Sweet Nellie Left Us Today

Posted on April 23, 2013 by foresterartist

These were just a few of our precious moments…

Nellie, Burney Mountain, nature, golden retriever, dog, photography

With Burney Mountain in the background, Nellie strikes a lovely pose. She is one of my favorite models. Nellie is very co-operative and will work for dog biscuits.

Blitz steals a stick from her mom.

Snow dog Nellie.

Redtail’s Nitro Nellie just being “Boopie”

Mary and Tom dog visiting Nellie at the Vet’s office after the snake bite. She was one sick pup, but it sure perked her up seeing us.

golden retriever, hunting, photography, Pheasant

Our oldest son, Chris with his girl Nellie. This was their last pheasant season.

Nellie

The morning ritual, ” Hey I need some attention here!”

The big stick contest. Blitz and Nellie

Nellie in her youth at Iron Canyon Reservoir.

God got a good dog today. We are grateful for the time we had together.

These were some posts that featured Nellie.

https://theforesterartist.com/2012/09/17/nellie-in-watercolor-part-1/

https://theforesterartist.com/2012/09/23/nellie-in-watercolor-part-2/

https://theforesterartist.com/2012/10/06/nellie-in-watercolor-part-3/

https://theforesterartist.com/2012/10/08/nellie-in-watercolor-part-4/

https://theforesterartist.com/2012/11/23/nellie-in-watercolor-part-5-the-rattler/

137 thoughts on “Sweet Nellie Left Us Today”

mypenandme on April 23, 2013 at 7:05 pm said:

I’m sorry for your loss. Precious pics.

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- foresterartist on April 24, 2013 at 10:53 am said:
  
  Thank you so much.
  
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Jennwith2ns on April 23, 2013 at 7:05 pm said:

What a beautiful dog. I’m so sorry for your loss. I do think you’re right about God, though. (I once saw a plaque in a seaside gift shop that said, “On the day God created dogs, He just sat back and smiled.”)

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- foresterartist on April 23, 2013 at 7:29 pm said:
  
  What a nice thought, thank you Jenn. I guess when we get it right we smile too.
  
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  - Jennwith2ns on April 24, 2013 at 3:14 am said:
    
    That’s true!
    
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Mirna Morgan on April 23, 2013 at 7:22 pm said:

Oh! I am so sad about that. I loved your Nellie. One who loves photos and your companion. I know how is this feelings. Sorry.

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- foresterartist on April 23, 2013 at 7:30 pm said:
  
  Thank you so much Mirna.
  
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ruthsartwork on April 23, 2013 at 7:26 pm said:

So sorry for your loss. Our canine friends leave a great hole in our lives when they pass. I still miss my lab/Pyrenees cross after 20 years. She was a great companion for us and the kids. I am sure your family will keep memories of Nellie forever.

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- foresterartist on April 23, 2013 at 7:31 pm said:
  
  We will indeed. Thank you Ruth.
  
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ruthsartwork on April 23, 2013 at 7:30 pm said:

I love the big stick contest photo, too. Such a doggy thing to do.

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- foresterartist on April 23, 2013 at 7:32 pm said:
  
  I know, those two were the stick dogs extreme.
  
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Rosemarie on April 23, 2013 at 7:33 pm said:

I am so sorry. I feel your loss. We become so attached to our dog family members. I still miss my four boys who have gone to live with God over the years, the pain of their loss so vivid. But I start over again. I have a new pup again….Nellie is such sweet girl. I can tell. I am thinking of you.

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- foresterartist on April 23, 2013 at 8:42 pm said:
  
  Thank you for you kind thoughts Rosemarie. It is nice to know that you got a new pup. A new pup represents such untapped joy.
  
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Mirna Morgan on April 23, 2013 at 7:35 pm said:

Reblogged this on Poetheart! and commented:
That is Nellie a great companion and friend of a great Poet too. Here Nellie is my humble tribute to you!!!!

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- foresterartist on April 23, 2013 at 8:50 pm said:
  
  That is so very sweet Mirna, Thank you.
  
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afternoonartist on April 23, 2013 at 7:40 pm said:

“Just above a dog’s paw, where rough pad curves in fullness outward and upward and then, giving away to fur, turns back in toward the body, there is a hollow. Framed by the living steel of sinew and bone, that hollow fits my thumb as if made by my own thumbprint long ago, perhaps in another lifetime when I was handmaiden to a minor goddess. If even a minor goddess is granted the powers to shape things in small ways, then I might have asked for just one thing for the future me; this hollow here just above a dog’s paw. And I would have asked for this so that at some moment in the future the perfect fit of my thumb into that place would serve as a reminder that since time out of mind, for lifetimes without measure, my soul and this dog’s had been together, intertwined in the great ocean of life. In wondering if the hollow was shaped to fit my thumb or my thumb to fill that hollow, I would remember that we are all holder and held, teacher and taught, guide and guided. I would set this hollow here for my future self to remember that even when a heartbeat no longer pulsed faintly under my hands, when my thumb reluctantly stilled its gentle rhythms of stroking the soft fur, our connection would go on. In this simple, sweet hollow, I would mark the dog as my fellow traveler, and my teacher.

Capable of dramatic teachings, our dogs also move subtly but as relentlessly as water, the flow of their spirit working within us in ways we may not even know. How do we know what it is they have helped us to learn? Sometimes, this is how we discover changes: every step we take is different, easier, informed by the knowledge that has quietly, surely soaked deep into our bones. This understanding seems so right, answers the thirst within us so well we may forget how freshly we have come to this, forget who we were before we embraced this wisdom. Our heads tell us that once, somehow, in a way we can no longer remember, we did move through the world without the understanding that we now possess. We are grateful but mystified, and we wonder how we ever found our way with such a faulty map. Somehow we did find our way, and we will keep moving forward. And always, traveling beside us, the angels who both guide and guard us.”

From “If a Dog’s Prayers were Answered Bones Would Rain from the Sky” by Suzanne Clothier.

There is nothing more precious than traveling this world in the company of dogs. Sending healing thoughts to you and your family.

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- foresterartist on April 24, 2013 at 10:55 am said:
  
  What a wonderful sentiment. We were very touched by it. Thank you Jill. We will continue traveling in the company of dogs.
  
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sefeniak on April 23, 2013 at 7:48 pm said:

So sad. I feel your loss. One of the family and it hurts.

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- foresterartist on April 24, 2013 at 10:56 am said:
  
  Thank you Susan, we miss her dearly.
  
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treneebolton on April 23, 2013 at 7:50 pm said:

Rest in peace, Nellie…

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- foresterartist on April 24, 2013 at 10:57 am said:
  
  Indeed, she is at peace now.
  
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Shackled and Crowned on April 23, 2013 at 8:14 pm said:

Nellie is beautiful! A great model, indeed!
Sorry for your loss, friend. Looks like you have many fond memories. 🙂

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- foresterartist on April 24, 2013 at 11:01 am said:
  
  We have many fond memories indeed. I will miss her pushy diva attitude. It was quite endearing in a golden retriever.
  
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petspeopleandlife on April 23, 2013 at 8:21 pm said:

I’m crying as I write this. Nellie was such a beauty. I am truly sorry that she is gone. Her spirit will be with you and Mary and Chris, I am sure of that. I hope you can find some comfort in remembering Nellie and all of the happiness that she brought to you and your family.

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- foresterartist on April 24, 2013 at 11:05 am said:
  
  We are very sad over her loss, but we have no regrets for having her in our lives. These wonderful creatures walk this Earth for such a short time. I’m just glad we were able to walk with her. Thank you Yvonne.
  
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danaiana on April 23, 2013 at 8:39 pm said:

I’m so sorry for your loss!

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- foresterartist on April 24, 2013 at 11:05 am said:
  
  Thank you so much Dana.
  
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Mike on April 23, 2013 at 9:00 pm said:

I am so so very sorry. Just tonight I was imagining life without Pumpkin and it ALWAYS makes me cry. So too does your beautiful Nellie.

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- foresterartist on April 24, 2013 at 11:10 am said:
  
  Thanks Mike, they are such a key part of our lives. This morning I walked out and looked for her so I could help her go outside, but then I remembered.
  
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  - Mike on April 24, 2013 at 11:55 am said:
    
    And I have thought about you both several times today. So sorry.
    
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WM on April 23, 2013 at 10:14 pm said:

I am so sorry, Tim. This night my husband looking for our Felusia: she escaped but she just has come back … Nellie is playing now with st. Francis of Assisi, of course 🙂

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- foresterartist on April 24, 2013 at 11:12 am said:
  
  Thank you Wanda, I so glad you got Felusia back safely. It sure puts things in perspective about how important they are when things like that happen.
  
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yinyin on April 23, 2013 at 11:55 pm said:

Hold those precious memories dearly ! Nellie lived a happy life, and now , she must be running on some endless forever spring fields , watching every steps of you guys – her family – right now !

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- foresterartist on April 24, 2013 at 11:14 am said:
  
  Thank you Yin. Our cup runs over with precious memories of Nellie.
  
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Wendy Quinn on April 24, 2013 at 12:11 am said:

So sorry for your loss. I know just how you are feeling, as our beloved Bertie passed away a few weeks ago. From your photos, I can see that she had a wonderful life with a very loving family. xx

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- foresterartist on April 24, 2013 at 9:44 pm said:
  
  Thank you Wendy, and we are sorry to hear about your Bertie. I know you understand what we are feeling. I think we gave her a wonderful life and she certainly gave us a wonderful life.
  
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Mike Howe on April 24, 2013 at 12:22 am said:

Sorry for your loss, it looks like Nellie had a wonderful life with you all though 🙂

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- foresterartist on April 24, 2013 at 9:54 pm said:
  
  Thank you Mike. I think she had a great life and we enjoyed the heck out of her.
  
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galeriaredelius on April 24, 2013 at 12:30 am said:

My “like” here means my sympathy for you all, I’m so sorry to hear this, and am with you in the loss. I have read all the Nellie stories now, thank you for sharing them, she seems to have been an absolutely amazing dog! And I think that you were also an amazing family for her.

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- foresterartist on April 24, 2013 at 9:58 pm said:
  
  Thank you so much Gunilla. I’m glad you enjoyed the stories about Nellie. I have enjoyed telling them. She was a wonderful girl.
  
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Helen on April 24, 2013 at 1:07 am said:

Aww! Always sad to lose a good friend. You have beautiful photos, stories and memories – I’m sure she’ll live on in your hearts.

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- foresterartist on April 24, 2013 at 10:06 pm said:
  
  Thank you Helen. She will always live in our hearts.
  
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franion on April 24, 2013 at 1:10 am said:

Such a shock. I had grown to know beautiful Nellie and to love her. I know that she had the very best of lives with you and your family. She had all that space to run, always something to do, somewhere to go, something new to smell but it is still so sad to say goodbye and I will miss her too.

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- foresterartist on April 24, 2013 at 10:20 pm said:
  
  We have been expecting this for a little while. It doesn’t make it easier. We have tried to create a retrieve friendly home. Thank you for your warm thoughts.
  
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Zest on April 24, 2013 at 1:32 am said:

Oh no 😦 So sorry for your loss Tim; she looks like a beautiful girl and your pics are a lovely way to keep her memory alive. Stay strong!

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- foresterartist on April 24, 2013 at 10:24 pm said:
  
  Thank you Zest, we have so many wonderful memories of her.
  
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Deb on April 24, 2013 at 2:50 am said:

I’m very sorry for your loss, Tim. Your right, God got a good dog, and I know in my heart that you will see Nellie again.

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- foresterartist on April 25, 2013 at 5:17 am said:
  
  What a comforting thought. Thank you Deb.
  
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Winter Owls on April 24, 2013 at 3:13 am said:

A beautiful girl, so sorry she has left your life.

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- foresterartist on April 25, 2013 at 5:21 am said:
  
  She was indeed and we miss her very much. Thank you Jen.
  
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poppytump on April 24, 2013 at 3:20 am said:

am so very sorry Tim. It doesn’t feel that long ago since you lost Tom dog …. what lovely Goldies
Hugs to you and Mary .

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- foresterartist on April 25, 2013 at 5:37 am said:
  
  Thank you so much Poppy. It hasn’t been long since we lost Tom. Our house is getting kind of empty.
  
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meta on April 24, 2013 at 5:14 am said:

Sad!

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- foresterartist on April 25, 2013 at 5:38 am said:
  
  Thanks Meta.
  
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carentaylor on April 24, 2013 at 5:27 am said:

I am so sorry to be reading this sad news Tim. I hope the pain is eventually outweighed by the fond and happy memories.

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- foresterartist on April 25, 2013 at 6:29 am said:
  
  Thank you so much Caren.
  
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Playamart - Zeebra Designs on April 24, 2013 at 5:39 am said:

your love for nellie shows in every photo. you are surely missing her in a really strong way. lo siento, i am so sorry. z

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- foresterartist on April 25, 2013 at 5:42 am said:
  
  Muchas gracias Z.
  
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Jo Ann on April 24, 2013 at 6:24 am said:

I am so sorry for your loss, Tim. Having lost beloved dog friends before, I know very well the ache in your heart. I think with each loss, our hearts just get bigger, making room for even more love.

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- foresterartist on April 25, 2013 at 5:44 am said:
  
  What a beautiful thought Jo Ann, thank you.
  
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slurryart on April 24, 2013 at 6:50 am said:

so sorry, yet thankful for the time you had. our four-legged friends make us whole.

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- foresterartist on April 25, 2013 at 5:48 am said:
  
  Indeed, it was a blessing to have her the time that we did. Thank you.
  
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The Daily Golden on April 24, 2013 at 8:58 am said:

This post was a beautiful memorial of Nellie. So sorry Tim and Mary.

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- foresterartist on April 25, 2013 at 5:53 am said:
  
  Thank you so much Shannon.
  
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The Backdoor Artist on April 24, 2013 at 9:32 am said:

Reblogged this on The Backdoor Artist and commented:
The house is quiet today. It is the first day in a long time that I do not have a dog by my side in the office.

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Clanmother on April 24, 2013 at 10:06 am said:

A profoundly moving tribute that celebrates a precious life, a joyous connection and the memories that are forever kept safely treasured. You are in my thoughts…

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- foresterartist on April 25, 2013 at 5:55 am said:
  
  Thank you, they are treasured memories indeed.
  
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marina kanavaki on April 24, 2013 at 10:42 am said:

Beautiful soul left but only to go to another happy place…
Very sorry.

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- foresterartist on April 25, 2013 at 7:47 pm said:
  
  Thank you Marina. She was a beautiful soul who brought us much joy while we were graced with her presence.
  
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Lexa S. on April 24, 2013 at 10:50 am said:

I’m sorry for your loss of a good friend… but it’s such a blessing you had these great moments in your life together…

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- foresterartist on April 25, 2013 at 5:57 am said:
  
  You are right Lexa. They are such a blessing. Thank you.
  
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Mary on April 24, 2013 at 11:08 am said:

I read this last night and was so sad, you guys just lost another in the fall I think – couldn’t believe the news. I am really sorry for you and your family, Nellie looked like the sweetest, joyful, and much loved companion. Take care ~ Mary

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- foresterartist on April 25, 2013 at 6:02 am said:
  
  Thank you so much Mary. It has been quite a rough year for our goldens. I hope things settle down for a while.
  
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Cowboys and Crossbones on April 24, 2013 at 1:38 pm said:

I’m so sorry for the loss of Nellie. It is never easy letting a loved one go – especially a devoted animal. Nellie was lucky to have such a family that loved her so much. I’m so sad for you and yours. Thinking of you!

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- foresterartist on April 25, 2013 at 6:06 am said:
  
  Thank you so much Megan, we appreciate your warm thoughts.
  
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Created ~ Create.it on April 24, 2013 at 1:48 pm said:

Sorry for your lost. Nellie was a beautiful dog 🙂

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- foresterartist on April 25, 2013 at 6:08 am said:
  
  Thank you so much.
  
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warturoadam77p on April 24, 2013 at 1:49 pm said:

Sorry to hear about the passing of your beautiful friend, Nellie. We still miss our German Shepherd, Dillon, that passed away two years ago next month.

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- foresterartist on April 25, 2013 at 6:16 am said:
  
  Thank you, I’m sorry to hear about Dillon. We can treasure their memories.
  
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Nachthawk on April 24, 2013 at 2:48 pm said:

Sorry for your loss… it is a difficult time now – surely it will pass and happy memories will stay with you…

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- foresterartist on April 25, 2013 at 6:20 am said:
  
  Thank you so much. I saw Finn on your site. Such a beautiful friend.
  
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Michael on April 24, 2013 at 5:05 pm said:

Sorry for your loss. How old was she? The photo of her at the computer keyboard is so much like what our Pluto would do sometimes!

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- Michael on April 24, 2013 at 5:06 pm said:
  
  Oops, now I see she was born in 2000. Glad she had a full life!
  
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  - foresterartist on April 25, 2013 at 6:22 am said:
    
    She did have a full and wonderful life. Thank you Michael.
    
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mikemcmurray on April 24, 2013 at 8:42 pm said:

I am sorry for your loss! What a blessing you had!

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- foresterartist on April 25, 2013 at 6:22 am said:
  
  Thank you Mike, she was indeed a blessing.
  
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lolarugula on April 25, 2013 at 3:59 am said:

I am so sorry that you had to say goodbye to Nellie. She’s beautiful and God will be happy to have her back home. As a dog and cat lover, it seems I’ve had to say goodbye too much but always feel blessed to have had them in my life in the first place.The joy that our furry family gives us is beyond measure. Peace and blessings.

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- foresterartist on April 25, 2013 at 6:25 am said:
  
  Thank you so much Lesley. We have been so blessed by our dogs. I agree, are such a joy.
  
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Divad on April 25, 2013 at 7:10 am said:

God sure did get a good companion…Nellie takes with her all your love too…

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- foresterartist on April 25, 2013 at 8:19 am said:
  
  Thank you Divya.
  
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johncoyote on April 25, 2013 at 9:38 am said:

I’m sorry for your lost. Dogs become good friends. Very sad to lose them.

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- foresterartist on April 25, 2013 at 7:49 pm said:
  
  Thank you John. They are friends that are always happy to see us.
  
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chrisbkm on April 25, 2013 at 4:15 pm said:

So sorry to hear about Nellie. She was a beauty. It looks like her life was never ever lacking in love and that it was very well lived… but sad days now. All the best Tim.

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- foresterartist on April 25, 2013 at 7:41 pm said:
  
  Thanks Chris. We were lucky to have her for 13 years, but we do miss her dearly.
  
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doronart on April 26, 2013 at 12:51 pm said:

Tim and Mary, sorry to read this, I did not expected another sad story so quick after Tom. Thinking about you all.

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- foresterartist on April 26, 2013 at 1:37 pm said:
  
  Thank you Doron. We appreciate your thoughts. Hopefully this event was enough for a while.
  
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andelieya 安德洌雅 (official) on April 28, 2013 at 6:30 am said:

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dog and friend, foresterartist! My heart goes out to you! I am still not completely over the death of my faithful, loving Norwegian Forest cat, Figi several years ago and know what it feels like.

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- foresterartist on April 28, 2013 at 12:30 pm said:
  
  Thank you Andelieya. They certainly get into our hearts.
  
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violetski on April 29, 2013 at 5:18 am said:

So sad ….
Mary and Tom, I’m sorry for your lost . You lost the other dog last year as I remember. So hard and so sad….
Thinking about you all…..

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- foresterartist on April 29, 2013 at 5:53 am said:
  
  Thank you Violet.
  
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