Friday, January 18, 2013

Good-Bye to the Last Chub Brother

In June of 2010 we welcomed to Golden Pines, a bonded pair of Goldens named Bubba and Toby.  Because they were both overweight, they were affectionately given the nickname 'The Chub Brothers' by our blogging friend, KT. The name stuck to them, even though their weight didn't.  Bubba was the more carefree of the two, but had health and mobility issues. Toby was the serious one and was always watching over his life's companion, taking care of Bubba, washing his face, and constantly cleaning his ears.
~Toby (left) and Bubba, June 2010~
Into their private club the two welcomed our boy Sam. The three became 'The Chub Club' and were companions to one another. But there always remained the unbreakable bond between Toby and Bubba.
~The Chub Club: Sam (left), Bubba (middle) and Toby~  
When Bubba passed away on New Years Eve 2011, Toby mourned his loss. Sam kept his distance from Toby during this time, but there came a time that the two were always together. Toby then blossomed into a mischievous, carefree and comical boy who was always rolling in the grass and when your back was turned he would run in between your legs.
We even found out during a power outage that he liked to chase a laser pointer. The good days for Toby had returned.
But sadly when Sam passed away this past June, there was a loneliness about Toby that I couldn't help to erase.
~Sam (left) and Toby, June 2012~
Toby's ability to get around has been deteriorating over the last few months, but we were there to give him that boost whenever he needed it. This week, he became unable to stand and was in a great deal of pain. Despite many attempts my vet and I couldn't get Toby to stand up, even with the best of help and support. With that and because of how uncomfortable he was, it was decided that the kind thing to do would be to let him go. Making these decisions, no matter how many times you have done it, is never easy. I noticed that as my tears were falling there was one in Toby's eye too...And with a shake of his head, he quietly and peacefully left this life for the next.
All day long I've been remembering Bubba and Toby on the first day we got them.  When they were turned over to the rescue I volunteer with the two weren't boarded together. When Bubba and Toby arrived here all they did that first evening was lay next to each other and lick one another's face, they were so happy to be reunited. This evening as I was driving home a beautiful bright orange glow of the sunset filled the sky in front of me. Across the horizon flew a large flock of geese. Behind the flock, two geese flying side by side were trying to catch up to the others ahead of them. I imagined the meeting of Toby and Bubba on the other side.  The two greeting one another with licks on the face, and then running together to catch up with the others that were ahead. Despite the ache and the emptiness I am feeling, thinking of their reunion gives me great comfort.  Toby will be greatly missed.
God-speed 'Toby-Bunny' until we meet again at the Rainbow Bridge....

84 comments:

  1. We are so sorry Kim.
    It was just too much for Toby- and you listened to his heart. You did the most loving thing you could.,, you heard his plea.
    We are hugging you right now- and sitting beside you wiping your tears.
    love
    tweedles

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  2. As are we. The geese are a beautiful image.

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  3. I'm misty-eyed just reading it! I'm sorry their chapter of your life has come to a close, but I can't help but smile at the thought of how joyous their reunion must have been. I am very sorry for your loss. I know that it's never easy!

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  4. I am so sorry to hear about Toby. I write to you with tears running down my face. I think of my Roscoe and how hard it will be for us to let him go the day it comes. I hope you can find some comfort knowing you did the right thing. Ana

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  5. First of all Kim, we are hoping so much that Hmble finds the new home to be wonderful. (Good luck to you all Saturday) Secondly, I am so sorry about Toby. The post today was beautiful and I see the two geese in my mind as true as if I saw them in real life as you did.

    Bless you all, for your kindness and love.

    Bert and My Vickie

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  6. Woof! Woof! We do remember well how both Toby and Bubba got their names. We know that it's never easy but at they are not reunited. They both had a great life at Golden Pines and thanks to you. Sending Lots of Golden LOVE. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

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  7. Oh Kim... You are a truly remarkable person being able to endure the inevitable losses. I feel for and with you but also rejoice in all the love you bring into this world. I hold you in such high regard.
    Love from Joan

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  8. Kim, So glad that Toby lived out his life in a wonderful loving home.
    Godspeed Toby, meet up with our Sophie, she will show you around and you will really like her.
    Run free at the Bridge, a young dog once again.

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  9. These geese image is one that will stick with me and MOM for a long time. So beautiful. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve and celebrate Toby's life. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you do to bring love and beauty to these wonderful souls.
    Blessings,
    Goose

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  10. Kim I know nothing can be said to ease the ache of loss I truly would take it from you if I could but at the same time just know that you can only feel such an ache and loss because of so great a love.
    You truly do God's work as you go caring for "the least of these."
    Hugs and Gods blessing to you and your family

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  11. The image of the tear in toby's eye is heart wrenching. Even though he didn't want to leave his life at Golden Pines, he must have also been sad for you too. Sweet golden nature to the end.
    Gus' Mom

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  12. What a great tribute to such a sweet boy and his best friends. I'm so sorry to hear it was his time to join his friends at the Bridge. As always what you do, especially for the senior dogs, is amazing.

    Hugs to you and your husband.

    Cindy

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  13. We also have big tears rolling, it is never easy to make the decisions. The geese is a beautiful expression and I know they are happy to be reunited. The tear is Tobys eye is touching and please know that you made the best decision. Our hearts and prayers go out to you for comfort during this time. You do so much for these dogs and they love you!!

    Diana, Jazzi and Addi

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  14. You saw the geese! That's just perfect. Just like Lady's hummingbird, damn they always let us know...don't they? Fly free Toby my boy....fly free. Sam, Bubba and Toby, together again.

    Today was a foggy, dreary day here in Seattle, starting with the news about Toby this morning. Easton has been extremely animated and happy go lucky today....telling me "everything's OK Dad....really". Thanks Bud.

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  15. Kim, a beautifully written blog for the Chub Brothers. I am happy to think they are reunited at the Bridge.

    Thank you so much for telling us this story.

    Jo

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  16. This was such a beautiful post and, while so very sad, the thought of those sweet brothers and Sam being together again does console. The image of the two geese together was very touching.

    Keep strong, sweet Kim.

    xxxxx

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  17. So sad Kim. It never gets any easier to say good bye. Godspeed Toby.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

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  18. Oh.............I can't even write.......beautiful beautiful creatures....and you. Xxxxxxxxxx's

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  19. Once again, we reminds ourselves it is the GReatest gift we can give when that time comes -

    You gave him life here...now, he has in that special Golden section of The Rainbow Bridge -

    We'll light a candle tonight and watch for more signs of PAWTYING!

    Hugz&Khysses,
    Khyra and Phyll

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  20. Tears in my coffee this morning... (((HUG)))

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  21. Oh Kim, never ever easy to lose a beloved pet, but I find comfort knowing they both are together once again, running together at the Rainbow Bridge, free of pain.....I am so thankful they had your love in their lives and were together at your beautiful loving home.....You are a Angel as I have told you before, Hugs Francinme.

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  22. Dearest Kim,

    I am so sorry for yet another loss...and your continual heartbreak, it seems.

    As I was reading your words and taking in the incredible bond which formed between Bubba, Sam and Toby, the words of my final poem for Max hit me again. I hope you find comfort in them:

    "As I look to the sunrise,
    I now know,
    that you are there
    in its glorious glow...

    chasing bunnies,
    playing with balls,
    sniffing the fields,
    no more walls..."

    May you be comforted in the knowledge that you are surrounded with love. (((hugs)))

    With love
    Caryl

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  23. Every time this happens I am reminded of how special you and your husband are for giving these pups such a good life. Such a sweet story. Thank you again, for all you do.

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  24. Dear Kim,

    As I read this this morning, I was struck by the love ou have for each of your pups, and how you are so in tune to their personalities. You truly know how to bring out the best in each of them as individuals, and blend them into your family pack.

    It takes great love to look ahead at times like this. Instead of focusing on your loss, you remember the bond between Toby and Bubba, and then Sam. They are celebrating Toby's arrival at the Rainbow Bridge. I admire your courage and strength, to do what is hardest because it is right ... hugs to you and to your sweet pups ... Godspeed Toby.

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  25. I'm sorry to hear of Toby's passing, I lost my golden of 13+ years in December and even though you know you're doing the right thing but helping them, it still tears your heart out. He had a good life with you and his friends and now they too are reunited at Rainbow Bridge.

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  26. I'm sure Bubba and Sam were there to greet him, Run Fast, Run Free Toby.

    Hugs for you and Carl, Kim. It's so sad, how easing the pain of one, can create so much pain for others.

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  27. Oh Kim, this was such a beautiful tribute to Toby and the Chub Club. I admit I am crying. The geese certainly were they spirits flying free and being reunited. Hugs and Love and Thanks to you for all you do for these beautiful creatures.

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  28. I remember when you got the "boys" and how I agonized over Bubba, yesterday, I thought Toby was thinking of him too.

    Gonna miss the Chub Club...

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  29. left you a message on Facebook Kim. My thoughts and prayers are with you all,

    Gill

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  30. I'm so sorry. I like the idea of the trio being reunited and running free. I'm sending hugs and love.

    Sam

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  31. What a sweet and respectful 'send-off' for Toby, Kim. I know that he and his buddy, Bubba, are together again and continuing their journey which you and your husband made possible.
    It is sad to read about your dog's final moments but also very joyous.

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  32. I am sad for you and yet feel good that Toby and Bubba are young again, playing together and enjoying being free again. Free from pain and any sadness. And so another beautiful life has passed through yours and made your heart grow a little bigger:-)

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  33. hug
    and I believe what you saw

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  34. i cannot see for the tears.
    but i always remember what you said when i couln't bear the hurt anymore of this on your site - so i stayed away awhile. . .
    but i will never stay away again.
    it's the circle of life. and thank god for people like you. who give these wonderful fur people such happiness all their days.
    deepest love to you
    and blessed carl,
    and the crew forever in your care,
    tammy j

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  35. Kim.. so sorry to read & hear about Toby.. you can take it to heart that the 'Chub Club' are re-united once again.. and are looking over you.. just remember the good times.. be thinking about you & Carl

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  36. Oh Kim, how I wish I could be there to give you a hug. You and Carl are indeed angels for these sweet souls.
    I do believe the boyz gave you a sign with those geese...saying Mom, we're crossing the bridge and we're okay!!
    Bless you and all you do.

    val and the girlz

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  37. I have no idea how you are able to do this so many times ... saying goodbye to loved ones. You are a remarkable human spirit, Kim!

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  38. I'm so sorry you have lost another one of your beautiful dogs. I don't know how you manage to keep going. I am still in a terrible state after losing Monty in August. I admire you very much. It is comforting to think that now the three little boys will be playing together. Sending love, Lily. xxx

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  39. bless you, once again, for having to let go...

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  40. I remember when The Chub Brothers arrived at Golden Pines. I'm so glad they spent their last years at a "soft place".

    Godspeed Toby.

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  41. This post go to me. I guess my emotions are still too raw, but the idea that Samba and Sky are together helps me and I hope that the brothers are now together can give you some peace, too.
    Sue

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  42. You have turned another hard decision, and another sad good-bye into a beautiful poem to the affection animals can share with each other and with us. Farewell, Toby!

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  43. Kim you are so full of love for these golden dogs. Their final chapter in life filled with love and care.

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  44. Such a heartfelt goodbye, to a sweet boy, you are such an amazing and compassionate couple Kim and Carl.
    God Bless.
    ~Jo

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  45. Oh Kim - reading your post through tears and sending you hugs for your loss. Run free sweet Toby with your brother.

    Quiet woofs
    Nadine & goldens Neeli & Elle

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  46. A beautiful post. I am so glad they have been reunited across the rainbow bridge.

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  47. What a wonderful life you give to these dogs. A wonderful passing too..with love and dignity. xoxo

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  48. The geese analogy is lovely - as are your photos. Another 4-legged guardian angel to look over you. What a wonderful thing you do for these beautiful older dogs. xx

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  49. Brings back memories of our previous goldens and the hard decisions we had to make. He is at peace now, that's the important thing and leaves you with wonderful memories. Joy

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  50. Dear Kim, I'm so sorry for your loss of Toby. I remember all three of them so well. They had each other thanks to you. What a wonderful woman you are. I'm sending lots of hugs to you.
    And thank you so much for your kind words the other day.

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  51. When this happens so soon after previous losses...your heart just empties does it not?
    Xx

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  52. Oh dear....I am so sorry. What a wonderful thing you are doing here. Many best wishes to you all.

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  53. I think you got it just right. {{{hugs}}}

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  54. So sorry for your loss of toby.
    Thanks for all you do.....
    ((hugs))

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  55. I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of Toby, but I'm happy that he and Bubba are together again. I'm sure they're sleeping curled up together tonight :)

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  56. We're so sorry to hear about the loss of Toby. He had a wonderful life with you and his friends at Golden Pines.
    Hugs
    Thor and Jack

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  57. *hugs* Kim. May God comfort you. ♥

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  58. What a wonderful vision of the trip over the Bridge with the dogs running free and happy. Bless you once again for helping Toby for so long and being there in the end.

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  59. I'm so sorry to hear about Toby!

    www.modernworld4.blogspot.com

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  60. Oh Kim - bless those beautiful babies and bless you. Your story is a beautiful tear-jerker. You gave them a wonderful life.

    p.s. thank you for your kind "advice" on my blog.

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  61. Kim,
    With tears in my eyes and a heavy heart I'm sending you a hug to comfort you at this time. I know it is never easy but they will all be meeting together and saying what a wonderful time they had with you and Carl and how much easier you made their lives by being in them.
    Take care my friend I will be thinking of you in the next couple of days.

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  62. I am so sorry Kim. You have such a beautiful way with words, expressing perfectly how they each would want to be remembered.

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  63. Kim, you have my deep & profound sympathy over the loss of Toby... but this blog entry is so poignant & beautiful... as was Bubba & Toby's reunion over the Bridge. I look forward to meeting them both when I, too, make that journey. So many wonderful reunions & meetings to look forward to!

    Comforting hugs coming your way!

    --Andrea
    XOXOXOXO

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  64. Kim we offer our sincere sympathy. What a beautiful, heartfelt post. It bought tears to my eyes. The hardest part is knowing when to say goodbye. May your memories bring you happiness.
    No worries, and love, Carol (and Stella and Rory)

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  65. I'm smiling, thinking of the joy Toby and Bubba must be feeling at their reunion. As much as you ~ and us, through you ~ will miss him, his happy time in this life was past and now you'll have room to save another deserving soul...

    Have I told you lately how much I love and respect you???

    ;-)

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  66. Ahhhh, your sweet Toby…

    He will be so excited at his reunion with Bubba…

    Love the way you penned this requiem for two beautiful family members…

    xoxoxoxo

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  67. I'm so very sorry, Kim. You love and save these dogs, giving them amazing lives. I can tell by the love in Toby's eyes and the smile on his face in the photos that you gave him the gift of a loving and nurturing home and family. I'm sure that the three Chub brothers are reunited now.

    You've done so much for Toby and so many other Goldens, adopting them late in life and with medical issues. You shower them in love, which is the greatest gift imaginable. You have my deep sympathy for the loss of sweet Toby.

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  68. I am so sorry Kim...I still have tears in my eyes reading this and thinking of my big guy...Zippo will be there to meet your trio too. What a beautiful image of the geese. My heart is with you tonight.
    Xo Jeanne

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  69. Our sympathy Kim, to you and your family. We know how much your pooches always mean to you. We are sad too.
    XX-
    BabyRockerDog & Hootie
    Cassie & Patrick too

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  70. I don't know of anything that brings so much joy as owning a dog. I also don't know anything that brings such pain as letting one go. Maggie and I are sending you hugs!

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  71. I have tears in my eyes reading your blog. I am so sorry for your loss, but know that Todd will not let you be sad. With the tilt of his head and wag of his tale, he will put joy back in your heart.

    Linda, Abby & Arlo

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  72. We also have tears in our eyes, big hugs from across the pond.
    Run free dear Toby
    Love Jan, George and Tess xxx

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  73. I'm so sorry to hear the news about Toby. It's never easy. Your wonderful memories of him will always be safe within your heart.

    I hope you find comfort knowing Toby is with his best buddy again....free at the Bridge.

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  74. the Chub brothers reunited again.....thanks for all you do for all the animals!
    xoxo

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  75. We've been offline and just saw the news about Toby. We are so very sorry for your loss. But we agree that he's already reunited with Bubba & Sam, sharing enormous joy at being together again. Bless you, Kim, and bless them.

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  76. The strength you possess is truly unbelieveable!

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  77. kim i a so sorry... i lost nugget in march... please know i am thinking of you...

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  78. kim one of my friends in virginia posted this... i know it is so soon but just in case you might want to help....

    the link is from brother wolf animal rescue... an older golden was thrown away so the family could make room for a puppy... the golden is named india.

    https://www.facebook.com/update_security_info.php?wizard=1#!/photo.php?fbid=10151363251959875&set=a.75577049874.73600.59965249874&type=1&theater

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  79. I have to tell you that you inspire me and I love reading your heartfelt posts. You are such a wonderful, kind hearted person. Your love for animals and all that you do for them is such a beautiful thing. While I cried reading this post, it brought joy at the same time...joy in knowing the life and love these guys had with you. I'm so sorry for the loss you're feeling. I can only begin to imagine.

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  80. The Chub Clug is back together again!
    Hugs and more hugs to you Kim! You are such a blessing for these dogs, a haven for the old and unwanted.

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  81. Yes...there's joy that the Chub Club is back together n now running free n young n healthy again.And sadness for the void that they have invariably left behind....

    The thought that they were loved till the end of their days n they went knowing they were loved makes me feel warm inside. Thank you,Kim

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  82. It's never easy saying good-bye to our beloved fur friends. May we all have someone who loves us to be there to see us off at this world and to welcome us at the next.

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!