Saturday, September 16, 2017

The story wasn't supposed to end this way


A vet came to the ranch Wednesday afternoon to examine Lucy. Since she wasn't eating
at that point, he thought it best that we haul her to town. We got her loaded in the trailer
and to the clinic, where she received liters of IV fluids that night and the next day, 
but she succumbed to whatever was ailing her and died late Thursday night.
A necropsy is being done, and I can only hope that a conclusive cause of death will be found.
Not knowing what took her away from us only adds to the heartbreak.


137 comments:

  1. Oh no, I'm so sorry for your loss.

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  2. I just saw that Justina changed her profile pic and I was afraid that is was "in memory" of so I came straight here. I am sobbing. I know words cannot even express what you and the herd are feeling. Sending hugs and prayers and tears. Thank you for sharing Lucy with us. To say she will be greatly missed is an understatement. Love to you all.

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  3. So very sorry. Hugs to all of you.

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  4. Heartbroken. and heartsick for your lose. God bless beautiful Lucy. I'm so very very sorry Linda.

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  5. I'm so sorry. What a lovely life she was. My thoughts are with you.

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  6. I'm so sorry :-(

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  7. I am so,so sorry for your loss. Lucy was an elegant and beautiful creature and she will be missed by all of us who follow your adventures. My heart goes out to you in your time of grief. Take care.

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  8. I am so sorry for you. The not knowing hurts,

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  9. I'm so sorry. She was a great gal.

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  10. Linda, like everyone else, I have been checking your blog daily, hoping for some good news. Instead, you just got the world's worst news. I am crying for you. And for Lucy. There is nothing anyone can say to make this better. I hope you know deep down in your heart that you gave Lucy the very best life she could have. I hope you have someone to be with you during this very difficult time.

    With love from a VERY long time blog reader,

    Marty in North Carolina

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  11. Oh Lucy! You were so beloved!

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  12. Oh, no, not your beautiful girl Lucy. I am so very sorry Carson.

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  13. Linda, I am so sorry. There is nothing else I can say. xoxo Oma Linda and all of the CUckoos of the Casa

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  14. Just broken hearted with you.Devastating...is all I can say. Sending you prayers and hugs. Lisa G in TN

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  15. My heart is breaking for you....She was your best friend, your child, your side-kick...Rest in peace, Lucy.

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  16. I have followed your blog for awhile not. I am so deeply sorry for you. If I could, I'd reach out and give you a hug.

    KP

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  17. i am so very sorry.

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  18. Northern AB gal9/16/17, 4:02 PM

    My sincerest condolences. There are no words to take away the pain, I only know that it does lessen with time. My heart is breaking for you. Hopefully the necropsy will provide some answers.

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  19. Oh, no! Like others, I've been following your story and hoping to see that Lucy was beginning to recover. I know nothing about donkeys or their health issues, so I couldn't imagine that she would not begin to slowly get better. You have been such a fighter for her. She and you were gallant buddies. I am so sorry for your loss.

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  20. Oh, so very sad for you. Losing one of our family, critter or otherwise, is always so heartbreaking. So sorry for your loss, Carson. Sending hugs from Indiana.

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  21. My heart hurts for you. Sending love and prayers to you. xo

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  22. I am heartbroken for you and the herd. Beautiful Lucy you will be so missed.

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  23. I am so so sorry. This is not what I was expecting. She was a very special donkey -- to all of us readers. You are right; it wasn't supposed to end like this. Hugs.

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  24. There are no words for this loss. I am more sorry than words can say. Lucy was an angel . . . is an angel now. Lucy's absence will cast a huge shadow on 7MSN. Please take good care of yourself and allow a good friend to be with you in your grief. Becky

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  25. Unspeakable sorrow...no words. Brokenhearted for all of you. Sending love,hugs...

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  26. This breaks my heart. So sorry for your loss :(

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  27. I am just crushed reading this. I am so very, very sorry for the loss of beautiful Lucy.

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  28. I am so very sorry. this is heartbreaking.

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  29. Oh Carson you must be heartbroken. Lucy was very special and we all loved her. I'm so sorry for you and her and her four footed friends. She will be missed by all. It wasn't supposed to end like this, I can't believe it.

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  30. I'm so sorry you lost Lucy. My hearts hurts for your loss. She was a star I always loved reading about.

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  31. Very, very, very sorry for your loss.

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  32. Oh, no, no, no! Your beloved Lucy...I am so sorry and sad for you. I loved her from afar. Your videos from atop Lucy's back on a ride were some of my favorites. My condolences, Linda, Lucy was a wonder.

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  33. I am so sad to hear this. Lucy was a treasure and I know how much you two loved each other. I am so very sorry for your loss and heartache.

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  34. So sorry, Lucy was such a beautiful girl, hugs be sent your way.

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  35. Our thoughts are with you. Thank you so much for sharing beautiful Lucy with us all these years.

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  36. How sad! I am so sorry for your loss. I'll bet this was a terribly hard post to write. You have great memories of Lucy and lots of videos and pics, too. We'll miss her on your blog. So sorry.

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  37. I am so sorry, Linda. My heart hurts for you.
    Linda D. in Tucson

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  38. I'm so very, very sorry to hear this. I'm a longtime fan and follower and my heart just aches for you. Rest In Peace, sweet Lucy.

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  39. So very, very sorry for your loss. Through your blog, I came to feel like I knew and loved Lucky as a friend who always made me smile. Gentle hugs to you and to George and Alan who will surely miss her too. Jean B.

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    Replies
    1. Oops - LUCY! Damn autocorrect and tears in the eyes so I didn't notice it. So sorry. Jean

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  40. My heart aches for you and your babies. Lucy was a joy and we will all miss her so very much. Prayers for comfort and strength for you. Please take care.

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  41. I am so sorry. I am thankful she had the last years of her life with you. She was well loved.

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  42. No, no, no, no, no! I am so saddened to hear of the loss of Queen Lucy. My heart aches for you.

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  43. I am so, so sorry. I feel like I knew her just from reading your posts and seeing your beautiful pictures. xoxoxoxoxo

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  44. I am so very sorry for your loss.

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  45. This is such a beautiful picture of her.
    I don't know the words that can even begin to convey the depth of her loss. She was so lucky to have you as her ranch mama, Carson. My heart grieves with yours, my friend.

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  46. Oh WOW! I'm so sorry to hear that Carson. I send my condolences. While all of us will miss her, I'm sure all of our heartache added together will be only a tiny fraction of your suffering. Please hug the other two all the more for us (and for you).

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  47. Heartbreaking.

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  48. I don't have the words to describe how terribly sad this is. It's especially sad for you, of course, but also is sad for George and Alan. And for us, your extended family. We've loved Lucy from the day she arrived from Estella's in Colorado. I hope you can feel our hugs from afar. And I hope the necropsy gives you the answers you need. ((((HUGS))))

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  49. I have no words to add to all that has been said about your wonderful friend. She will be missed by all of us. Hugs to you and the burro boys.

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  50. Michelle from Vancouver9/16/17, 9:11 PM

    I wish I had words to make this better? Lucy was such a favourite...putting up with the rambunctious boys with great dignity. Always enjoyed your videos that you and Lucy made of the adventures in ranch land.
    I was checking in each day hoping for the best....as we all were.
    So sorry.

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  51. I'm so sorry for your loss. :(

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  52. Heartbroken, yet my heart is full of love for you, Lucy, and all your/our precious babies. XOXO

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  53. So sorry Carson. Sending love. She had a wonderful life with you.

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  54. I share your sorrow, I am so sorry for you all

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  55. I am so sad for you. Lucy was so special, and such a part of your heart. It isn't fair. It isn't supposed to end this way, so soon. I lost my special one way too early as well. It's such a rip-off, losing all those years when we were supposed to grow older together. But I like to picture them frolicking, unencumbered by their failed & painful bodies, full of joy in sunlit pastures, just beyond our reach.

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  56. Lucy and you made each others life so good and filled with fun. I'll always remember the stories of your rides, the complete trustworthiness of her. The way she used to carry a cow's carcass, her ginormous ears, the sweetness of her lips.
    Grieve long and hard, Carson, we're here for you.
    Xxx
    Els from Amsterdam

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  57. So very, very sorry. She will be missed, but forever remembered in our hearts. Huge loss. My condolences.

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  58. Reading this news was such a shock - - such a heartrending loss of your lovely Lucy. Words never really suffice at a time like this I know but I want to convey my sorrow at her passing. Her's was a light that shone so bright at the 7MSN. Take heart in the many memories you have of her. Rest in Peace Sweet Lucy.

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  59. No this can't be, my heart breaks for you. Thank you for sharing your Lucy with us, I hope that knowing how much she was cared for brings you some comfort at this awful time. Hugs to the boys.

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  60. Diane K. Eastern NC9/17/17, 4:46 AM

    My heart hurts for you. I know, first hand, there are no words to ease the grief you are feeling. Many of us who read your blog have been where you are right now. My hope for you it that the good memories you made with Lucy will soon comfort you and bring smiles back to your face. Sending love and hugs to you and your boys.

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  61. So, so sorry ... 😢😢😢

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  62. I was so sad to read about Lucy. Heartfelt condolences. I will miss her.

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  63. Oh, I'm so very very very sorry :(- Karen from Rochester, NY

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  64. I am so sorry.....my heart is grieving.

    Laurie

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  65. I am so sorry for your loss.

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  66. I'm so sorry... my heart hurts for all of you. This is a terrible loss.
    Lee Anna

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  67. Oh dear ... no, it was NOT suppose to end this way at all, Linda. OMG ... I was so afraid it would come to this but hoping beyond hope it would NOT! :'(
    Thanks for letting us know ... I am so very sorry for you and the rest of the gang!

    Love & Hugs from CO ... Marcia

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  68. Oh, Carson. This is HEARTBREAKING. Truly awful and horrific news. It sucks. SUCKS!

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  69. I am so so sorry. My heart hurts for you.

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  70. My deep sorrow for your loss. Lucy was a special companion.

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  71. OH NO, such a sweet face, such a sweet girl. I 'm so sorry.

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  72. Oh, Carson, this is heartbreaking news. All of us here send big hugs and condolences for this huge loss. I hope you get answers for your own peace of mind. In my mind she was, as our Salina was for us here, the heartbeat of your farm. It is so so hard to lose these special girls. So very very sad.

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  73. Oh no. Oh no.... I am so sorry. She was such a good girl. Sending much sympathy.

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  74. I am heartbroken to read this :( I hope you get some answers and that it helps ease some of the pain...

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  75. This is so sad. I feel for you and the boys who will miss her dearly.

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  76. I am so sorry. My heart hurts for you. She was a joy to know even second hand.

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  77. Linda, no words. I'm sorry for your loss and the empty place left in your life and heart.

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  78. karenk in Portland9/17/17, 10:49 AM

    Words seem so inadequate to express how sorry I am that this happened. I know this will be a tough time for you and all of the furry friends she left behind. All of us faithful readers are here for you as you heal.

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  79. I'm so sorry, I loved the posts of the two of you going on your adventures to retrieve bone art. Lucy was such an amazing girl, so sweet and ruler of the gang. Sending positive thoughts to the 7msn gang for healing.

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  80. I am so sorry!!

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  81. http://thedancingdonkey.blogspot.com/2017/09/flowers-for-lucy.html

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  82. Linda I am so sorry for your loss and heart break

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  83. Oh no no no. I'm so very sorry for you, Linda. I have no more words, just overwhelming sorrow.

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  84. Lucy was special to all of us we will all miss her. She will be in our hearts forever. So sorry, Linda.

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  85. She was such a special girl. Being adopted by you was the best thing ever! My deepest sympathies on the passing of Lucy.

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  86. My thoughts and sympathy are with you and the boys.
    The story was not supposed to end this way, but chapter after chapter of Lucy's life were brimming with beauty, joy, laughter and love.
    May your sweet girl Rest In Peace.

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  87. Heartbreaking. Lucy, we will miss you so much.
    Carson, sending you and the rest of the gang, lots of love and virtual hugs.

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  88. My heart breaks for you and the rest of the gang for your loss.

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  89. Heartbreaking...prayers for your comfort.

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  90. I'm so very sorry.Been following your critters for years and I cry with you every time one is lost.They sure make a mark on our hearts. I hope you get a big hug today.She was a very special girl.

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  91. I am crying with you right now. Take care, and stay strong.

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  92. So so sorry to hear this...dear sweet Lucy 🙏❤️😢

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  93. May she dance among the clouds.... so very sorry...

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  94. Oh my....I didn't expect this. �� Tears for you and the gang. You were such the perfect mama. I'm so sad...

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  95. Lovely Lucy had a lovely life with you and the 7MSN crowd. She'll be missed by all her fans she never met. All my best to you, Linda.

    Sam in Texas

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  96. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. There are no words to express the pain you and the boys are feeling. Lean on each other for the grieving and eventual healing process.

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  97. Lucy was a special girl. So sorry Carson

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  98. Oh this is just too hard. My heart goes out to you, Carson - you lost your sweet your girl! So very sad.
    Christina from Albuquerque

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  99. Lucy will be forever in our memories.
    Thank you Lucy.
    Thank you Linda and the gang, you're her best company.

    J, longtime reader from halfway around the world.

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  100. There are no words .....

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  101. Not this way, not so very, very much too soon. Sweet, lovely Lucy, your most excellent trail companion - what a huge loss. My heart aches for you, Carson. I hope you get the answer(s) you need.

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  102. I am so sorry. All my love and prayers are with you at this time.

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  103. Heartbroken in NY. So, so sorry for your loss...I surely hope they have some answers for you. God speed, dear Lucy, you were loved more than you know.

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  104. I am just gutted by the news of Lucy's passing. Hugs and condolences.

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  105. I'm so sorry to be reading this. I feel devastated and i never met her, i can't imagine how you feel. SO So Sorry.

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  106. oh honey, I am so sorry....I have no more words, only tears

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  107. Oh Linda I'm so sorry. I'm sitting at my desk at work and the tears are welling up. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
    Lynda in Michigan.

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  108. I am so very sorry for your loss. Your writing brings the personalities of your animals to life for those of us far away from the ranch, and Lucy was clearly such a special girl. She will be missed - by you and by many of us out here in blogland. My heart goes out to you.

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  109. My heart is breaking for you.

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  110. Lucy sounded like a wonderful girl. Sorry for your loss.

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  111. I am so, so, truly sorry to read this. Lucy was a wonderful companion, and I wanted you all to have a lot more time together. Sending a big hug across state lines.

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  112. OMG! Linda, I have lost 2 beloved horses...Beauty to a freak accident and my little Cali to colic. I have 4 left. I am not rescuing any others. They will live out the rest of their days with me. (((BIG HUG)))

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  113. Oh no. I am speechless. I am so so sorry.

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  114. My heart aches for you and I am heartbroken at her passing. I have so very much enjoyed her antics for years. sorry I missed this post. we have been off line for 8 days from hurricane Irma.. RIP sweet sweet Lucy. hugs to you and your dear beloved kids that will miss her so much

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  115. Oh no, I am so, so, so sorry to hear about her passing :( She has been such an amazing animal, I can't believe she is gone. I hope that the necropsy gives you the closure you deserve so much. I am so sorry.

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  116. I am so sad to know that Lucy is dead, and gone from you and all of us. What a terrible sorrow. Sending you warm thoughts from Harlem, NY. Oxo

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  117. No.no.no. Aunt Jean

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  118. So very very sorry to hear this. Donkeys take our hearts with them when they go.

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  119. so heartbroken....so very sorry for your loss. Lucy was beautiful.

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  120. So very sorry.

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  121. I am so, so sorry Linda. For years now, you and your herd have touched my heart all the way up here in northern Canada. We are thinking of you and in some small way, sharing in your loss. My heart is broken for you. Lucy will be missed as much as she was cherished. Hugs.

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  122. I was just floored when I opened your blog and read the news of Lucy's passing. I love the stories you tell of the three of your herd. I remember the blog when you first got Lucy and it seems like it was just the other day.. Oh my... I'm at a loss for words. Just know that you touch so many hearts with your love of your family. Thank you for sharing with us. Prayers for Lucy in heaven and for you.
    God bless you
    Lea

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  123. So terribly, terribly sorry.

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  124. I am so very sorry. Lucy was a special girl. Hugs from Texas.

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  125. Carson, I can't even... I'm just so sorry. Much love to you and to Alan and George, who must be missing her too. xxx

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  126. I just can't put into words how sorry I am. Beautiful, precious, wonderful and treasured Lucy.

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  127. So so sorry for your loss. If it brings me to tears I can't imagine your sorrow. RIP sweet Lucy.

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  128. I am so very sorry for your loss. RIP precious Lucy. xo

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