Friday, July 25, 2014

Remembering the Porcine Princess

Wynonna took ill on Monday. The dear girl had some sort of episode wherein she stopped breathing
for about a minute; she then lost control of her back legs and went rapidly downhill over the next 48 hours. 
It was clear to me it was time to let her go, and the wonderful folks at the vet clinic saw to that Wednesday afternoon. 
I will pick up her ashes and return them to the ranch tomorrow. Thank you, Ethel, for that fine idea.
The prospect of having to dig a large enough grave was daunting.


Wynonna lived to be 18 years and 4 months – I had her all that time minus her first 8 weeks.


Look very, very closely and you will see her little pink tongue sticking out.
She was the family trendsetter.


Back in 1996 when she and the internet were young, I believed what I read online and 
spoonfed her beer in order to get her to relax so I could trim her hooves. She forgave me.


I've often been asked why I had a pet pig. 
What's not to love about this smiling face? She was a constant source of joy and amusement.


She loved her life in the barnyard, even when the chickens would give her a hard time.


She was a shameless flirt...


...and loved posing for the camera.


She pursued comfort at all times, whether it was in the water tub on a hot summer day...


...or relaxing on the beach with a frosty beverage.


Above all, Wynonna knew how to relax.


She had a wicked stinkeye.


There's that smile again.


She had her own pig palace in the barn...


...and often dressed for breakfast.


She shared her wisdom with anyone who would listen.


Such a funny, funny girl.


Rest in peace, my sweet Wynonna.



130 comments:

  1. I am so very sorry to read this Linda.. she was so wonderful and I have enjoyed every post about her life. these photos are each one priceless. the two that caught my attention the most is the sweet pig in a the tub of water and the last one under the bush... good bye sweet Wynonna. and i have to say this is my first tears every cried over a pig....

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  2. Aww sorry to hear that. RIP Wynonna.

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  3. She lived the life that oozed: happy as a pig in mud.
    Thanks for taking such good care of her, right up till the end.
    Now take care of yourself and let all of our wishes into your heart.
    love you, Carson,
    Els

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  4. So sorry Carson. We will miss her adventures and sweet smile. She was blessed to have you and her other friends. Sending hugs.

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  5. Oh I'm so very sorry for your great loss!! You and your "family" are in my thoughts and prayers!!!

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  6. I am so very very sorry to hear of her passing. Please know how much joy she brought to all of us as well. Sending you love and light from the great white north.

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  7. Please know that I am thinking of you this morning. Godspeed, Wynnona.

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  8. My dog told me it was time to go. He had a seizure that sounded like what Wynonna had. It was the best choice in a bad situation. His ashes are now co-mingled with his favorite hiding bush. I am sorry for your loss but happy for the years of joy she brought you.

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  9. What a great tribute. So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing you did everything you could do for her. She lived the royal life at the 7MSN!
    Sending peace from Ottawa, Ontario.

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  10. She lived a lottery winners life on the ranch. Glad to see her celebrated in so many photos today. I, like so many others, was thinking something was wrong when you took time off blogging. Hope you are OK....know how hard it is to have them missing from your everyday life. Sending prayers your way this morning.
    Lisa G in TN

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  11. I'm so sorry to hear about her passing. She has been one of my favorites (well, I like them all…) at the 7MSN. She has given me many happy smiles over the years. I'll miss her. Hugs to you.

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  12. Big hug for you...and for all of the rest of us too.

    "Some Pig"

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  13. Oh, no. I am so very sorry. Your tribute really showed her personality. It is easy to see why you would have and love a pet pig!

    Godspeed, Wynnona.

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  14. She gave me some good laughs. Thank you Wynona. Big hugs Carson.

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  15. No words...just tears. Sending my heart with hugs today, and sharing your loss.

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  16. Oh Carson, I am sad for you. What a hard week it must have been. What a beautiful post. It was fun seeing her in her younger days. She lived a great life and is now resting well and playing with the others at the Rainbow Bridge. Hugs to you and the 7MSN crew.

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  17. That was a long run by any standards. What a giant hole she will leave in your farm family. I am so very sorry. RIP dear Wynonna.

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  18. She was a wonderful character in your stories of life at the 7MSN. I loved the pig and will miss her too.
    One day (when you retire) you could put all these animals in a book for kids and adults alike. They have
    been such a pleasure to be with us and part of our life too.
    BA SP

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  19. Northern AB gal7/25/14, 6:06 AM

    There are no words, may your many happy memories fill the huge hole she left in your heart.

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  20. Linda....I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful 18 years she had. I understand that whole "pig" thing...having two girls of my own. They are as smart as dogs and always so happy to see you! Thanks so much for sharing your memories. She was BEAUTIFUL!!

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  21. Linda, I am sorry to hear about your loss. I will miss her part in your herd. RIP Wynona

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  22. Oh, I am so so sorry to hear this. Such a wonder pig:( Hugs to you and the rest of the herd:(

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  23. Love and hugs Carson.

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  24. I'm so sorry for your loss of Wynonna. She was a wonderful girl. You gave her a fantastic life, as you do with all of them. We'll all miss her posts but of course not nearly as much as you.

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  25. It's hard to see a friend go, especially one of 18 years. Thank you for sharing Wynonna's greatness with us.

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  26. So sorry to hear about dear Wynonna. Hope you're doing ok. Sending love and prayers...

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  27. Some pig. She lived a great life.

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  28. So sorry for your loss. She was quite a character among the characters. I know you will miss her presence. So great she will return to her home at 7MSN. Hugs to all of you.

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  29. Even though I only knew her through her pictures and your words she will be forever in my heart. May you find peace and eventually smiles in your memories and pictures. Hugs to you.. Steph

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  30. I'm so very sorry! I'm so glad she got to spend her entire life with you; and what a wonderful life it was. Hugs and love....

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  31. I am so so sorry you lost Wynnona. She looks like a wonderful gal. It's so hard to lose those great companions. I love the photo of the chicken getting a ride and also the 'dressed for breakfast.' What is not to love about that adorable pig. So sorry for your loss. I knew about this because of MadSnapper.

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  32. Carson, I am so sorry.

    Laurie

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  33. Sending big hugs from November Hill. She lived a long and wonderful life and I know it has to be hard saying goodbye - but I also think you'll never not have her sweet spirit at 7MSN.

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  34. I'm so sorry for your loss. What a huge hole she will leave at 7MSN, a girl full of charm and fun with a lot to teach us all. "She pursued comfort at all times" -- and a smart one too. Her spirit will be right there keeping her memory alive. Take good care of yourself. Becky

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  35. I'm so sorry about your loss. I love your posts with her.

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  36. What a lovely tribute to a lovely pig.

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  37. You gave to Wynonna what very few pigs get - a very long, very well loved life. Thank you for sharing her with your readers - I'll miss her.

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  38. Awww rest in peace, sweet pig. I loved each and every photo and story of that girl. What a great life she had with you and the rest of the MSN family.

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  39. Wynonna was a girl who knew how to live well and proved it by her longevity. Your post is a wonderful remembrance to all the good memories she is leaving with you and with us. And she will rest in peace next to you. who could dream of a better life? lots of love to you.

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  40. Jenny in MN, now in AZ7/25/14, 7:26 AM

    So sorry for your loss. She was such a lucky girl to have you her whole life (minus those 8 weeks). Hugs!

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  41. I am so sorry. Eighteen years-- what a remarkable pig!

    Julia

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  42. Wynonna had such a great life and wow lived way longer than most. I loved her stories and she will be missed. So hard to lose animals but at least she was healthy and didn't have to suffer. So sorry for you lose. Betsy

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  43. I am so sorry about Wynonna, the "dressing" for breakfast was one of my favorite pictures of her! She was lucky and so were you to have her. marsha@tubbslanefarm.com

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  44. I'm so sorry to hear about Wynonna. I loved her stories and she will be greatly missed. You gave her a wonderful life and she certainly enjoyed her time with you and the herd. It is so hard to loose our four legged family members but you were great not to let her suffer. :( Nadine

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  45. She was one of a kind! I am so glad I got to "meet" her through your blog. RIP sweet Wynonna, I bet you are already running things across the Rainbow Bridge. Hugs from Texas, Carson.

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  46. She was so well loved by you and many others and lived a long and happy life. A true grande dame. Wynonna will not be forgotten.

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  47. I am so sorry to hear about Wynonna's passing. Our wonderful pets just don't live long enough! What a great life you gave her.

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  48. I knew something sad had happened. I grieve with you for all our losses. "All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle." (Saint Francis of Assisi) Her light burned brightly and your love keeps it bright for all of us.

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  49. I'm so sorry for your loss. Don't tell any of the others, but Wynonna was my favorite. I'll never forget laughing out loud at the story of her transport to the vet a few years ago to have her teeth worked on. She had a great life and thanks to you, a peaceful ending. Who wouldn't want to have been part of that? Take care.

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  50. Our condolences on your loss of such a sweet girl. The Cuckoos tip our hat to a great pig who was loved by so many. Oma Linda

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  51. Wynonna brought such joy to 7MSN. You will forever be in our hearts.

    We love you Carson,

    Don and Justina

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  52. Michelle from BC7/25/14, 8:32 AM

    " Dressing for Breakfast " will always remain one of the biggest laughs I've ever had. Thank you Wynonna. You will be missed.

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  53. Aww, Carse love these photos....she has always been my favorite from the first time I met her at your place in Sandia. There was this little pig walking amongst all these fine furnishings from Washington DC. It was hilarious as she walked and waited for her treats. She was so gentle when she took them. I was in awe and in love! She has had the best life with you and she was entertained with all her other brothers and sisters.
    I think a book would be a great idea one day! Love you guys and you have been in my thoughts all week.

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  54. How very very sad....So sorry for your huge loss, Linda, but she must have been the happiest pig on earth. Grief is always worse when guilt is involved. In this case, there's got to be sadness but also this warm feeling of having given a pet everything it needed. And with your help, we got to see&share Wynonna just as she really was - a princess of her own kind. <3

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  55. I am so sorry to hear this. I loved reading her adventures. My heart goes out to you.

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  56. Eighteen years and four months of a great life with lots of love and attention. We will all miss you Wynonna. My sympathies on her passing.

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  57. So very sorry for your loss...she was nothing short of family...may the two of you meet again~

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  58. You have my heartfelt condolences on your loss of Wynona. I'm so, so sorry.. :(
    She was such a lucky Princess to have had you for so long!

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  59. So sorry to read this news today. I know your Dad is keeping a watch on Wynonna and all that went before her, until you all meet again.

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  60. I'm sorry for your loss. I've enjoyed Wynonna stories through the years and this tribute is beautiful! She sure was lucky to have a mommy like you. Rest in Peace sweet Wynonna. Tayloria

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  61. What a beautiful, loving and thoughtful tribute. Perfectly fitting for Queen Wynonna. I have fond memories of our time ranch-sitting and how she kept us all on a very strict schedule. No alarm clock needed with her around. :) Lauri

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  62. So sorry Linda! I was recently in a similar position with my dog and my heart breaks for your loss even though while you did what was right for your girl! So glad she had all of her 18 years in a blissful place like 7msn! Carla

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  63. It is so hard to lose a member of your four legged family....especially one of such a grand age! I love the wonderful pictures you shared with us over the years. God speed Wynonna.

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  64. I'm sorry to hear about Wynonna's passing.. :-( It's funny how people call them "our beloved pets" but the truth is that they are really our special kids. At least she had a good long life and she wasn't ill for long. It's not much comfort, but it's something.

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  65. My heart is breaking for you (and me too, truthfully). She was one-of-a-kind, a genuine character and I loved her sassy ways. xoxo Carolynn

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  66. I'm so sorry. I do know how you feel right now. You know she had a long wonderful life and you (and everyone here) have the wonderful memories of her. I know you'll miss her anyway. And I know there's a Wynonna shaped hole in your heart.

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  67. R.I.P. little pig..i will miss your great storie's and lovely pic's you shared…..

    you lived a grand life and you will be missed by many, adoring fans…
    xoxo
    hindend

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  68. Since they become family, it's so hard to have them pass. Brought tears to my eyes, as I've been through this many times on the ranch. But glad you are having her ashes. I did that with many of my animals, I have a shelf that they sit on, and some are spread on the back 80! Take a few days, hang out with the other "family" and remember the good times. As the old saying goes, time will heal this wound. Bless you...

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  69. So very sad to hear this Carson. Thank you for sharing her with us. We will all miss Wynonna's sweet face. ((((HUGS)))) to you and prayers and thoughts for you and the herd.

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  70. I'm so sorry that Wynonna has gone. Our 4-legged family members -- to whom we have the joy of choosing to be related in the most profound manner -- wind themselves tightly around our hearts. Their only fault is that they don't live long enough! But what better memorial can we ask for than that someone mourns over the empty place we leave? So, bawl away if you feel like it, Linda, & no guilt feelings allowed. I think love is the only indestructable force in the universe; once given, once accepted, it exists forever. So you and funny, sweet Wynonna are always connected.

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  71. So very sorry Linda. I always enjoyed seeing pictures and reading about Wynonna. Hugs, Kelsie

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  72. Wynonna is going to be missed not only by you, but all of your blog family who had the priviledge of "knowing" her. What a lovely tribute to the porcine princess.

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  73. Over 18 wonderful years, what a lucky girl, rest in peace sweet Wynonna.

    MJ in Delaware

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  74. It's a testament to your love and care that she had such a wonderfully long life. I don't know many pigs, but she seemed like a very happy one. Hugs.

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  75. Sorry to hear this. Wynonna definitely had a sparkling princess personality, and she will be missed. -- Min

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  76. I can hardly type through these tears. What a wonderful tribute to the princess. How fun to see photos of her as a youngster. I'm glad you included my favorite photo of her dressed for breakfast! She lived a very long, well-loved life. She will be missed by all who knew her. Hugs to you, Carson. RIP sweet Wynonna.

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  77. I am so very, very sorry Carson. 18 years is a lifetime of memories. I don't think I have cried so much in a government cubicle....
    May Wynonna, the porcine princess rest in peace. You certainly gave her a grand life, that is for sure. Keep your head up Linda.
    Hugs.

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  78. I enjoy your blog and your extended animal family stories.I wish you time to let your heart heal, so that you can continue to write the stories that we all enjoy and the way you capture the personalities of each, that lighten our days and bring a smile to us on our favorite family member. Peace to you.

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  79. Love the baby pictures. I've never met a pet pig but loved getting to know Wynonna. I'm very sorry she's gone, for your sake, and for all of us who won't be able to enjoy her vicariously any longer.

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  80. I am so very sorry for your sad loss! It's wonderful that she lived such a great life with you for such a long time.

    Joyce S-DE

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  81. I'm so very sorry! You had her for so long. I can see that she had a wonderful life! I'm sitting here crying.
    hugs to you,
    Marie

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  82. God bless little Wynonna. She was so very lucky to have found you. I guess we were all concerned as to what you were preoccupied with earlier in the week. I'm very sorry it had to be this. Blessings to you and your critters. Take care.

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  83. What a lovely tribute....RIP Wynonna, Porcine Princess.......sniff , sniff,............so sorry for your loss.....sob,....

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  84. I'm so very sorry for your loss. She was a princess.

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  85. Oh what sad news... Thank you for making sure Winona's life was as exceptional as she was. And for sharing her with us.
    (((hugs)))

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  86. Aaaww,,,bless her heart. She always made me smile, and she certainly did look like she enjoyed her life. :) I'm so very sorry for your loss.

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  87. So so sorry to read this. She was such a wonderful character and so well loved. What a grand age you got her to. Sincere condolences.

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  88. I am so sorry. :( I cried when I read the title of this blog in my blog roll. :( She will be missed by anyone who ever knew of her existence, I am sure.

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  89. I am sad for your loss and ours too, but she clearly had a wonderful life, and you gave that to her. We can't have our beloved animals if we can't bear to lose them, but it doesn't make it easier. So sorry.

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  90. So sorry for your loss of Wynonna. Any pig would be grateful to have such a long, happy life and be so well taken care of. What more could a pig want? She will be missed by all who read your blog.

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  91. A heartfelt tribute to a much-loved Wynonna.

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  92. Wynonna brought you so so much love and laughter. May she rest in peace. Hugs to you Linda. Your princess is smiling down on you.

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  93. So sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing Wynonna with your readers. I have enjoyed every moment.

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  94. My sincerest condolences on you loss, Linda. How splendid that you were able to have 18 years with such a wonderful partner in life. Thank you for sharing her with us.

    Best regards,
    Linda D.
    Tucson, AZ

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  95. So sorry, Carson. Wynonna lived a sweet life. I don't remember seeing pictures of her when she was little. So cute. Thanks for sharing her with us. Hugs and love to you. Rest well, Princess Wy. In the grand scheme of things, we're all not far behind you.

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  96. Very sorry, Carson. I, too, am crying. The fact she lived such a great, long life is a testament to you and your herd.

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  97. Warm summer sun,
    shine brightly here,
    Warm Southern wind,
    blow softly here,
    Green sod above,
    lie light, lie light,
    Good night, dear heart;
    good night, good night.
    Mark Twain's eulogy to his daughter Olivia Susan Clemens,
    RIP Wynonna

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  98. Linda, so sad to read of Wynonna's passing in your post this morning. She certainly lived life to the hilt when she found her forever home with you. Since I've only known her a short while your tribute to her is wonderful and so touching. I'm sure life without her will be tough for some time to come. I'm sure you will find so much joy with 18+ years of memories to brighten your days without her. Hugs from Indiana.

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  99. What a lovely tribute to such a precious pig, dear sweet Wynonna. She had an extraordinary life, long lived with an amazing family at 8MSN. I hope her huge spirit will fill the void her passing will bring. Thank you for sharing her with all of us. Your pain is being shared by many. Please take care, my best.

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  100. Sorry for your loss. We will miss seeing her on the blog.

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  101. My heart sank when I arrived today. I am so sorry. We love our pets so much and it's so hard when they leave.

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  102. My heart breaks for you!!!I have loved every minute of seeing and hearing her stories!!!!

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  103. The end of an era. I'm so sorry. I can't imagine how hard this is for you.

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  104. Thank you for sharing Wynonna's life and her baby pictures. 18 years is a long time and I grieve for you. What a wonderful life she lived with you though. For that you must take comfort.

    Anna G in Arizona

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  105. My heart sank. I'm so very sorry. Goodnight sweet girl.

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  106. We all will miss the princess who added such humor to your bunch of rascals. Your photo tribute was so neat. Dressed for breakfast is the imagine I want to remember of the dear old gal--I mean her Highness, Ms Princess.

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  107. I'm sure I posted earlier but didn't see it! My heart is breaking for you and your sweet Wynnona! She was so photogenic and you were able to capture her spirit in your blog and photos! Bless your heart Carson, and your sweet girl Wynnona! She will be dearly missed! Thinking of you.. Hugs Deb in Viola

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  108. She was a precious porcine princess. We will miss her!

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  109. Its always a blessed passing for a well loved and cared for pet who lives a happy life to its fullest and this was certainly Wynnona. Your photo tribute to her was just perfect. Our condolences to you and Wynnona's multitude of friends. Jo, Stella and Zkhat

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  110. I'm so very sorry for your loss. I've enjoyed sharing Wynonna's wisdom over the last few years and I loved seeing her baby photos in your post today. What a long and wonderful life for a such a special Princess. Thinking of you.

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  111. Perhaps Wynonna will come back as a cat, Felines also know how to relax and steal your heart. The circle turns, we return to stardust, forever shining.

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  112. Oh no!
    I'm so sorry of your loss.
    You've written a wonderful tribute.
    Eighteen years is long time to have such a wonderful friend.
    It's sure to leave a hole on your heart.
    You have my deepest sympathies.

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  113. Wynonna was indeed a Princess and a Grand Dame; she lived in royal style for 18 years and enjoyed every second of it, I'm sure! I'm so sorry to hear the sad news, but very grateful to you for sharing her antics, her life and her "Wynonna Wisdom" with all of us. I am and will forever be a Porcine Princess fan.

    Maggy

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  114. I'm so very sorry Linda, for your loss. I always enjoyed seeing pictures and reading about Wynonna. She will be sorely missed. Many hugs of comfort to you.

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  115. So sorry to hear of your loss, she was a wonderful part of your family. Best wishes in this painful time. Kate

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  116. Oh, Carson. I'm so sorry to hear this. Just got home from vacation and read about Wynonna. I think you know how much I loved her and heir antics. She will be missed by all her fans. I was one of her biggest fans and will always remember the porcine princess with a I smile. Thank you for sharing her with us.

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  117. So sorry. Don't tell anyone, but the loss of a pet sometimes triggers a more acute grief for me than that of a human loss.

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  118. So sad that all good things must end. Long live the memory of "The Porcine Princess". Savor all of your wonderful memories with your clever girl. She was a treasure! ♥♥♥

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  119. So sorry for your loss of your princess pig. Losing part of the farmily is never easy.

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  120. I am sorry for the loss of Wynonna, an integral part of your family. May your fond memories of the happy years you spend together be a balm to your grief....

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  121. An American in Tokyo7/27/14, 9:18 PM

    So sorry to hear about Wynonna, but I'm sure she lived a great and wonderful and LONG life with you!!

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  122. I am so sorry to hear about Wynonna, she had a very happy life and couldn't have ever asked for a better mom than you. She will be missed not only by you, but all of us who read your blog daily!

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  123. I'm so sorry to hear of Wynonna's passing, she lived a long happy life fit for a princess of her stature. I will miss reading about her wanderings about 7MSN, she always seemed like such the character!

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  124. Goodbye, funny Wynonna. What a great life you had. You were one lucky pig!

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  125. I'm just catching up on the blog and I had to read this post three times because I was so surprised. I'm very sorry for your loss, although I know she lived one wonderful life. I know it's hard to loose such a good friend and such a part of our lives, I"m so grateful you had a good life with her. What a happy girl she was. I loved these pictures and your stories. Sending lots of love to you! She was indeed one lucky and very happy piggie.

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