Monday, November 16, 2015

HONORING SODA..........................and a give away

Good morning everyone..............

It was a rough weekend - actually it was a rough week but the weekend hit us particularly hard.

It's the " firsts " that kill you -

The first morning without her - the first time not having to walk her - feed her - cuddle her - kiss her and if that doesn't do you in - well remembering the " lasts " most certainly does.

I tried to pack up her things ( and she had a lot of things ) but there are so many items you don't think of - you know - like dragging myself into the shower and seeing her shampoo sitting on the ledge - it's hard to wash your hair while choking - or pulling out something from the pantry and seeing a jar of her favorite cookies.
For a small dog she filled up this house and her absence from it makes it seem cold and lonely.

Somewhere in the midst of this and completely unknown to me -  I reached the 2 million mark 
in " hits " and though I'm not so much in the mood for celebrating - I really do want to celebrate Soda and show my appreciation in some small way to all of you.
Your comments and love touched John and I deeply - I read him every single one of them.

While surfing the net for anything and everything dog related this weekend ( I was obsessed in my grief I tell you - you have no idea ) I came across this amazing site called I HEART DOGS - it's a California based company - and every product you buy goes toward feeding shelter dogs.

When I came across this necklace and saw the paw print in the key I knew I had to have one 


            This product feeds 10 shelter dogs - Learn More
                                         

           
                           
I bought 2 of them - one for me and one for one of you - as a give away - so Soda's love helps feed 20 shelter dogs - and because she herself was a rescue angel I can't think of a more fitting way to honor her.............and to say a heartfelt thanks to all of you.
Just a small token of our gratitude - a paws for the cause so to speak.

You all left so many comments on my last post that I feel a little guilty telling you that you have to leave one again................but you absolutely HAVE to this time so that you have a chance to win !

Whether it's in memory of a beloved pet or a current one - whether it be a cat or a dog ( sorry gecko and snake lovers ) or to give to someone as a gift  if you'd like the chance to win just drop me a line.

Delivery can take up to 4 weeks but I'm sure it'll arrive sooner than that - I'll draw the winner's name the day I receive them.

Much love - more than you can imagine - to all of you
Thank you for being a friend

Hugs,
Me
( forever Soda's Mom )

102 comments:

  1. I can certainly understand how hard it is to lose a little four legged friend. We adopted a six year old terrier mix and were fortunate to have her for 12 years before she passed in her sleep. At that same time we had a shih-tzu that was a little terror. She ate the legs off footstools, chewed the arm of our sofa and so many other things I can't recall them all but at the same time she was so loving that if one of us was sick in bed she'd spend all her time in bed with us except for potty time or eating. She died two years ago of liver cancer and we both look at the spot she claimed for her own and cry like babies. Our house was so lonely after her passing we adopted another shelter dog. Now she's running the place as if she'd always lived her. Somehow our house just isn't a home without the pitter patter of little paws following us around or racing helter skelter through the house while chasing a ball.

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  2. Lovely way to honor Soda and help out shelter animals in the process. Love reading your funny stories but Soda's story had me in tears.

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  3. Hello. I read your blog for the first time and learned of your dear Soda. I am so sorry for your loss. These fur babies
    touch our hearts and lives and all they ask for in return is love and care. I would love to receive the special "gift" you
    are offering. I lost my corgi Bazel just one month ago, and my "baby" corgi Roscoe 10 months before. I have lost many
    pets in the years, but these two rescue babes had special needs and took constant extra care. I love them and miss
    them so much. Still look for them and am sure I hear them at times. After ten years of love and comfort, they leave
    our home empty and silent. They are together now over the Rainbow Bridge. Love, Pam

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    1. Thank you so much Pam - and the best of luck to you and Bazel and Roscoe..........because they're still with you, I know.
      Much love,
      xoxoxo

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  4. The necklace is lovely and the donation to shelter dogs makes it extra special. I hope your days become easier and your memories of Soda are all happy ones.

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  5. Aww I'm so sorry Suzan. The worst part of owning pet is saying goodbye. Love & hugs xox

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  6. Awww...Suzan. God bless you as you grieve for your sweet Soda. I know how hard it is. This is a wonderful, wonderful giveaway....but please don't sign me up. I just won two giveaways and that is more than my share. I hope someone gets it and will remember the love they felt for their special fur baby. xo Diana

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  7. Suzan, I am so sorry about your precious Soda! Pets can certainly capture our hearts, and become "part of our families!" Hope the good memories will ease the burden of grief in the days ahead! The necklace is beautiful you found! Take care! ~Rhonda

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    1. Thank you Rhonda - I've smiled a couple of times thinking of her but really I'm still at the crying my heart out stage.
      My third daughter - really she was - there's a big old empty spot in my heart right now and all the decor in the world can never fill it. We're going to have to " adopt " another one - at some point.............
      Good luck girlfriend :)
      xox

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  8. Years ago after one of my cats had to be euthanized I couldn't eat tacos. She used to love the lettuce and cheese when I would make them. Such a silly thing but it hurt. So I understand how you feel with your "firsts". It gets easier but the pain never goes away. Love the necklace and that the purchase feeds ten shelter dogs!

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  9. I can't even think of my Mo not being here next to me. I know how sad you are.

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  10. 'Sending you a hug! (((Soda's Mom))) -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

    I understand your grief. When we lost our sweet little Missi last July, our hearts were completely broken.

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  11. {{{{{{{{Suzan & John}}}}}}}}

    I would be honored to have the necklace; not only for sweet Soda, but also for our beloved Seamus, who we lost in October.

    XO

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  12. I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my 16 1/2 year old Lhasa Apso girl (Besty) back in April so I know what you're going through. I just recently stopped sleeping with her blanket. It was comforting to smell her as I cried myself to sleep. I still can't bear to go through her many dresses, sweaters, costumes and coats. She will be in my heart forever. I know you understand. By the way, was Soda a Lhasa? She looks a lot like my Betsy.

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  13. What a lovely idea. I have a close friend who just lost her dog two weeks after me. A couple of days after we picked our pup up from the shelter we drove him to her house so the two pups could meet. It's odd that our dogs were both gone within two weeks of each other and were a year apart in age. I think I will order one for her and one for my daughter. My daughter took losing our guy the hardest and would love the necklace. Thank you for sharing the website and I particularly love that it helps feed shelter dogs. Don't you wish you could save them all?!

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    1. It's such a wonderful site - I'm so happy I found it - I know I'll be visiting it often
      How sad for you and your friend - 2 weeks apart......................................................
      xxx

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  14. I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my beloved Sasha, who was also a shelter dog, almost 2 years ago, and I still miss her so. They are so much a part of our lives and our hearts.

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    1. I'm so sorry to read this................I miss Soda dreadfully - all day - everyday.
      Much love and good luck
      xoxo

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  15. Suzan and John, Love you like fams! :) Don't care if I win, just want to send you my love. ~ Christina and JT

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  16. My two guys are called "The Puppies from Hell". They are part schnauzer and part jack russell. Which means people aren't allowed to drive on the street in front of our house let alone walk on the sidewalk. They are brothers who are best friends and worst enemies. They have big red warning labels at the vet and groomer - DO NOT PUT IN SAME KENNEL. They are major pests, prima donnas, pains in the neck and I love them both desperately. They terrify the neighbors and are the light of my life. I cannot even imagine what you are going through. I am so, so sorry that Soda is gone. I do know that she was loved beyond belief and spent her happiest times with you and John. You have my deepest sympathies.

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  17. Every time I walk in our garden I pass the hosta that was planted over our dear Cavalier, or the mountain laurel over our kitty Herman, our flower beds are a tribute to all of our sweet pets, even the hens that have passed on. These are sweet reminders of all the love they gave to us! Wish I could say the right thing to ease your sadness. Love xxxxx Mary Anne

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    1. How beautiful Mary Anne - that your garden holds your beloved fur babies spirits.
      This has been just horrible for us - we're like lost souls really.
      Thanks so much for your love,
      xxx

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  18. Beautiful way to remember Soda by such a great cause Suzan. Love the pretty necklace. I am heading over to this site. Love to find gifts that keep on giving like this one. Hugs.
    Kris

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  19. Animals enrich our lives in ways we never know. May this lovely gesture honoring your beloved Soda help you begin to heal.

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    1. Thank you so much Erika - much love to you
      xoxox

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  20. Suzan, I have to get past all these tears. The key with the paw print turned the faucet on again. What a loving way to honor Soda. I have four little pug dogs and three of them were rescues.
    Big hugs, Sandy

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  21. A really pretty and generous giveaway...A Soda necklace......
    I'm going over to the site to check things out...I need teenager gifts....:)

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  22. I am not here to enter, just wanted to thank you for sharing the I Heart Dogs website :)

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    1. It's such a wonderful sit Kelly - I'm thrilled to have discovered it
      xox

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  23. What a lovely way to remember your dear little Snuggle bunny. Sending you much love and know that you will see her again...remember the poem the Rainbow Bridge? If you don't know it, look it up..it is wonderful and something I firmly believe: that we will see our loved ones again both human and furry. They are not gone, they have just stepped into another room. She is happy and smiling and running through fields of flowers, and she is still with you, you just can't see her. But she will always be with you. xxx

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    1. And she WAS our snuggle bunny - what a perfect description Carilyn -
      Thanks so much for your kind words.............they mean more than you can know.
      xoxoxo

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  24. I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved Soda. It's amazing how something so small can dig so deeply into our hearts. I completely understand how you feel. I have been there. Most of us have. Doesn't make it hurt any less. My sweet Baby died a horrible death in May of 2011.... and to this day, I still feel her loss. I will keep you and John in my prayers. XO

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    1. Thank you so much Karen - for gettin it..................I'm so sorry to hear about your furbaby - a horrible death is unfathomable..............hugs to you
      XOXO

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  25. I am so very sorry for your loss and the grief you must be feeling. I have a very special girl buried in a quilt here in AZ. 3 years ago her and her sister made the trip from MI to our current home in AZ she loved it here, warm weather, very little rain and no snow. Unfortunately she had a vertebrae go out. Surgery 10,000 with NO payment arrangements. So I opt4ed to sleep next to her on the floor as I didn't trust her falling out of our bed for 2 weeks just to see if she would have control of her "duties" so we could look at a cart for her back end. Needless to say she didn't so there was only 1 option left open to me. I hate that vet surgeons will not work with you on payment arrangements especially when the want $10K Who9 has that kind of money???? Anyway she is here in my garden, close to me and her sister.

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    1. I have such a love/hate relationship with vets Suzann..............they do such incredible work and what would we do without them but some of them are ridiculously expensive - we used to go to one that paid 3X more than the one we eventually found - 3 times - why? I don't understand how that can be justified. And 10 thousand dollars is unbelievable - of course they should offer payment arrangements !
      If/when we get another one I think I'll take out insurance this time............the payments are so minimum and then we're not left scrambling looking for that kind of money when a crisis arrives. RIP " sisters "...................xoxoxo

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  26. Suzan, the only thing that could ease the loss of my dear Sara was to go out and get 2 dogs! Sara will always be my most special love but these two keep me going now. I hope that you find another dog, there are lots of them out there needing someone to love them. Jane H.

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    1. Oh Jane - I know that's the answer - I absolutely know it - but I just can't fathom it right now............I'll know when it's the right time ( I hope )
      Thanks so much
      xoxo

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  27. Sweet Suzan and Dear John: I can't seem to formulate the words to express my sorrow at your loss, especially having just walked that path after loosing our precious Rusty this past August. Everytime I open the front door I expect to see him right there wiggling his little boxer tail and waiting for his poochie smoochie or dougie nougie from us. (Our pets can sure make us talk like big babies again, can't they!) One thing I have learned in my grief process, is to love my people like Rusty loved us! Greet them with a happy kiss and let them know you are overjoyed they have come. Walk them allll the way to the car when they leave, and stand by the gate till they have driven out of sight! And then linger for a moment and just bask in the love left behing. He just keeps on teaching us about love. Nanny

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  28. Suzan, I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my dear Sara several years ago and she will always be in my heart. However, I needed another dog and ended up with 2! There are more dogs out there needing someone like you to love them.

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  29. I am so sorry to hear that Soda has crossed over the rainbow bridge. I can feel your sadness in your words, and it brings tears to my eyes. I had a sweetheart of a dog (Toby, a Fox Terrier) for 15 years, and when he died ,we buried him in our front yard, in the pouring rain, down by the lake, and made a driftwood cross to mark his grave. I'll never forget that day, 16 years ago, and it still is so sad to think of him, but I also remember all the fun and joy he brought to our life, so that helps so much. If I am lucky enough to win the necklace, you can be sure I will wear it and think of Toby and Soda. Again Suzan, I am so sorry for your loss!

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    1. Oh Bonnie - thanks so much for your kind words -
      I know you understand what I'm going through - it's like she was ripped out of my arms ( quite literally )
      I miss her terribly.
      XOXO

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  30. Dear Suzan. I had a tough time reading your last post...it touched my heart and I think Soda was lucky to find you. We have adopted 3 dogs in our lifetime and all were great dogs. To this day I don;t know how they end up there but I am greatful for our 3. Last year we had to put our Dixie to sleep. She would quiver and shake everytime we went near a kennel or Vet's office due to thinking she was going back to the shelter - she was there twice before we saved her. So we know a vet that makes house calls and he was able to let her go while she layed on her well worn bed. To this day I know it was the kindest thing we could do for her but it still haunts me like it was yesterday. The necklace is a wonderful way to remember our best friends and a great cause. I would love to win won for Dixie...
    Take good care and thanks for the chance

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    1. Aw Laurie - thanks SO much.............we were far luckier that she adopted us - truly .
      Soda shivered every time we took her to the vet also - I NEVER thought that it was because of the SPCA ( maybe? ) She KNEW somehome every single time - as soon as she got in the car - I used to think that was so amazing - because she got in the car lots of times when we were going elsewhere and she wouldn't shake !
      That last day?
      She wasn't nervous at all.............just breaks my heart
      The best of luck to you
      xoxo

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  31. So very sorry to hear about your loss! Believe that God has promised eternal bliss! Waiting for all of us! You will be reunited with your precious Soda again! In the meantime ! Hang in there! Blessings to you!

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    1. Thank you Cindy - I NEED to believe that she's waiting for me.............xoxoxoxo

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  32. Suzan I was thinking of you all weekend. I wanted to touch base but thought you needed to be. John feels for you too. What a lovely tribute.

    I'm a weirdo to some I'm sure. I found an Etsy shop and bought a dachshund bang and a P&R dangle for our babies.

    Hang in there I know the pain is tough

    Cindy

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  33. I joined their page and follow through FB now. They do great things

    Cindy

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  34. These are precious. When I read your post about Soda I could not help but cry. Unfortunately, we have been in your shoes too. I hated to come back home after cuz I expected our baby to jump on our laps, greet us at the door and beg at the table.
    It does leave a void in our heart. May God bless! Cynthia - Parker, CO

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  35. What a sweet way to honor Soda...but I too will pass on signing up as I won two giveaways recently and want someone else to have a chance. Hugs to you and your family.
    Cecilia

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  36. My beloved Bella is my constant companion. She has Addison's disease and every second with her is a treasure as I never know when she might have a crisis or pull through it. I can only imagine your heartache and emptiness. Hugs. Patty

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    1. Oh hug Bella tightly because the pain is just about unbearable when you can't anymore - take a lot of photos - I didn't take enough of them
      XOXO

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  37. I love this sweet necklace Suzan and that the proceeds go to a good cause. I'd love to have the chance to win it. The 'firsts' must be difficult and I send you hugs again and wish you comfort. xo Pam

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  38. Suzan I am so, so sorry for your loss. We also lost our precious Michelle this past Saturday after 12 years. It feels like one of our children has left.
    Sending lots of love your way, Mary

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    1. I'm so sorry to read this Mary - oh my God - so many have uf us have lost beloved furbabies recently..........
      It DOES feel like a child has left.
      xoxo

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  39. Oh Susan I've just read your post. I am so so sorry. I lost my 2 "babies" within 3 months of each other 4 years ago. Bubbles my westie -rejected by a breeder for having back legs that stuck out behind her, and my Jrt - Wesley -I found him on the central reservation of the m25 (ask John about THAT road). Saying goodbye was the hardest thing I have ever done but they are in my garden under a blossom tree so no moving house for me now.
    I went on to adopt 2 more Jrts from a dogs home followed 2 years later an unwanted boxer. I also foster for the same dogs home so the dogs don't spend extended time in kennels while they wait for their forever home. I would keep them all except I have to give my long suffering husband a say now and again! As I type Buster is on one sofa , frankie is on the chaise with me and Hudson -the boxer- is on the other sofa(husband is sat on floor). Loosing your 'baby' does get easier ,even though that's hard to believe now. You might even open up your heart to another one day.
    Hugs
    Carole from overseas. X

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    1. 2 within 3 months - oh my gosh Carole I feel for you - I really do - since losing this one almost destroyed me.
      You're an angel for all that you do .............hubby on the floor has me giggling my head off here !
      Thanks SO much
      ( I KNOW the M25 from visits - what is wrong with people? )
      xoxo

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  40. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I've lost two dogs, and one cat. We currently have a cat, Bowser, who fills our days with much love. He's a half Maine coon, and acts quite like a dog. Bowser was my sons kitty, but do to too little time for him to properly care for Bowser...he gave him to us. We feel very blessed! You have my deepest sympathies. ;)

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    1. Thanks so much Donnamae - and actually Soda was my daughter Ashley's dog originally - I used to watch her in the day and she'd go home after work with Ashley - I " worked " on her for a long time before Soda became mine :)
      XOXOXO

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  41. Those paw prints certainly dig deeply into our hearts. We have 5 cats, and one (Webster) isn't doing so well. We are giving him and everyone else a bit more love and attention. They are all so special to us. This give-away is a wonderful way to honor your Soda. Best wishes to you and John.

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  42. I'm so sorry, Suzan. I have been in your shoes :( I do love this necklace and the good work that goes along with it.

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    1. Thank you Julie - I know you all " get " it..............
      Good luck girlfriend
      xoxo

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  43. I never win things like this...But for Soda (and Webster), I am adding a comment. Love and peace to you and the family! K

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    1. You never know Katie - you never know -
      Thanks so much - only love and peace to you and yours as well - hope you and Fonda had a wonderful Thanksgiving
      xxx

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  44. I offer my condolences. It is so difficult to go through.

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    1. Condolences gratefully accepted with many thanks Debra -
      Much love
      xox

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  45. I am so sorry for the loss and pain you re experiencing. When we lost our sweet Nikki I swore I heard her collar jingle for months and months. I was so accustomed to the sound that I would jump up to let her out only to realize she was gone. How special that this item's proceeds go to feed shelter dogs!

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  46. Yoda and I (his mommy) are sending our love your way. You've brought me much joy in reading the John says, Suzan Says that I have laughed out loud and it's lifted my spirits and heart. May these messages and cyber hugs, bring you comfort knowing although we haven't met, we understand your sorrow. I hope that as time passes the memories of Soda will bring you joy once more. For now, we grieve with you and John.

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  47. I'm so sorry about Soda. I wanted to write when I first read it, but I just couldn't. Thinking of you.

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  48. My Daisy and Dixie are both rescue doggies, 10 and 13 years old and before that we had rescues Baby, Mittens and Munchkin, all cats. What joy they have given us. Remember the good things....I'm sure there are tons of them.

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  49. So sad, when you are ready, rescue a little guy that needs a second
    chance from the SPCA. My Bichon Elfie is 11 and my love.
    Margaret xoxo

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  50. Hi Suzan. A lovely way to honour Soda. I know what your are going through. I had Peanut, brown poodle, for 15yrs. I still miss her and sometimes feel her presence in the house and it has been 6 yrs. Love and Peace to you and John...xo

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  51. That first week is just dreadful. My heartgoes out to you. I would wear that necklace in memory of my beloved and now gone Gracie and Mooch and our also gone rescues Hannah Cat and Balto (Frenchie). Everyone should look at rescue before buyng a pet.

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  52. What a lovely way to honor Soda. We are have a shelter rescue too. He is a dear, nine years old now and sleeps a lot. Even though he is a big guy, 82 pounds of SharPei, he is a real cuddler. I laugh at him everyday. When I am home alone he is such a good listener! My heart goes out to you. Thanks for the giveaway and helping the shelter animals.

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    1. Thanks so much - they really are our best friends and what a void they leave when they go............I'm trying desperately to fill it but I'll have to rescue another sooner than later............
      XOXO

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  53. Sending you extra HUGS! This is such a special way to honor Soda.
    Hugs from me and our new rescue kitten, Catsby.
    xx oo
    Carla

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  54. I'm so sorry for your loss.We lost our pug.I miss him so much.I know what your going through.I'm going to pray for your heart to heal.We will see them again someday.

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    1. Thank you SO much - it helps - all this outpouring of love helps so much
      xoxo

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  55. Please add my name to the hat or basket or whatever you draw from. Again, sorry for your loss. I know from the bottom of my heart how hard it is.

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  56. There is just something so special....such a blessing....to rescue a shelter pup, Suzan. I look at my sweet, beloved Maizie who will turn 13 yrs old next month - like you, I just want her to STAY. I have so much more love to shower her with. I'm petrified of losing her because I know I'll never be the same again after she goes. With all the dogs and kitties we've loved and shared a home with, SHE is the one who has captured my heart the most.

    I bend my head with tear filled eyes and grieve with you and John, Suzan. I know how difficult it was to write these past two posts. I've been there. I want to reach out and hug you close and cry with you. So,I will pray for you both instead....for deep peace and embracing comfort with each sunrise...

    Love you, girlie...

    xoxo laurie

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  57. Love those sites that take care of shelter pups and kitty's, are you familiar with free kibble? You can click daily and donate food and litter to shelter pets.
    So sorry you lost your sweet Soda.
    xo Pat

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  58. Suzan, I love that so many of your comments are from people that I read and write to. What an awesome community blogging has included us in. Although miles apart, in heart and in spirit we are as close as Gray Poupon neighbors. :-) We celebrate each others' victories, we grieve each others' losses. It's amazing to me. I hope with each prayer and comment your hearts are further on the way to healing
    hugs, patty

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  59. Dear Suzan,
    When I lost my Hazel 3 years ago I did the same thing you did on the computer, and I found I Heart Dogs too. I was looking for something to soothe me and to find someone who understood to talk with. I too was having a terrible time without my Hazel! She was with me for 18 years and died in my arms of heart failure. All of the things you mentioned happened to me too. I even dreaded going to the grocery store because I would always go down the Pet food aisle and would get her a little treat! I couldn't go anywhere near the Pet food aisle after I lost her. I didn't want to go into the different rooms in the house where she had been or had a favorite chair or spot where she lay, because she wouldn't be there! I also kept seeing her thru the corner of my eye and I'd turn around, and of course she wouldn't be there. It is a terrible thing to go through, that's why I wish that there was a way I could spare you this horrible time! I am so sorry. I have been praying very hard for you and John! I am just so sorry that your little Sweet Soda is gone. It breaks my heart to know she's gone, and what sadness it means to you and John! I'm glad you read all of our comments to John so he'd know how many devoted friends you have made through your blog! We love you because you've opened your heart to us and showed us what a lovely. inspirational and creative person you are. I look forward to reading every one of your blogs!
    With love and Empathy, Your Friend Always,
    Laura, et al

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    1. Soda died in my arms basically too Hazel............I think the needle spared her 1 minute at the most.
      I keep spotting something of hers constantly and it rips me up all over again - this is so much harder than it's ever been before ( I've lost furbabies before ). Her little face - omg - her little face...............I'm just heartbroken
      XOXO

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  60. As I sit here with my little one-eyed, (and deaf), shelter dog, who I adopted when he was 10, I think of
    you and your hubby's loss. I cried so hard the other night because I know how hard it is to lose our "little loves".
    We never forget their sweetness and how much they loved us unconditionally. One thing you mentioned about Soda was that you always had a can of Beefaroni on hand for an emergency dinner.....I went out and bought some too! What a great idea that was! My little guy Benny loves you!

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    1. This was just devastating to us .......truly.
      I had to smile about the beefaroni - Soda's favorite " treat "
      Thanks SO much for your over the top kind words.
      Hugs to you and Benny both
      xoxo

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  61. Oh Suzan, what a great way to honor Soda. I am still feeling bad over you loosing Soda, but always remember, you gave her a new life and lots of love and she repaid you with lots of love and kisses.
    As soon as you can go get another little dog from the Shelter and honor Soda, she would like that very much.
    Hugs dear Suzan,
    Mary

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  62. So sorry for your loss! If you miss her that much, it means you loved her that much and that's what made her life so special! I know how hard it is - I have had to say goodbye to four over the years. I still miss my Pepper, Baron, Beau & Maggie. I always will. I loved them and I got the opportunity to be part of their pack.

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  63. Suzan, I am so sorry for your loss. It breaks my heart thinking about you. I had to let my two dogs, Raisin and Mitzi, go within a few months of each other last year. It was extremely difficult. I am grateful for the many years I had with them (nearly 20 each) and for the never ending love and support they gave. Both were rescued so I particularly love the way you found to honor Soda! Sending warm thoughts your way.

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    1. Thank you so much Paige.
      So many of you lost more than one dog within a short time frame - I just can't imagine it.
      Our best friends - watching over us..........
      xoxoxo

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  64. Awe Suzan, I am so very sorry to hear about your dear Soda. How blessed you are to have had such a wonderful companion and what a lucky furbaby to have such wonderful parents and a wonderful life with you. Again I am so sorry :( Hugs to you both.

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  65. Hi Suzan , my heart ached for you and John and my friend who lost her little dog last Tuesday , ALL weekend :(( I lost my first dog Dixie Oct. 2014 and purchased a beautiful spoon necklace from Betsy of my Salvaged Treasure's .It had a a wing on it also and she stamped " fly away " on the spoon. Fast forward exactly a year and a half and my Woody died.Ok , I'm crying again .... I buried him with his blankie and that necklace . They both were rescue's from puppy mill's.
    I called my friend Annelle who run's a non-profit organization in my puppy mill strewn county and gave her $25.00 in Soda's name. The first's are the hardest , you don't realize how much of an impact they make on your life because they're alway's faithfully there , until ....Hug's and my sympathies to you and John again , Tammy xoxo

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  66. Suzan, what a beautiful way to honor Soda! When I read your post the other day I was filled with sadness and empathy because it took me back to March 5, 2003 when we had to put our beloved Shanleigh, our first born, of 15 years down after having a stroke. So I completely understand that feeling leaving the vets office, not being greeted at the door when you come home, seeing the reminders all over the house. I promise it does get easier. I cherish the photo album on our bookcase labelled "Shanleigh - she's a wee bairn" as you will Soda's.
    Hugs from the west,
    Marie

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  67. I am behind so I didn't know about Soda (I'll go read backwards next) and I am so sorry for your loss. It is never easy.

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  68. Dear Friend, I've thought about you a lot this past week. My 49 yr old son lost his Bella last night to a heart attack and seizure. They were close companions for many years with Bella by his side at work every day. Without a family and half a country away there's not much I can do give him our love. To all 3 of you I can say your hearts will ease over time and memories of Soda and Bella will let the heartache fade.


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  69. I love the way you are honoring Soda's life. This is just precious Suzan! I have lost a couple pets over the years. The most recent being my kitty, Sugar whom I had for almost 20 years. She was an old girl! My beautiful calico kitty with 6-toed paws. It is so hard losing a beloved fur baby. They truly are family members and give us unconditional love. Continued prayers for you and John.

    Hugs, Vicky

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  70. I am so sorry for your pain at this time. I still miss cats that have been gone for over 20 years. I miss my dogs who have passed, but I think I might miss my parrots who have assed way before their time. Maybe it is because they talked to me, had conversations and just plain entertained me whether being good or bad; or just that 3 of them died in the past 2 years. It is hard to lose a pet and my heart goes out to you.

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    1. My girlfriend had a parrot named Freddie - and she never got over the loss of him and she swore it was because he actually spoke to her - constantly .............
      Thanks so much Linda for getting it.
      xoxo

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  71. Sometimes it's the little things that affect us the most. Memories are wonderful treasures to pull out and look at again!
    (Still leaking tears just reading about your loss. Sending hugs & comforting thoughts to you both!)

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    1. I found a couple of photos last night that just about melted my heart in half...............we need to get one blown up and framed
      Thanks so much Nancy - and good luck !
      xoxo

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  72. I was just thinking how great it is that blogging reaches out to so many people that a tiny, formerly discarded dog's name is known and remembered in countries all over the world. Whoever wins will always think of their own pet and Soda whenever they wear it. You couldn't have chosen a better gift!

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  73. Dearest Suzan and John!!

    I'm so totally sorry for the passing of Soda!! I feel bad that I'm only reading it now!! Otherwise I would have written you before now!!

    These little fur creatures that enter through our front door into our hearts, consume us and catch us off guard. Yes we love animals. At the beginning when you first got soda I've got the conversation between John and yourself went like this:

    John: Suzanne, two toys!! That's how many dog toys come into this house!!

    Suzanne: REALLY?!! (John will never know I just bought 5...That's close to 2...Right?!)

    John: Here Suzanne, I just picked-up this bag of dog food on sale!!(Pretty happy being a smart shopper)

    Suzanne: John what's the name of it? I don't understand the writing.....

    John: Oh please!!! Look at the picture of the happy dog...It's dog food!!!

    Suzanne: John I looked it up on line and the dog is smiling because this food made him go poo!!!! Can you please get dog food that we know of!!

    I know that losing a pet is one of the most hardest events I've had to go through and will shortly again have to go through!! I hope the ache your hearts are feeling now will slowing heal as time goes by!!

    Pam
    xoxo

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Due to a large amount of spam ( that I'm tired of going back to posts and deleting ) I'll be using comment moderation from now on !!!
Can I beat these spammers at their own game? Probably not - but I'm going
to try my damnedest !!!
xoxo