32 Comments
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Amazon Anne's avatar

Losing a pet is so hard, especially a dog. I still haven't been able to bring myself to adopt another dog since losing Buddy almost 10 years ago.

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Alison Krupnick's avatar

I remember Buddy. Iconic dog.

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Maria Anderson's avatar

Sorry for the very belated condolences. These little critters are family and add so much to our lives. Having gone through this seven times previously, each of them holds a special place in my heart and is never forgotten.

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Systems & Symmetries's avatar

Alison, thanks for sharing your grief n memories. I’m so happy for the kind veterinarian staff who greeted you. I trust your healing will be accompanied by kindness.

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Antonia Malchik's avatar

I'm so sorry. It's a loss that is hard to express in any language, but understood in all. 💙

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Clara Barton's avatar

Today I finally packed up and donated to our local animal shelter some of Pepper's things that Skipper doesn't need, such as de-shedding tools and a spiffy set of Andis clippers. During the pandemic, I used those clippers to cut what's left of John's hair, too. Saying good-bye to the clippers, I yearned to grab Pepper and bury my face deep in the depths of her soft, thick, lustrous coat.

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Alison Krupnick's avatar

Oh, Pepper. She was such a special dog who gave so much to people through her volunteer work. I can imagine how much you still miss her.

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Rachel Carruth's avatar

I am so sorry for your loss. Your Kobe was so loved, it shows in the beautiful pictures that you've shared (I live in gorgeous PNW :) and the lovely message you've written. Animals are a part of our soul and losing them feels at times simply unbearable. May you find your sweet Kobe's light in the morning sunrises, breathtaking rainbows and all things beautiful.

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Alison Krupnick's avatar

Thank you so much ♥️

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Marianne's avatar

I'm so sorry for your loss, Alison. We had to say goodbye to Clovis last May, and it still feels like only yesterday he was with us. Sending my love to you and your family.

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Stephanie Alter Jones's avatar

Oh Alison-I’m so sorry! Kobe was special💔I’m so glad he was there to settle you into your Portugal life, and I hope your many pictures and memories will carry you for this while! Sending hugs!

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Thea Chard's avatar

Sending you guys hugs—you gave Kobe such a beautiful life and he in turn gave that love right back. 💜

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Nancy Sorensen's avatar

Much love to you. 💜

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Alison Krupnick's avatar

Aww, thank you ♥️

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Julia Hart's avatar

I hope your gift of seeing and sharing the arco-iris with others on Kobe’s last day before his crossing brings you peace. 🌈

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Etta Abrahams's avatar

I wrote something this morning that somehow didn’t post. No matter. All of the comments echo mine. I wonder why I keep adopting dogs after the agonies I’ve had losing them. Then I remember the joy and comfort we shared. I remember sobbing over a movie, I Want to Live, with Susan Hayward. It was on tv, and she dies in the gas chamber in California. But there was Gomer, my first dog, leaning against me, letting me pet his long, cocker spaniel ears. Such a comfort. I’ve had about 12 dog friends in my life—right now I have two little ones who sleep next to me in bed and jump in my lap the moment I sit down. They’d be classified as far-from-perfect in their manners and house training by certain members of my family, but they are the greatest comfort to me (please ignore yellow stains on the carpet). They may be my last close friends—-I am 81–or not. I know that they will tear my heart out when it’s their time to cross the bridge, and I will be torn apart. But then, I’ll move on. We always do.

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Alison Krupnick's avatar

I was thinking about Little Dorrit and what a comfort she would be to me now.

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Etta Abrahams's avatar

Yes, she even resembles Kobe in her way and her reticent personality. And she’s got a lot of black hair.

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Alison Krupnick's avatar

Oops - I meant my buddy, Barnaby.

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Rafael del Castillo's avatar

I’m in the car with Lola in tears. Thank you for sharing this. In a strange twist, I heard that my uncle passed - not unexpected - this morning. But it wasn’t until reading your post that the tears came. We are often tempted to make grief relative, but it’s just a realization that one of God’s creatures is no longer part of your story. But the story remains to be mined for memories and love.

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Alison Krupnick's avatar

I was thinking about Lola. I miss seeing pix of her on Facebook. Condolences to you and your family. There’s no avoiding it. Loss is painful even though it is evidence of love.

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Julie Back's avatar

I once read that a dog is one chapter in your life, but to them you are their whole book. During Kobe's chapter with you, you gave him a rich, full life and you loved each other very much. I type this with tears in my eyes as my lap dog (a 90 lb golden retriever!) sits at my feet. Like any member of your family or beloved friends, their loss is just as deep and meaningful. Sending you a big hug.

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Alison Krupnick's avatar

Thank you for that beautiful sentiment, Julie. Looking forward to speaking with you soon.

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Lani's avatar

What a tremendous life Kobe had and what a loving, loyal companion. I’m so sorry for your loss.

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Alison Krupnick's avatar

Thank you ♥️

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Leslie Hoge's avatar

Oh, Alison, I’m so sorry for your loss. Sweet Kobe. Your post brought tears to my eyes; dogs are such special family members. We lost our (absolutely lunatic to the end) 15 year old Lab, Donna, a year ago, and I still miss her. I’m glad you felt comforted and supported in many languages.

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Alison Krupnick's avatar

Thank you and condolences to you too.

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