Friday, June 26, 2009

Dedicated to Dakota


"Our Princess - Dakota - Our Beloved"





The music I selected for this presentation is "I Giorni", by Ludovico Einaudi, an Italian composer. The inspiration for the piece was a 12th-century folk song from Mali about a hippopotamus who was cherished by the residents of a nearby village but killed by a hunter. In his liner notes, Einaudi wrote that “The song is sung as a lament for the death of a king or a great person or for the loss of a loved one.” How appropriate for Dakota, so loved, so cherished, so missed.

I don't have the words to express the very deep appreciation the OP Pack and myself have for all of you. I am completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from so many. The comments just keep coming. And the beautiful tributes from so many on your blogs. I hope I will not miss any - I have been trying to read them all and comment. I know there are several more out there that I promise I will read. "Thank you" seems so inadequate to express what I feel. My heart is broken by the loss of my sweetheart but it has been so warmed and comforted by you.


Phantom and Thunder are left to carry on as the OP Pack but they will always carry the memory and love of Dakota n their hearts.


Hugs to all, Kathie

80 comments:

  1. Woofs bute ti ful tribute, to our blue eyed princess...leaky eyes again, u r all in my thoughts and prayers...Run with the wind, sweet girl...

    a sad,
    rocky
    bear
    angel lacylulu
    and mama..

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  2. Oh my...

    Mom is leaking and it won't stop...however will I get her out fur her walk?

    Woo did a pawesome job fur your princess and fur OUR princess Dakota!

    Tank woo fur giving her to us
    Tank woo fur giving her yourself

    Thanks most fur allowing her soul to be free again...

    Hugz&Khysses,
    Khyra and Phyll

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  3. What a wonderful tribute. The photos are beautiful and Dakota had a blessed life with you.
    We just want our furbabies to be with us forever but sadly it can't be. We just have to enjoy and cherish the time we do have with them.
    Thank you for sharing her life with us.

    Denise Noah Willow Tess & Lucy

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  4. Dakota was one very lucky pooch to have been a part of your family.

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  5. Thank you for the wonderful photos of Dakota, seeing that little white furred, pink-eared, blue eyed puppy turn into a beautiful grown up girl was very nice for us to see.

    Two years ago, I lost a 16 year old Scottie that was my heart's dog and not a day goes by that I don't think of him. But the thoughts are warm and sweet and I know yours will be too.

    Jo, Stella's Mom

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  6. Lump in throat and moist eyes... A Beautiful tribute to a most beautiful and wonderful friend. The photos you chose to share spell such a marvellous personality - we cherish her so much in OUR hearts. She touched so many. The music is perfect - thank you for telling its story - a passionate piece. You are in our thoughts so much over here.
    Hugs xo,
    Sammie and family

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  7. That was so beautiful! Our hearts are with you. She was so lucky to be so loved!

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  8. Thank you for giving us such a beautiful tribute to the wonderful Dakota. You remain in our thoughts and prayers.

    Painter Pack

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  9. Wow! What an amazing tribute to such a special Princess. Smiles turned to happy tears to smiles to sad tears - what a range of emotion. You put together a memorable tribute and we can tell the passion and hard work you put into it. Thank you for sharing this with us... and thank you for sharing Dakota with us. We love you...
    Hugs,
    ALL of us.

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  10. Such a beautiful tribute for your lovely Princess Dakota! We know she will never be forgotten.

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  11. Dat was a bee-wootiful tribute to such a lovely girl!
    Maw is havin' a hard time seeing cause her eyes are leaking so much and can't stop.

    Be-wootiful Dakota dance among the stars and keep your paws furever upon your family's hearts.

    Husky kisses,
    Biloxi

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  12. Such bewootiful pictures of your princess. I could almost hear her woo in a few of them. And I've always loved the picture of just her eyes. So focused and piercing like she could see into my soul.

    Cherish your memories, talk to her often and share her stories with all of us.

    Dakota was a special girl that we will never forget.

    Princess Eva, Bricey, Momma and Dad

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  13. The video was wonderfully done and those puppy pictures were so sweet.

    Lots of poodle love,
    Mollie and Bobo and Katie

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  14. My Mom is leaking again too. She is trying not to let Rocky know because he climbs up in her lap and licks her face when he hears her. She said he must be tired from all the climbing the last few days.

    Diego Dog

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  15. What a beautiful tribute to your Dakota. She had such a happy life. We have heavy hearts here and are thinking about you all.
    Love Ruby, Penny & mom

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  16. That is TOTALLY beautiful - like Dakota! We found it hard to watch without stopping to lick Mom's face - it was all wet and salty for some reason!
    WE LOVE YOU GUYS!!!
    The Ao4 (and our parents)

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  17. What an incredible tribute. We loved seeing Dakota from pup to adult, her mentoring of Phantom and Thunder, her wooing. This must have been incredibly difficult - and cathartic - to pull together. I am sure Dakota is smiling from North of the Bridge.

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  18. What a beautiful tribute to Dakota. Makes me leak, and think about Preston, who will be 10 in November, white with blue eyes. He'd have loved Dakota, he really would have.

    D'Azul

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  19. Bewootiful tribute to a bewootiful girl! Wear your silver harness proudly sweet girl!

    Sad woos, Sky, Canyon, Meadow, and Brook, and the bipeds too

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  20. Kathie...

    What a beautiful tribute to your Beautiful Princess...

    Thank you for sharing it with us...

    Much Love,
    Abby & her Mom xxxooo

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  21. Mommy is leakin again, so sad, yet so beawootiful. What a precious tribute to her. We will always rememebr her and thank you for sharing her story with us.
    -Kira and her Mom

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  22. Sitting here with tears streaming down.

    what a wonderful tribute. Thank you for sharing it with us.

    May you hold those loving memories close to your heart...furever.

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  23. We send our sincerest and heartfelt condolences on the loss of such a wonderful animal.

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  24. So furry beawootiful, and the perfect tribute for Princess Dakota. Wish we could have met her, we know her presence will grace your hearts furever.

    Woos & a-rooos,
    Star & Jack & Momma Pat

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  25. That was wonderful and I am sure it was very difficult to do. But always look at the the time you spent together having fun! One thing I did with My Chelsea was I kept her Collar. I hung it over my rear view mirror in my car. I think of her as my guardian angel always there to protect and look out for me, especially when I am driving. And what doggie wouldn't want to be going for a car ride for eternity. Maybe you could put Dakota's collar in your car. It gives you a chance to say "Hello" each day and remember them. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you or your family. Chelsea was almost 15 when I let her go and I had her since she came from the breeder and I was only 5. That was almost 7 years ago now (wow) It is so hard, and you never forget them, but you learn to remember them and try to smile about all the good times.
    -Ali (Kylie's Mom

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  26. Your tribute to Princess Dakota is SOOO bea-wootiful! Mom's eyes are leaking again. We loved seeing all the pictures as she went from a cute puppy to a lovely lady dog. She was so lucky to have you as her family...and all the love shows!Cherish those memories.She will always be with you.
    You are all in our thoughts & prayers.
    Love & sad,soft woos,
    Skye,Dave,Jasmine,Velvet,Angel,Blaze,Lakota,the kitties Misty,Starr,Diana and mom Joan

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  27. I hopey Phantom and Thunder are okay and not too sad. They have you to love them and get loves back... WE ARE FAMILY.... O LORDY IT'S A DOGS LYFE...
    THINKING OF WOOOO'S
    BELL GIRL

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  28. That was beautiful. I didn't think I had any more tears left but it seems there are still plenty.

    Huffle and her mum

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  29. okay bell's mama here... wow - I'm completely BAWLING MY EYES OUT RIGHT NOW... WHAT A BEAUTIFUL GIRL DAKOTA WAS... LEAKY EYES AINT GOT NOTHING ON ME.. THEY'RE LIKE WATERING MY FACE... big hugs to everyone..
    kimberly

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  30. Oh no leaky eyes here at Chez Stains. What a wonderful tribute to such a beautiful Princess.

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  31. Oh, my heart is brought very low on reading of the passing of Dakota. Such a darling girl...I'm certain you made the best decision for her and a great cost to your own hearts. Please know I'm praying for your comfort and that of the pack at her loss.

    Your humble friend,

    Angus Mhor

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  32. Thank you for posting this wonderful tribute. Run free sweet beautiful girl - you will be missed.

    love

    greg, brooke, charlie & opy

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  33. I just stopped by to tell you how terribly sorry I am.
    Ike

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  34. What a beautiful video and the song was just perfect.

    We send you lots of hugs and all our love.

    Dakota was truly blessed to be a part of your family.

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  35. What a beautiful tribute. My eyes are full of tears all over again too. It is clear from all the photos that you gave Dakota more love than she could have ever expected on this earth, and I am sure she returned that love tenfold.

    Thank you for sharing her with us. She was beautiful on Earth and I am sure she is shining brightly in Heaven now.

    Carol, Flurry, Aja, Zoey, Georgie, Jack, Maya, and Midget.

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  36. I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear family member, Dakota. The slideshow tribute was beautiful and touching and the music was just perfect.

    Ruby Sue and Grandma

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  37. There is a pain that only people who share their lives with souls doomed to die before us feel to our core. The loss is extreme and the pain so deep and so real that it brings us to our knees. We weep until we feel we can not shed another tear and then it begins...all over again. We are knocked to our knees with a cold wind that blows through our heart. We feel we can never love like this again and then the day comes when we begin to heal and begin to dream and open our heart to another with a life shorter than ours. We do it again because a life without a dog is not a life.

    My heart breaks for you. I know your pain all too well and I will feel it again because I cannot imagine my life without being surrounded by my animal companions.

    I have put up a small tribute to your darling girl on my blog. I wish I could do more...

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  38. Beautiful! My mom was crying and smiling at the same time.
    Thanks for sharing your great tribute to Princess Dakota.
    Take care
    Kisses and hugs
    Lorenza

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  39. What a beautiful tribute you gave to Dakota.
    I cannot even see the keys to type as my heart is so sad for you.
    You know you are in our thoughts and prayers, as this journey was not easy. But it was best for Dakota.
    Praying your hearts will heal,
    love
    tweedles and moms

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  40. What a very special tribute to a very special girl. Mom's eyes are leaking. She said Dakota had the most beautiful eyes and they are the gateway to our souls. Yes Dakato was very special to aloo of us.

    Gid Bless....Mona

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  41. Wow, that was beautiful.My mom cried. She said, how small Dakota was once upon a time. Thank you for the story about the music. We will be howling for Dakota on Sunday.

    love & wags,
    River

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  42. Thank you so much for sharing all of your photos with us. We especially love the hand mirror photo and Dakota in the well (or at least it looks like something you put over a well). We know the pain of loosing a beloved little angel is like no other. I'm so happy that you were able to share your life with Dakota, her memory will live on through the rest of the OP Pack. Hold those sweeties close, I know I will give an extra tight hug to Sugar tonight. We are so lucky to have such wonderful dogs and best friends in our lives.

    xo sugar & martine

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  43. What a wonderful tribute for our Dear Princess Dakota.
    You are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Hugs and kisses,
    Thor and family

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  44. That's a beautiful waltz lament for your beautiful girl, and the slideshow pictures are precious.

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  45. That was absolutely be-wootiful! I cried throughout the entire thing. Actually, I started crying when I was reading your post, and it just got worse when I started the video.

    Dakota was so lucky to have such a wonderful family.

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  46. The pain is a measure of the love and joy Dakota brought to your life. Your tribute to this wonderful friend is so beautiful and touching. She will always be with you.

    Woofs, Purrs and Hugs,
    Tommy, Tama-Chan, Sei-Chan and #1

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  47. That was so beautiful! Thank you for sharing it with us! We watched it with tears in our eyes, but we loved seeing all those beautiful pictures of Dakota.

    Mochi & family

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  48. Beautiful - the music was perfect too. We have to come back and watch it again as our mum couldn't see all of it for those leaking eyes!
    We have told her Dakota is running free and happy but guess it was the puppy pictures and that adorable face and those eyes......
    Such a lovely tribute - must have been hard for you to it together but we are so very glad you did.
    Of course Dakota will go on with your pack and in your hearts.
    Martha, Bailey & Mum xxxxx

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  49. That was beautiful and thank you for sharing that.

    Anne and Sasha

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  50. That's a very very nice tribute !!
    It makes our eyes leak again. Princess Dakota, we miss you already. Do rest in peace alright sweety, and watch over your brothers & mommy from up there. Take care sweety. Farewell.

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  51. You have made a truly beautiful tribute to Dakota. It was amazing watching her grow up before my eyes.

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  52. So beautiful a tribute, for so beautiful a princess. Touched so many hearts.. Thank you for showing us that..

    Love GJ and Carol x

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  53. That was such a beautiful tribute for such a beautiful princess. You did her very proud. It was wonderful to see her from a little puppy to all grown up and such a gorgerous dog.

    We're thinking of you all
    Clive and family

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  54. Such a beautiful tribute to a beautiful girl. I can see how very loved Dakota was. She was as lucky to be in your pack as you were to have her there. I especially love the pictures of her woo-ing! Thank you for sharing Dakota's life with all of us.

    Pedro

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  55. Thanks for sharing all these pictures... We didn't know her as a puppy. She was, and is, very very beautiful, and this presentation has moved us.

    It's funny . . . why are we thinking of her all these days ? We mean, we hadn't ever met, but we think, sometimes, that this is a true community.

    xxx

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  56. Extremely beautiful tribute for the princess! She is indeed very lucky to be soo loved by her family!
    Mommy's crying again.. Thank you for sharing her life with us!

    Luv,
    Maxx and Family

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  57. What a beautiful beautiful tribute. We loved it, but Mom cried so much she had to stop watching it twice. Luckily she went back to it because we wanted to see more of precious Dakota. Big hugs from the humans, and licks from the rest of us here for the humans there and the rest of Dakota's pack. What a life your lovely girl had...so filled with love and fun.

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  58. What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful girl! The music is just perfect!
    You remain in our thoughts and prayers.

    Love ya lots,
    Maggie and Mitch

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  59. I just got the news. What a wonderful video. I cried through the whole thing. I lost a Husky named Titan 4.5 years ago. I think all Huskies are the same in having BIG personalities. They are so missed because of this. My husband & I have made the decision 3 times in the past 5 years to do the humane thing. It still breaks are heart in waves. I hope you are able to celebrate Dakota's life with you soon.

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  60. that's a beautiful slide show. it's easy to tell that she was very much loved and had a wonderful life. you have many great memories to keep in your heart.

    woofs.

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  61. GAH. Sweet, beautiful babygirl. And an equally beautiful tribute. oy. So so sorry. ...

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  62. hola. lo siento demasiado por lo que sucede, siempre dakota vivira y estara en tu corazon.
    yo tambien he perdido a mi angelita, y pues se lo que se siente.
    flavi.

    fuerzas!

    dulces sueños angelita...

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  63. Yes, it is Josh Groban. Not only do I love his voice, he always has CDs filled with music that I love so much! The songs on my dog blog that he sings speak so closely to my heart when I think of my dogs and my relationship with them.

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  64. w00fs, thinkin of u all...

    b safe,
    ~rocky~

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  65. John and Kelly are holding me a little tighter now. Our hearts go out to you. We have all been quite leaky this week as well. When she meets Sabo, they will be friends I am sure.

    Love Ozzie, John, and Kelly

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  67. My mom's eyes are so filled with tears, she is making mistakes ... so she had to do this again. Apologies.

    That is a really beautiful tribute Dakota! We are touched by it deeply! Lovely choice of music! Truly she was a Princess here on earth and is a Princess in heaven!

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  68. What a beautiful slideshow. You did a wonderful job. Dakota live a wonderful, full life, surrounded by a loving family. What more could a pup ask for? We commend you for providing that to her.

    Love,
    Steve, Kat, Wilbur, and Mom.

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  69. That was absolutely beautiful! I think all of us can feel your pain and we are so sorry. Momma said she has the most beautiful eyes she has ever seen.
    Love and hugs,
    Twix

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  70. Woo there OP Pack~
    Mom is leaki and wanted me to woo to you that this tribute to your sweet Sis Dakota is absolutely as beautiful as she. Well done to your Mummi and woos to the North for Dakota.
    Your pal,
    Summii and his leaki Mummi

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  71. hi kathie and family

    what a beautiful tribute you created for dakota.
    your love for her is what life is all about.
    i am thinking of all of you and sending you lots of love.
    melissa

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  72. Oh, that was just the most beautiful, beautiful tribute. It was wonderful to share her life with you - it's so easy to see how loved she was and what a happy dog she was. And what wonderful personality she had.

    Run free, Princess -

    Slobbers,
    Honey the Great Dane & family

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  73. What a lovely tribute that slideshow was to Dakota. It made me smile the whole way through. There were some lovely photos, in front of the xmas tree, looking after the grankids - wonderful.

    She was obviously loved to bits and absolutely adored, and had the most wonderful life with you, right from being that little ball of white fluff to blossoming into a beautiful lady. She was very lucky to have you, and you lucky to have her.
    Thanks for sharing this with us. You are in our thoughts. xxx

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  74. Kathie,

    that was a beautiful tribute to a very beautiful princess, it made our human very teary eyed.

    She will never be forgotten.


    Samantha, Holly & Zac.

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  75. What a beautiful tribute. Love seeing all the great pics. She was an adorable puppy that turned into a beautiful adult!

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  76. whata beautiful tribute to your girl

    our hearts go out to you
    love and bully hugs
    woodrow sweetie mj

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  77. I just had a chance to watch all of this and my heart is still breaking for you. I can only imagine how badly you miss your sweet girl. She had such a great home with you and her sweet spirit will always be in your heart. :)

    Lots of love,
    Amber & Nala

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  78. Hi Kathie,

    Just learnt that Dakota had crossed the rainbow bridge. We are very sorry for your loss. Please accept our sincere condolences.

    That's a very nice tribute to Dakota.

    Run free Dakota.

    Love,
    Homer and family.

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  79. Mommee's eyes are leeking over dis beewootiful tribyoot, and we arr furry sad. But we know dat Dakota can run free again, and we hope dat da happee memoreez will keep her alive in yur hearts.

    Wuv,
    Gus and Waldo

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