Yesterday morning, my beloved 15 year old Yorkie, Bernice, passed away after what appeared to be a stroke. She was surrounded by loving family and died peacefully. I will miss her always, but the gift of her devotion will always be with me. I’m so grateful to have had this spunky, sweet little dog in my life for so long. She will live in my heart forever.
For understandable reasons, this won’t be a long blog, and I probably won’t post again this week, as I need some time to cry, remember and laugh. The process of letting go, as so many of you know, is a rocky one.
Deana Dick and Hazel Lewis are our book winners this week. As ever, two new winners will be chosen at random from those of you who post comments, and announced next Monday.
With love
Linda
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Oh Linda we are so sorry for your loss. Most people don’t understand that our pets are like our children. They are just as close as if we had them ourselves. Peace and prayers to you.
Pam Black.
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So sorry to hear about Bernice. Sending lots of thoughts and prayers your way.
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Linda, I am sorry to hear of your loss of little Bernice. Our prayers are with you and your family.
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Awe Linda. Take all the time you need. We lost a precious fur baby earlier this year and there are still days I call her and cry take it easy on yourself and know our thoughts are with you. Lisa
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So sorry to hear about your loss. Pets are truly family members. I hope you can look back and smile at all the fun times you had with her.
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The missing doesn’t get any easier, just a little less often, cause every time you turn around, they’re not where they’ve always been. I lost my “baby” four years ago, and still have a hole in my heart. I’m shedding tears right now, empathizing with you. May we all meet again one day!
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My heartfelt prayers go out to you. We lost out cat this past weekend also. It’s so heartbreaking losing a family member, whether it be 2 legged or 4 legged. Hugs to you.
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Linda, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know how much you loved her. Our pets are such an integral part of our lives. They are family members through and through and losing them hurts terribly. Hugs
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SO SO SORRY for your loss!!!
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Linda,
I am so very sorry about your Yorkie, Bernice. I lost my Collie, Sable 10 years ago and it still hurts. Pets are wonderful gifts that I think God allows us to have. RIP Bernice.
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what a happy long life that sweetie had! It’s been almost 50 years since I lost my first dog and I still think of her and get a tear in my eye even with a smile on my face.
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So sorry for your loss
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I am so sorry to hear about your loss.
Her name was fantastic ~ did you grab that name from the movie Hope Floats? It was a great feel good movie ~ one of my favorites!
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I am so sorry for your loss. Loved hearing about her. They take a piece of our heart when they go but leave us with memories of good times.
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I am so very sorry for your loss.
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So sorry to hear about your beloved dog. That is so hard and they are truly members of the family. My thoughts are with you.
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So very sorry Linda. My heart hurts for you. I know Bernice
Will be missed by everyone. You have My prayers for peace and eventually acceptance.
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Linda,
I am so sorry to hear of Bernice! I remember talking to you about her several years ago at a book signing in San Antonio. I can’t even begin to understand your pain, but I am sending you special prayers today and always.
Rest in Peace Sweet Bernice!!!
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So sorry to hear of your loss. I know by your blogs that Bernice was special to you. Let the good memories of your time together rise to the top.
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Dear Linda,
i am sending my deepest thoughts and prayers for you on the death of your beloved Puppy.
We lost our beloved Border Collie, Prince ,a few years back and it was like losing a child to us. Only time will heal. Please take note that there are many hearts sending out prayers for you and your family.
With prayers and deep sorrow,
Sharon Rackham.Clearwater,B.C. Canada
xx
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Love and prayers of support your way. May she rest in peace as she was dearly loved all her time on earth.
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Sorry to hear about Bernice. I know how you are feeling, we lost are dog about 20 years ago, but we still think about her. Her name was Rudder.
My thought and prayers are with you.
Linda
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OMG so sorry for losing your sweet Bernice
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Oh, Linda. I’m so sorry to hear about sweet Bernice. I always enjoyed your updates about her. I know how hard it is to lose a pet – they’re family. Take as much time as you need.
I hope that Bernice has met up with all the beloved critters of us Parable-ites, and that they’re all waiting for us.
I’m sending prayers your way.
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Linda , I’m so sorry for your loss , out pets grow on us ,they are more than just a member of our family . The love they share is sometime hard to describe . remember the good times & SMILE . you are right to take time .
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I am so sorry for your loss of Bernice. I know how hard it is to lose someone who has been with you for so long. I will be thinking of you. Remember her with love.
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I am so sorry. Sending prayers.
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So sorry for your loss Linda.
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So sorry for your loss.
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So sorry for your loss Linda. As a pet owner it’s hard to lose them. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you get through this week.
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So sorry you lost just a wonderful companion.
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So sorry Linda…thoughts are with you during this sad time
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So very sorry for the loss of your beloved Bernice. She has gone to be with Sid, I’m sure they will be waiting for you when your time comes.
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So sorry for your loss.
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So sorry for your loss. My son and daughter-in-law lost both of their cats within 2 months of each other. I have 2 cats and cannot fathom losing them. Take as much time as you need to grieve your loss and know that we, your readers understand.
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Linda, I’m so very sorry for your loss of Sweet Bernice. I could always hear the love in your writing how much you loved her. I also know exactly how you feel. Congrats also to this week winners Deana and Hazel.
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It is so hard to lose our best friends, especially when they are short and furry. They accept us for who we are and love us unconditionally. I am so very sorry for your loss.
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So sorry for your loss.
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So sorry to hear about Bernice, Linda! I will miss your reports of her barn walks! I lost my beloved dashhound in 2009. He was 14. The boss of my bull dogs. They still miss him too. He is enjoying doggie Heaven. He was on a strct diet due to cholrestorol problems. Now he can eat anything he wants. Out of our sight but not out of our hearts and minds. Prayers for you! God Bless and heal your sorrow! Evelyn
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So very sorry for your loss. She will always be with you in your heart and memories. May peace, love and God’s Blessings be with you.
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One of the hardest things to go through is losing a pet
whose faithfully trusted you and given you unconditional
love and affection. I’m so sorry for your loss.
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Linda,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I know the pain of losing a beloved animal and that it is the same as losing a member of your family. I had my dog (growing up) for 17 years and the loss was felt so deeply that I never wanted to own another one again. 20 years later, I still haven’t. Praying for you.
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Oh no! There are no words to make it better and sorry is not enough, but my prayers are with you. I will be thinking of you this week.xoxo
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You have my deepest sympathy Linda. Our fur babies grow in our heart just like our human children. They show us love of a higher nature. I’m so sorry for your loss.
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So sorry for your loss. I know it is hard losing a fur friend after so long. I feel for you!
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What a faithful and wonderful companion she was to you. Well done, Bernice!
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Heartbreaking news. So sorry for your lost, Linda. My own little Yorkie is getting up there in age. Recently she started having a problem and I realize that at her age it is to be expected but it’s so hard to accept when there are times she’s as spry as a puppy. They become so much a part of us so I feel your lost. Hugs.
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Linda, I am SO sorry. I am at work crying over this post. As you know, you will be reunited with her again, but until then you will have so many wonderful memories, as do we, your readers. God love you, my heart goes out to you.
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Im so sorry for your loss. Just remember she is always there with you in your heart, mind and soul.
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So sorry that you lost your precious companion. May the memories of her love and antics bring you peace and comfort.
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I just wanted to mention that when I lost my Yorkie’s mother I planted a red fern in my flower bed. I loved the book, “Where the Red Fern Grows” and was inspired to plant one as a memorial. It grows in an area of our yard which was one of her favorite places.
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So so sorry!! They are so precious to us and it hurts so horribly. I have lost two in the last 9 years. Prayers for peace and comfort.
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So sorry for your loss All pets, including mine, are very special friends.
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So sorry for your loss praying your heart heals soon. Precious memories are close bless your furbaby. She will meet you at the Rainbow Bridge with a lick and hop. Bless Bernice .
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Congratulations to Deana Dick and Hazel Lewis!
Linda, I am so sorry for the los of your precious Bernice. I know you’ll miss her.
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My thoughts and prayers are with you as you face this sad time. I had my Missy for 22 years and I know how bad it hurts to lose them.. Take care….
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Sorry for your lost and you take all the time you need. Animals have a special place in our hearts.
Sue
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So very sorry to hear of Bernice’s passing. I have tears. I believe that all our pets are waiting for us above. I will miss reading about your “walks”.
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Thinking of you and Bernice. Have been through it and it takes awhile. Fifteen is a very impressive age.
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So very sorry. We have lost a few over the years and each one was special in our hearts. God bless.
Lynn
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So sorry for your loss of your sweet little Bernice. She will be in your heart always. Prays going out to you.
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Linda so sorry to hear of your loss. We as your fans know how much she meant to you. Please take the time to reflect on all your precious moment with her. Time will heel all things. Bless you. GOD Bless.
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Linda, I am so sorry for your loss, but I understand I had to put my lab down after 17 years, it was very hard as they are family and recently had to put down our Bingo who was hit by a hit and run driver.
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So very sorry for your loss!
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Dear Linda and family,
I am so sorry to hear of her passing. I lost my Sean of 4 yrs. last Sept, I think the same way or a tumor, as gone in 24 hrs since took him to emergency vet. It is such a lost as you look for them, I am sure she was like Sean at my side 24 / 7. I couldn`t sleep, about 3 weeks later I adopted an abused dog and 2 rescue cats, it helped by wasn`t my Sean. I still miss him. You are in my heart and prayers. I wish they could live as long as we do. I am going to miss you talking about her and car trips to post office. Sorry again, my heart goes out to you.
Linda W
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Oh Linda, I am so sorry for your loss. I know that Bernice was part of your family, pets are family and I know you will miss her so much. Take care.
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Sorry to hear about the loss of your puppy, it is hard to lose one of your close friend.
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So sorry to hear about Bernice. Hopefully all of the fun times you shared with remain with you. Prayers and blessings to you.
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So sorry to hear about Bernice. I understand how you feel. I just lost one of my cats (Abby) to cancer. I also have another cat, Bailey who has bad heart problems and we are enjoying her a day at a time.
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I’m so sorry about your loss.
Take care.
Your friend,
Linda
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Linda, I’m so sorry. My thoughts and prayers go out to you at the loss of your beloved family member.
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I hope i got back on here.So very sorry about Bernice, I lost my
Boo Boo and he was 15 years old i loved him so very much still today i keep him in my prayers and he has been got 8 years.
So you are in my thoughts and prayers Linda…………
God bless and keep safe………..bye for now
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Dear Linda,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Our pets are like our children. May Bernice’s memories always serve to remind you how your friend made you smile each day. The paw prints to our hearts.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
~Laska Bull
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RIP Bernice
Pets are hard to lose because of the unconditional love they always give to us less than perfect human beings.
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So sorry to hear of Bernice’s passing. Our pets become like our kids, and that is huge.
God bless and comfort you.
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i’m so choked up for you. oh honey, i’m so very sorry for your loss.
BIG HUGE HUG!!!!!!!!!
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I am so sorry, Linda.
Billiesue
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Sorry to hear you no longer have Bernice. Her spirit will always be on the ranch to comfort you. You are in my prayers.
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Our pets are our children. I lost my 14 year old cockapoo to cancer almost a year ago. It gets easier but is so hard, remember the good times. I remember you talking about walking her to the barn and making sure she didn’t get too hot. So sorry for your loss.
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I am so sorry about your furry friend. I have lost so many pets, both dogs and cats, over the years and it is always heart wrenching.
I hope you find pace in your time of grieving.
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So sorry to hear about sweet Bernice. I know she had a wonderful life with you and all that space to roam. My heart goes out to you, I know that pain.
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I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It is devastating to lose a loved one. I just lost my own dog Daisy, Wednesday the 15th at 11:15. She was 15 years, 7 months, and 15 days old. It has torn my heart out so I know what you’re going through. We have to have our grieving period. My thoughts and prayers will be with you. Just remember all the good times you shared. That’s what I’ve been doing. May peace find you soon
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I am so sorry for your loss.
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I am so sorry. I felt like I knew Bernice from your blog. I have a dog and have lost 2 so I know the pain you are feeling.
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Sorry to hear of the loss of a beloved friend. May God grant you peace.
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Sorry to hear about the passing of Bernice. It is hard when those we love and care for go. Their unconditional love knows no bounds. Be at peace my friend as you grieve for your loss. Lxo
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So sorry for your loss Linda. I’ve been through that many times for many different reasons and it’s never easy. Bernice took a piece of your heart with her when she crossed the Rainbow Bridge but she’ll always live in the heart you have left. RIP Bernice. Hugs to you Linda.
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Dear Miss Linda, I’m so sorry to hear about your little Bernice. I always enjoyed your blogs about her. So glad you had her for all those years. I will grieve with you. God Bless
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Linda, I am so sorry for your loss. I have always looked forward to stories of Bernice in your posts. Keeping you and The Triple L in my prayers.
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Sorry about your little Bernice, they are family just like are children. Take care and are hearts will be with you.
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My heart goes out to you Linda. If you hadn’t loved so much you wouldn’t hurt so much. But we accept the pain as the price we pay for so many years of pure love. Cry it out, your furry baby will still comfort you.. God bless. X
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Linda, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your puppy Bernice. It is always so sad to lose a dear pet and takes a little of you each time. Take care and we are thinking about you and your loss.
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So sorry to hear that Bernice passed away. You have my deepest sympathy on her passing.
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I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my Maddy beagle on May 11 and still cry about it. Pets are so hard to lose
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I’m so sorry about your loss. I know hard this is — I have a cat
Kolohe age 16 (boy) Neko age 12 (girl) and my baby boy Lucky
age 8. I’m 78 and these are my kids!!!!! having a hard time writing this as I have tears in my eyes for Bernice. I’m sure Kolohe’s sister
Pua is up there greeting her!!!!! I have and read all your books.
corinne
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Sorry about Bernice, Linda. I know that she knew that she was loved. It is good that you are taking time to reflect on your time with her.
Take care.
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Linda, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It is sad to lose a loved one, including our beloved pets.
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Bernice is now an Angel Dog. I am sure she lived as long as she did because of the house she lived in and the love she got from you and your family.
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So sorry to hear of your loss. Bernice will always hold a special place in your heart! You are in the hearts of all your readers, hope that can give a little solace.
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I’m so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Bernice. May your many years of happy memories help to lessen your grief. RIP darling Bernice.
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I also want to send my condolences for the loss of your dear friend Bernice. You have written such wonderful tributes of how loved she is by you and your family. I’m sure there is a hole in your heart and home right now, but I sincerely believe that there is a place in heaven for our loved pets and we will see them again.
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How sad for you to lose a dear part of your family. Fifteen years is an amazing time to spend with your best friend. I always thought dogs were more human than many humans and deserve a very special part of heaven. I will miss hearing about your walks with Bernice.
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Sorry to hear this, Linda. Even though it was her time it’s nonetheless sad.
Hugs,
Juanita
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Linda, I am so sorry for your loss.
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So sorry for your loss. It’s hard to lose a close family member. Hugs and sympathy being sent to you.
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I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Bernice. Losing a pet is never easy. I will miss hearing stories of your daily walks with the little yorkie, but what great memories you will have.
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So sorry for the loss of your Bernice. You need to take time for reflection on her and how much love you shared. We are never ready to say goodbye. Know that she is waiting for you on The Rainbow Bridge. She is happy and healthy again. You gave her as much as she gave you,don’t ever doubt that. Hugs
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Linda, I am so sorry for your loss of Bernice. Pets are family and you never quite get over losing them. I still tear up from time to time over cats that I have lost over the years. Blogging can wait, grieving first.
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So sorry. Our pets are our family!!
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So sorry for your lost. Will be keeping you and Bernice in my prayers . You will see Bernice again someday when you meet at the Rainbow Bridge.
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I have found that for me, there is nothing harder in this life
than losing my animals. What a dear little dog . My blessings to you, Linda. Take your time.
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Our beloved pets are such huge parts of our lives. So glad Bernice gave you 15 years of happiness. Sorry for your loss.
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I am so sorry.It will the hardest thing you have to do.They are such a part of you it is like you have lost a part of your body.When we lost our Yorkie i went out immediate and looked for another one.It helped so much.Just know she has crossed over the
rainbow bridge and will be waiting for you.
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My heart is breaking for you because I know the pain you are going through. What an adorable dog. Hope the other animals don’t suffer to much too from the loss.
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Linda, please accept my most sincere condolences. I lost my lab to cancer 3 years ago come October. He is still in my heart and mind. May your wonderful memories help through this difficult time.
Jeannette
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Prayers and peace we love them they are family I get so upset when I lose one of my babies I end up in the hospital love you
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I am sending hugs and prayers to you on this very sad day, Linda. Be comforted by the fact that Bernice had a wonderful life with you and that she knew how much you loved her. She will always live on in your heart and I hope someday soon you will be able to think of her and your life together with a smile. Until then give yourself time to grieve. I will be thinking of you?
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So sorry for your loss Linda. Prayers of comfort.
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Miss Linda and all those grieving for Miss Bernice Matisse:
1st. She lived a nice long life with love, if you, ve had her that long and had a lot of room to roam.
2nd. She did not die alone, as you reported she was surrounded by the love of those with her when she passed.
3rd. She returned the love she was given.
4th. She will be remembered fondly, daily
5th. You can visit her on Rainbow Bridge via computer, until you meet up with her again.
6th. She had at least one friend waiting for her when she crossed over the Bridge. I don’t remember your horse’s name but he/she was waiting for her.
7th. Allow your self to grieve and in future you can smile and laugh with her
My Sincere Condolences
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She was a lucky little girl to have you in her life, take care.
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So sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved dog….
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So sorry about your beloved pet. I hope the beautiful memories will help you heal in the days ahead.
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So sorry for your loss. Pet’s are family too. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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My heart goes out to you in your time of loss. Take care.
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Sending a consoling hug. It’s so hard when this happens.
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sorry for your loss
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I am so sorry about Bernice. But you are right, she has led a long and happy life. I know that one day soon I will be going thru this same thing as mine little boy is 16 years old, 95% blind, 98% deaf and the only thing that really works is his nose. That doesn’t stop him from running into things every once in a while. He still has quite of bit of mobility but just never know what I will find when I wake up or get home from work. Take 2 weeks – they are really hard to get over.
Love always,
Niki
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Ohh, so sorry. I did not know the full name was Bernice Matisse. I loved that movie!
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Sorry about Bernice. Feels like you lost a member of your family.
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Linda so sorry for your loss I know how u feel I lost our dog after 26 years and it really is like losing a real person cuz even tho they are dogs we grieve because they are real and loving give us so much joy and laughter and and love, it is hard to get over, I am so sorry u are in my thoughts and prayers xoxoxoxo
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Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh…. I am so sorry to read your post this week. This week is definitely a time to mourn your little Yorkie…. HUGs….
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So very sorry for your loss. I loved all the Bernice stories.
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so sorry for your loss. our fur babies hold special places in our hearts. I know how hard their loss is. always remember the good times you had together.
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I am so sorry Linda. She was adorable. I pray that your heart heals very soon and may she rest in peace with no more pain.
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I am so sorry for your loss
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So sorry for your loss. I still miss our boy after 11 years but I wouldn’t have missed one single moment. x
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Linda – you have my condolences and I’m so sorry to hear of Bernice passing. I know its hard when you lose someone/thing that you love. please take care and I will pray everything will be o.k. for you.
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YOU WERE SO LUCKY TO HAVE HER FOR SOOOOOOOOO LONG; MY AUNT SALLY’S CAT, RITZ CRACKER, DIED ON THE SAME DAY. HE WAS BLACK AND 20 YEARS OLD. MAYBE THEY WILL FIND EACH OTHER ON THE HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN? I AM 7 AND A HALF YEARS OLD NOW AND MY GRAMMIE IS HELPING ME WRITE THIS. I LOVE YOUR PICTURE. LOVE, LETO
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Glad you have great memories with your Bernice. A loss like this needs time for acceptance of life’s experiences. Will be thinking of you during this time.
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(((((hugs, Linda)))))
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So sorry for your loss. At least you will meet again at the Rainbow Bridge! She will be waiting for you with open paws and an open heart! Crying is good for cleansing the soul and laughter is good for you to remember the good times you both had together. Take your time, cry, laugh, and when ready come back and chat with us again!
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So sorry for your lost.
Take all the time you need Linda, we’ll be here when you’re ready to post again. Lots of hugs.
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You have my sympathy at this time. Even now years after our sweet Candace Marie died, thinking about her and the loss brings tears to my eyes. Dog love is unconditional and super sweet and we do miss them when they leave us.
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You are so blessed to have had that sweet little face looking up to you for 15 years. I know it hurts to lose her – most of us have been in this situation as well. I’m just so sure we’ll have the privilege of loving them again some day.
Hold those happy memories close to you to help your heart heal.
My thoughts and prayers are yours.
My love to you,
Nikki Hiatt
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I am so sorry to hear of your loss. And yes, you will need some time to cry, remember and laugh. And very possibly repeat these steps several times. She will always be in your heart… and just a breathe away. And, remember to breathe.
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So sorry. My thoughts will be with you.
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So sorry for your loss, we are all here for you.
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Sorry Linda, my heart hurts for you, Losing such a special little part of your life is so painful,remember your life is so much richer having her in it.
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Linda. So sorry for your loss and I certainly know what you are going through this week as I also lost my Australian Blue Heeler on Sunday. She was known as my sidekick and best friend (always riding with her paws on the console and observing the world around her). My Nannie was also 15 years old but so young at heart.
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So sorry for your loss and I pray the Lord brings you comfort.
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I am so very sorry for your loss. She will never be far from your side – I believe and take comfort in the belief that when our loved ones pass, furry or human, they are just as much with us in spirit as they were in physical form. May God bless you and your family who loved her.
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Dear Linda and Ranch Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Little Bernice’s passing. I felt like I knew her too. My heart goes out to you as you live without your little friend. RIP Bernice.
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Almost every post carried news of her exploits. If your pain could be lessened by sharing it with those of us who loved her through your blog, know that we would accept that burden willingly. I will pray for you for peace and comfort in your time of loss.
Blessings to you and yours.
Lorelei
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Sorry for your loss. Animal can be a big part of families. No matter the animal. They love you unconditionally. And always missed when their gone.
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You gave each other such love & happy times. I’m so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful guardian angel to have on your side!
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Hi Linda,
I’m so sorry to hear about your Bernice. She was a faithful companion to you for many years and I know she is romping and playing in doggie heaven now free of any pain she might have suffered. My thoughts and prayers are with you and those who loved that little bundle of fur.
Hugs,
Fran F.
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I was away last week & heard about Bernice. I know it hurts to lose a beloved pet but She knew how much she was loved.
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It’s unimaginable to me, so sorry.
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Linda, I am so sorry about Bernice. I always enjoyed you writing about her. We have lost one very dear to us. A schnauzer. He had too many strokes and he went blind. Then we had to put him to sleep. I never want to go through that again. I entered a care center this year and had to give up my 12 yr, old dachshund. I miss them both so much! I’ll soon see Copper, he is living the easy life in North East Texas. My granddaughter has him. I didn’t mean to ramble on, I know that you miss Bernice, grieve as long as you wish because she was family and she brought so much happiness. God Bless!