear little love, I am sure this precious baby knew he was unbelievably loved. All Gods' creatures are gifts to us and your caring heart gave him a wonderful life.

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  51. Sophia October 8, 2013 at 9:36 AM

    Dearest Greet,
    I am so sorry and sad for your loss of little Ralph! I adore my dogs too, and dread the day when they leave us....my heart goes out to you! Ralph had a wonderful life, with people who loved him so much.
    Take care,
    Sophia x

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  52. Greet LefèvreOctober 8, 2013 at 9:49 AM

    Dearest friends,
    Thank you, thank you, thank you, to each and every one of you, for all these healing words! I can not express how much I appreciate you all have taken the time to write me!
    A big hug to you all !!!!!
    xx
    Greet

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  53. MelissaOctober 8, 2013 at 1:50 PM

    Dear Greet,
    I am so sad for you. As you said, 'Grief is the price we pay for love'. If we didn't love so much, it wouldn't hurt so much, but the hurt is worth it for the years of love and devotion. I know I wouldn't trade away a single tear if it meant a life lived without the great love of a furry friend.
    Big hug to you.
    Melissa

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  54. The enchanted homeOctober 8, 2013 at 2:40 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  55. The enchanted homeOctober 8, 2013 at 2:41 PM

    h Greet, I am so very sorry. Ralph is such a cutie pie and I know because of Teddy what good endearing friends they make, how they always stand by our side unconditionally to offer us company and hugs even during tough times. There is no greater friend than that of a dog. I am so sorry for you and your family and hope you will be comforted by all of the memories you have had with Ralph. Sending you a hug!

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  56. UnknownOctober 8, 2013 at 3:44 PM

    Beste Greet,
    Al een tijd ben ik een (stille) volger van uw prachtige inspirerende blog....
    Na dit intens verdrietige bericht kan ik het niet nalaten te reageren...
    Ik heb met tranen in de ogen het prachtige verhaal gelezen over Ralph.....
    Ik weet wat het is een dier te verliezen waar je intens veel van houdt...ze zijn een deel van het gezin...
    Ik wil jullie héél veel sterkte wensen....
    Hartelijke groet,
    Angélique Willems

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    Replies
    1. Greet LefèvreOctober 8, 2013 at 5:43 PM

      Lieve Angélique,
      Dank je wel voor je mooie berichtje! Het doet deugd, echt waar!
      Het is voor ons echt heel moeilijk om het verlies van Ralphke te kunnen werwerken, maar we weten dat we door dit rouwproces heen moeten. Je woorden helpen hierbij zeker! Met oprechte dank! xx Greet

      Delete
  57. Lissy ParkerOctober 8, 2013 at 4:28 PM

    My heart is with you. I have two precious pups too.
    xo, Lissy

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  58. tomasdineraOctober 8, 2013 at 5:21 PM

    I'm so sorry Greet, and especially that your young sweetie had to suffer and loose the good fight at such a young age. Ralph was lucky to have a loving family as were you for having Ralph's love.

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  59. Mary Anne KomarOctober 8, 2013 at 9:14 PM

    I am so sorry about losing your little sweetheart and so young. We had two Cavaliers while living in England and one from Ireland while living there. Rosie, Ginger and finally Meg, all the sweetest dogs that God had ever made. That's been over 7 years ago and I still cry about them. Meg is buried in the flower garden and I say hello to her as I pass by. We just realized that we couldn't go through another heart break again so we have two terriers now, very different but sweet as well. My heart goes out to you and you will be in my prayers, and I Know that you will meet again, Mary Anne

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  60. ElizabethOctober 8, 2013 at 9:22 PM

    So so sorry to hear your sad news, Greet. How difficult to lose your pup at such a young age. My heart aches for you.

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  61. pont des lionsOctober 8, 2013 at 10:24 PM

    Such a great tribute to your dear Ralph; I understand so much.
    Laure
    http://lavaitpriscepli.canalblog.com/

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  62. Noelle the dreamerOctober 9, 2013 at 1:08 AM

    Oh, Pauvre petit chou! Je me rappelle ce que c'est de perdre son meilleur copain!
    Un grand bonjour de la cote Pacifique N.O. en esperant que vous vous souvenez seulement de meilleurs temps! Prenez courage!

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  63. Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and AcornsOctober 9, 2013 at 4:39 AM

    Oh I am so sorry to hear about your dear Ralph. What a soulful and beautiful little face. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family for the loss of your smallest member.

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  64. Paris to Montreal to NYCOctober 9, 2013 at 5:09 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  65. cotedetexasOctober 9, 2013 at 5:11 AM

    oh! what a sweet face. I'm so sorry Greet.

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  66. UnknownOctober 9, 2013 at 5:30 AM

    I am so sorry for your loss. I too lost my two beautiful Cavaliers to mitral valve disease. I had to put them at peace within two months of each other. I am now enjoying the company of my rescue Cavalier. Although she can not take the place of my departed Cavaliers, she is bringing my family joy again. My you find peace and love a Cavalier again. My heart is with you.

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  67. Curtains in My TreeOctober 9, 2013 at 5:53 PM

    my heart aches for your loss
    I know this pain
    I cried more over my little pug when she died than when my husband died, my doctor said she had heard this more than once in her practice

    No words can comfort you at this time just know others are thinking of you

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  68. SonieOctober 10, 2013 at 6:55 AM

    I am so sorry you lost Ralph. I very much know the pain and feeling of loosing your Baby. If it would help you, please know that you are in my thoughts and I am wishing you peace in your heart. It's tough but time will help you heal. If you ever decide to adopt again, please, go to the Dog Rescues. In your case, the King Cavalier Rescue. I know they have hundreds of this breed in foster homes, waiting for the opportunity to have someone to love them, to take them home and make their lives special again. Please adopt!
    Sonie

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  69. Old Red BarnOctober 10, 2013 at 9:06 AM

    Greet, wat erg! Wij verwachten in november een puppy, een kleine King Charles. 6 jaar is zo jong :-(.

    Goedele

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  70. Tina@WhatWeKeepOctober 10, 2013 at 6:22 PM

    I'm so sorry for your pain. Losing our fur babies is so difficult. Ralph will remain in your hearts forever- you were blessed to have each other.

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  71. Hélène Flont , french illustratorOctober 10, 2013 at 8:06 PM

    Courage, courage à vous Greet et à votre famille qui avez tant aimé le petit Ralph, je souhaite seulement que les mots de tous ici allègent un peu votre peine.

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