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<DIV>I brought Elwood's ashes home today and tonite we will have a special
ceremony as he joins the others on my mantle. I want to echo Beth's
sentiments about what a wonderful, supportive, loving, caring and understanding
group this in times of sadness. I received hundreds of emails,
snail mail cards and even a book (thank you Sharon). I too, have printed
everything out for Spanky, Sonny and now Elwood. Even though I wept while
reading posts, cards and emails, it is cathartic to know that others appreciate
what one is going through in the grieving process. </DIV>
<DIV>The house feels so empty with only two bassets. I was blessed for five
years with my "pack" and I still look for them in their usual spots when I
walk through the house. In that time between sleep and awake most mornings,
I think I can hear Sonny softly snoring on my left and feel Spanky
pressed against my right side. Most mornings I wake up with tears as I
realize they are gone. </DIV>
<DIV>My wonderful vet sent me a card and she wrote that "Unfortunately we set
ourselves up for loss by having pets because their life span is so short-but
not having them in our lives is not an option. I think to myself that they
have a shorter life span so that we can love and take care of more of them
during the course of our own lives."</DIV>
<DIV>This is so true and tomorrow I will be welcoming a new basset into my life,
a rescued female (look out Loki!) and will post about her later. </DIV>
<DIV>Kathy with Crackers and Loki both kissing away mommy's tears.
</DIV></FONT><DIV CLASS="aol_ad_footer" ID="31b5e418b5c6dc64cfe6df6aef8639a5"><br/><font style="color:black;font:normal 10pt arial,san-serif;"> <hr style="margin-top:10px"/><B>Stay connected and tighten your budget with a great mobile device for under $50. <A HREF=http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100122638x1221845911x1201401556/aol?redir=http://www.getpeek.com/aol>Take a Peek!</A></B></font></DIV></BODY></HTML>