Saturday, July 29, 2017

RIP, DUKE

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~RIP~
Sergeant "Duke" Hinton
"Such a Good Boy"
06/28/07 ~ 07/28/17

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We threw rose petals on Duke's grave yesterday

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Duke was always so excited when the grandchildren
came, because he loved them so much

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Oh, Duke ~ we miss you so

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We buried him beside our doxie granddawg Shadow,
who crossed the rainbow bridge 02/01/17. The spot is across our creek on
a little hill, under the trees. Our daughter Bethany and son-in-law Kurt are
providing his gravestone, just like the one they got for Shadow's.
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My beautiful roses from Holly and Philip (Sunny's parents)
given to me yesterday. Aren't they gorgeous??

We are terribly sad at the loss of our beloved Duke, but knowing that he is no longer suffering helps a great deal. We are also amazed at the outpouring of love and support we've received from so many people we didn't even know! We can never thank them enough, because this loss of Duke, for me at least, has been the most heart-wrenching loss I've ever had, including those of my parents. It was just so unexpected, whereas we knew our parents were very ill. Duke got sick one week, and was gone within a week. If we had known what was wrong at the very beginning, perhaps we could have saved him. But that's now over, and we must look ahead, not back.

I know that at some point in the future I'll be able to smile again instead of cry when I think of him, but it's a bit early for me. He was a big part of our family for ten years, and I probably spent more time with him than with any other family member! Clark substitute teaches a lot during the school  year, so when he was gone all day four or five days a week, Duke was my constant companion. If I went to another room, he followed me (he didn't want to miss anything, especially food, lol!). He would listen when I talked to him, twisting his head like he understood.

When I've been sick, and especially when I had my two knee replacement surgeries, he stayed right by my side when I came home from the hospital. He was always there, ready for providing doggie kisses when the pain was so bad. He rejoiced with us when we were excited, he stuck to us like glue when we were upset, and was overjoyed if we shared some of our meals with him.

His death is the death of a dear and valued family member. He might have had fur and four legs instead of two, but he was far more than "just a dog." He was our fur child. And he knew it.

Dachshunds . . . you gotta love 'em . . . always.

8 comments:

  1. So sorry for your loss..
    R.I.P...sweet angel...��

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  2. Beautiful tribute. So sorry for your loss. Run free over the rainbow ridge Duke!

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    1. Thank you, Sharon. Prayers are appreciated ♥️

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  3. I just don't have adequate words to convey my condolences but I hope knowing we care and are hurting with you gives you some comfort. Rest in peace sweet Duke. Praying for you and your family.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Chris. Your kind words are very comforting ♥️

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