Monday, January 6, 2014

Having To Say Good Bye

I've been taking a break from blogging these past few days. My heart is heavy. We had to say good bye to our 11 1/2 year old Newfoundland Brucie this Friday. He was an old boy for the breed, but I don't  think you are ever ready for the final good bye.
Last Friday morning his stomach bloated, totally unexpected and we had to let him go.
 I wanted to share some of my favorite pictures of our gentle giant over the years, celebrating each season with one lucky Baby Boy who got to grow up with him.






 



























I miss him so much already. I find myself walking to the sliding glass door to let him in. Or looking for him in his favorite spot in the family room. He was such a big part of our family and the sweetest boy!
RIP sweet Bruce. 
Newfoundly,
Christine

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87 comments:

  1. Oh I'm so sorry to hear that I know the feeling of loosing a member to the family one had so long. I lost mind a year ago he was 12 years old he died from a brain tumor

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  2. I 'm so sorry for your loss. Our pets are such a huge part of our lives, and it is very hard when they are no longer with us.

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  3. What precious pictures you have to remember your beloved pet! I'm sorry for your loss.

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  4. Christine - my prayers to you and your family as you try to adjust to life without your fur-baby - pets are truly members of our families, and as such a great part of our lives...may your memories of Bruce live on long within your heart

    Cheryl @ The Creative Me and My McG

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  5. OH I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless. Hugs, Marty

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  6. I am so sorry to hear about Bruce. He was such a beautiful dog! It is so hard losing a pet especially those who were loved as much a Bruce.

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  7. What a sweet boy! I'm so sorry for your loss.

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  8. My prayers to you and your family as you work through this time of adjusting to the loss of your pet. I can totally empathize and it is wonderful you have such great memories of your beloved pet. Thanks for sharing these wonderful photos.

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  9. What a sweet teddy bear....you have great memories of him, he must have been your son's #1 friend!

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  10. I'm so sorry for your loss Christine. I know how hard it is to go thru the loss of a pet. The pictures of him & your son are so adorable.

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  11. I am shocked tor read this! He has been a big part of your blog postings. It will be strange to not see him anymore. I'm SO sorry for your loss!!! I know how hard it is to lose a pet that you've had for a long time. I've lost plenty in my lifetime and it never gets any easier. I dread the day that we have to say goodbye to our dog. Our dogs really do become a member of the family in every way! I will be thinking of you during this difficult time.

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  12. Christine, My heart is heavy for you loss. May God bring you comfort at this time. Prayers for you and your family.

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  13. Oh Christine, I am so sorry. What a very sweet teddy bear...I am sure there is a giant hole in your heart. Pets really are a part of the family, we take care of them like our babies and confide in them like we do with our friends...I hope you can find some comfort in the lovely memories and photos you have.

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  14. I am so sorry about your beautiful dog. Pets are family and it's so hard to let them go, but he is not suffering. Read the Rainbow Gate - that really helped me through losing my Whoopie.
    You can google it. So sorry for your loss.
    Mary

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  15. Christine, I'm so sorry that you had to let go of your wonderful sweet bear. I always enjoy blogs that include the furry family members now and then, and I'm sure we will all miss Brucie here. We've lost many ourselves and I know your coming days will be very lonely.

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  16. I am so sorry to read this. Such a huge loss to the family. Sending warm hugs and thoughts x

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  17. I'm so sorry,Christine. What a sweet dog. The photos of him and your son are absolutely a treasure.

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  18. So sorry to hear this and I feel your pain. We too have lost a loved family member. You can see the compassion and love in your sweet dog's eyes. He must have been quite a treasure. May he rest in peace and just remember what a good home you gave him. I can tell he was loved.

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  19. What a beautiful tribute to a cuddly member of your family. My heart goes out to you and your family :-)

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  20. Oh my heart is breaking for you. What precious memories!!

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  21. Sorry to hear about your little big baby. It's so hard to let go of our pets since they are a member of our family.
    hugs, Lynnie

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  22. I found your post thru Thrifty Decor chick January party. I am so sorry for you losing your furry dear little boy. It is so painful and we miss them so much. Feel like a part of you is missing.
    We lost our black mini cocker spaniel over 3 yrs ago and I still miss her. She was 14 when we had to put her to sleep, hardest thing We've ever had to do. Her immune system was wacky and almost lost her several times and hundreds of $'s in vet bills later. We got her at 4 months old and she was our little girl. Was long time before we were ready to get another dog. We have an older cat also that we'll have to face losing some year. He's in good health but you never know, hate to think about losing him. They are our little boys and we love them so much. They are our family.
    It's great you have the photos you do of him, wonderful memories. Someday you'll be able to look at them with a glad heart to have the photos.
    When our dog was gone I sat down and wrote about things, experiences we had with her, anything I could think of, it seemed to help. I made a little album of her with the things I'd written about her, any photos we had. They sure do get into our hearts don't they?

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    1. Hi there thanks so very much for the sweet comment on my blog Little Brags about the loss of our Brucie. I tried to reply directly to your comment but you are a NON REPLY Blogger. xoxoxo Christine
      http://littlebrags.blogspot.com

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  23. I'm sorry for your loss. I wish there was something that could make it less painful. He looks like a big sweetheart. I'm sure you loved him well.

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  24. I'm so sorry for your all. Brucie looked well loved. So glad you have all these great memories and photos, though. {{Sending hugs}}

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  25. So sorry for your loss. They are such sweet and gentle dogs.

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    1. Hi Theresa, thanks so very much for the sweet comment on my blog Little Brags about the loss of our Brucie. I tried to reply directly to your comment but you are a NON REPLY Blogger. xoxoxo Christine
      http://littlebrags.blogspot.com

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  26. What a woderful way to photograph your son and your super beautiful dog! Perfect!

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  27. I teared up scrolling through your pictures. We just lost our beloved dog of 7 years last month and I still just cry at the hole I feel was left when she passed away. It will get dark and ill run outside to bring her in thinking I must of forgot her or a cheerio will drop on the floor and I look for her to swoop in and lick it up before I can even get to it.I miss her very much ( I even wrote a post about her on my blog becasue I had to put into some kind of words how I felt at the moment). There is nothing like the loyalty and love of a dog.You can look at your pictures and tell your dog was very loved.

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  28. What a wonderful dog -those photos are priceless. I have always had a weakness for Newfies. I always wanted one, but our home is just too small. They are a special breed, with a wonderful disposition. I am so sorry for your loss~

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  29. So, so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Bruce.It is so hard to loose a furry family member. I adore the wonderful pictures of Bruce and your son.

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  30. There's nothing -- NOTHING -- like losing a pet. The hole in our heart never completely heals. But, oh, what joys they bring us! Newfies are wonderful, and you were blessed to have your Bruce.

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  31. This makes me so sad :(. I know how hard it is to say goodbye. It's something we know will happen when we make the commitment to have a pet, but it hurts like hell nonetheless. Your son must be heartbroken too. They were great friends it seems. I'm so sorry.

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  32. I'm so sorry for your loss. My daughter has a Newfie and they are the sweetest dogs. Your boy looks so tremendous in all the pictures. We have lost several Old English Sheepdogs in the last five years and it is devastating. Your family is in my prayers and especially your little boy!

    Cynthia
    An Accomplished Woman

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  33. I wish I had something clever to say while I'm wiping my tears, but all I can come up with is I am so sad for you, but what wonderful photos and memories you have. Dogs are such important parts of our families and it is heart breaking to say goodbye. I pray your hearts heal with these wonderful memory photos.
    Jenna

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  34. I saw your post on Work it Wednesday and your pictures brought a tear to my eye. I absolutely LOVED your pics of your son and Bruce. Having to say good bye to our 14 year old dog several years ago was one of the hardest things my husband and I ever had to do. Now, our golden doodle is now 8 and our daughter 17. Children grow up and our pets grow old... way too quickly. Your pictures will be precious for years to come.

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  35. Your beautiful post made me smile and cry at the same time.....Your dear Bruce, loyal, loved companion , will be greatly missed.....What a big beautiful gentle giant he must have been. He looks like he was very much loved, and you gave him a loving, gentle, long and wonderful life... I lost my 11 year Bo, a yellow lab, a year ago and I think of him every day, but now we can laugh when we remember all the funny ways he had, and how much we loved each other....Rest easy Bruce - you are well loved.......

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  36. When when of our family members parts it is so hard. You have some beautiful memories wrapped up in your pictures. Bless you and your family. I am so glad you shared this with our blogger friends on Four Seasons Blog Hop. We all have a special place for you in our hearts right now.

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  37. So sorry for your loss. I got a New Foundland and Lab mix puppy 8 months ago. She is such a blessing. Sending you hugs.

    Joanie

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  38. I'm so sorry. Literally just a few minutes before this I was brainstorming for a story I want to write about our nine year old weimaraner. He's really been going downhill the last few months, and I'm worried he won't make it through this winter. He's been a part of my husband and mine's life since we started dating; he got me the dog as a Christmas present for our first Christmas. They really are a part of your family. Again, I am truly sorry. Visiting from the four seasons blog hop.
    Angela @ Time with A & N

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  39. Christine, I can imagine how heartbreaking this is to you and your family. I am very sorry for your loss.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  40. So sorry for your loss :( These are truly touching pictures!
    Hugs
    Mila

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  41. I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful Bruce. Those are some really sweet pictures…

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  42. I am so sorry that you are having to deal with this. Our dogs are our family members and it's so hard for anyone without pets to really understand how much we love them. I lost my baby poodle at only 6 years old on New Years Day 2009 and it still hurts my heart. He died unexpectedly from undiagnosed pancreatitis. I never thought I'd love another dog the same. However, in His perfect timing, God blessed me with a new poodle angel (coincidentally he is white). Thank you for sharing this story at our link party today and you and your family are in my prayers.

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  43. I've lost many pets in my life, but none was quite as bad as losing my 14 yr. old Newf. Kelly was born by C-section and never with her mother or litter mates. Bottle fed, she never really knew she wasn't just another one of my kids. She was a gentle giant that let any kid or kitten climb on her. Seeing Brucie like that, brings it all back, 15 yrs. after Kelly left us. Big Newf hugs from someone who understands what you are feeling.

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  44. ps - I did poke around your blog, love your style and I'm following you now.

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  45. Our pets truly become a part of the family, he's such a beautiful pup! I feel your heartbreak sweet friend, we had to let our Sweet-boy Mikey go and I miss him so much! Praying for you!!! Thank you for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY...
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  46. you can tell by the photos he was a great guy and greatly loved. sending a hug. I know what it's like to lose a beloved member of the family!

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  47. So sorry for your loss! How sad! He was the most beautiful dog and I am sure he knew he was loved!

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  48. I am so sorry for your loss. I found you through another blog and just had to comment. I too have an aging dog. He will soon be 13 years old. He has cloudy eyes, arthritis, and congestive heart failure but I wouldn't trade him for all the money in the world. I don't remember what it was like before I had him. He is so much a part of my life. I don't know what I will do when he finally passes. He is so very loved and cherished.

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  49. Your pictures are amazing and will bring back lots of fun memories down the road. I used to have a Newfoundland, Hobbes, and they are the greatest dogs ever!

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  50. I was glancing through my link up party and saw your pic. I feel your pain. I just lost my 6 year old chocolate lab just a little over a month ago. It was hard to get in the Christmas spirit and work on my blog with her on my mind. I finally wrote a post about her as well and found it helped let her go. Your pictures are great! Newfies are such a great job, so gentle and caring. Hope my little Nadia welcomes Brucie and they have fun playing together! Thinking of you all.

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    1. Hey Christine - I featured you on this week's Friday's Five Features. http://diy-vintage-chic.blogspot.com/2014/01/fridays-five-features-no-24.html

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  51. I am so sorry for the loss of you wonderful dog. It is always sad when we lose one of our furry family members. Diann and I send you big hugs from TTF!

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  52. Oh my gosh Christine, that dog was one gentle giant! I can see why you miss him so much. He truly was a member of your family. The photos are priceless! I love the one where your little monkey son is laying on him and the one where Bruce is a flower and your cute son is a bunny. Precious! Glad you have these photos for treasured memories! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  53. He looks like an amazing dog. He is so big and snuggly and he looks so mellow. Perfect dog for a kid to grow up with. I'm so sorry for your loss. I have a big old Australian Shepherd that is getting around slower and slower these days. I feel your pain, as I can't imagine losing mine. Hugs to you and your family.

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  54. What a handsome dog. We had to put our Border Collie down 2 years ago. I was inconsolable. I had to bring her to the vet because my husband said he couldn't do it.It was horrible. I didn't know if I ever wanted to have another dog I was hurting so badly. But we did. We have a wonderful dog now that we got from Texas. Her name is Bunny and we love her so much. We still have another older dog and I'm dreading the time...
    Best wishes to you.

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  55. I am so sorry to hear this. I loved seeing your 'Brucie' in so many of your photo's. Our 'Charlie Boy' was diagnosed with inoperable cancer the Friday before Christmas and we are relishing in the time we have left with him, but know that it is only a matter of time. Know that 'Brucie' is looking over you now and waiting until the day you are reunited. Sending you my heartfelt prayers.
    Suzanne
    Pieced Pastimes

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  56. I am so sorry for your loss. I have been there and it is tough times. We never forget our
    past pets. He was a beautiful big boy who looked very loved and I know you and your family received love back. What a wonderful live he had with you!

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  57. I am just sitting here crying...those photos are such a sweet reminder of the wonderful life you had with Brucie. SO sorry for your loss and hope your little guy is hanging in too!

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  58. So sorry as I sit here in tears of sadness I have to let my dear baby go. Max has been ever by my side through my three disabling illnesses. He is now in so much pain and kidneys are going so I must love him more and say good bye for now my sweet yellow boy. Thank you for sharing and letting me share.

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    1. Thanks so very much for the sweet and heartfelt comment on the loss of our Brucie!!!!
      I tried to reply directly to the comment via email but you come up as a non reply blogger.

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  59. Oh...my gosh...Christine...I just read this....I'm so sorry...so sorry...he was so beautiful and you can see the kindness radiating off of him. I know how bad it feels...believe me...I've been there...so awful to read this news. Makes me cry.....

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  60. Christine, what a terrible loss. How your heart must ache but what a beautiful tribute to Brucie. You can tell he had a long and happy life and knew he was loved.
    What a precious gift for a child to grow up with.

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  61. I'm really sorry for your loss. May your memories make you smile in the coming days.

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  62. So sorry to hear about your loss, he looks like a beautiful dog... a gentle giant for sure.

    Tania

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  63. Dear Christine! I'm so sorry for your loss…I know your heart must be sad…I'm sending you a warm hug!

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  64. I'm so sorry. He was so beautiful. I'm sending a hug your way. Thanks so much for sharing them with Wednesday's Adorned From Above Link Party.
    Have a great week.
    Debi and Charly @ Adorned From Above

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  65. I'm so sorry for your loss. What a precious dog! You can tell by your wonderful photos just how loved he was- what a lovely tribute.

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  66. So sorry about Bruce. It is never easy saying goodbye to our 4 legged friends. You have many sweet pictures and I'm sure many fond memories of him. I'm sure he knows how much he was loved.
    Blessings,
    Nici

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  67. From one dog lover to another - I offer my condolences. I have no doubt he always knew how much you loved him. MrsNat in TX

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  68. I am so sorry for your loss, I know first hand how difficult it is. I know Bruce was a beautiful soul -- you can see it in his eyes. They are not pets, but, family members. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Rhonda

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  69. OM gosh! He is amazing! I am so sorry for your loss! What great pics to remember him by.
    Hugs. Sherry

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  70. Christine, I'm so sorry to hear about Bruce. Our lab, maggie, has gotten me through a lot of tough years with my parents and recently with my mother-in-law. I don't know what i'd do without her. I loved looking at the photos of Bruce, he will be missed. Thinking of you and sending prayers.
    Jody

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  71. OMG what a beautiful dog. He looked like such a good boy. I'm sure he lived a great life!

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  72. My heart goes out to you and your family over the loss of your dear friend.

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  73. I am sorry for your loss. It's always hard to lose one of our four legged children. I pray your sweet memories of him will help to soften your sorrow.

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  74. I am so sorry for your loss….we just had to say goodbye to our girl Winnie this Christmas…it's not easy I know…they are family. Thank you for sharing all your great memories of your Brucie at One More Time.

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  75. This post brought back all the memories of the day we had to put down our dear family labrador, Chelby. It was sooo painful. They leave such a void in your life that you really do have to take time and recognize that there is a necessary grieving time for family pets since they are such an important member of the family. Just looking at your son growing with Bruce shows it all.
    My thoughts are with you.

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  76. So sorry for your loss, it is neveer easy to lose a pet. At least you have all these amasing pictures for you all to rememeber him!

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  77. I'm so sorry to learn of the loss of your furry family member. Your photos are a wonderful tribute to a life well loved. ♥

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  78. I am going to say I am so sorry you lost such a great member of your family.but sorry does not heal the hole in your heart. these pics of him surely showed him to be such a gentle giant. what a blessing to have so many wonderful memories especially with all the children.My advise is as soon as you heal and grieve for him get another to start new memories with. the shelters always have a multitude of choices and your heart will heal because it will be filled with a new love.susie.

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  79. Oh, I am beyond sorry for your loss! This breaks my heart! What a sweetie bear. I am praying for comfort and peace over you and your family.
    Hugs, friend.
    Molly

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  80. What a handsome big ol' guy he was. I know you all must miss him so much. Our furry friends worm their way into our hearts & we are never quite the same.

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  81. I'm so sorry for the loss of your gentle giant. We have a lab/Newfie rescue who had the same 'Gentle Giant' label when he was in his cage when we adopted him. Such a sweet breed - we have many of the same photos of kids leaning/laying/pulling on him, and he is ever-so-tolerant. I'm glad you had him for as long as you did, and so sorry for the loss of your sweet boy.

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  82. I'm so sorry about you losing your Bruce! It's so hard, especially when it's sudden like that. We lost our 5 year old English Bulldog last Memorial Weekend. We went for a walk with him on Friday night and think he got bitten by a rattle snake (nothing else makes sense). We got home and he had labored breathing, 30 minutes later he was gone. My heart goes out to you since I know how hard it is on us and even worse for the kiddos. Hugs!
    Jeannine @ The Concrete Cottage

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  83. Thanks for visitng my Fabulous Friday Link Party
    Thanks
    Maria

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