Eko, my light, died this weekend. The emergency vet did not know what caused my perfectly healthy pup to suddenly collapse. But he is gone and I am shattered. I’ll be back here at some point because there’s so much I need to say and do to honor him, but for right now I just need to hurt.
Ian so sorry for your loss and the pain that the 3 of you are feeling
I am so very sorry. He was a very special boy. Thank you for sharing his life with us.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Oh Will, I am so sorry for you, Emily, Penny and the rest of your family. You are all in my thoughts.
OH my! nooo.. I am so so sorrie. Big huggs for you and your family. My thoughts are with you.
I have no words what can say what I feel…. I only can cry bitter tears with you for your wonderful friend Eko….
Will….I do feel your pain. An untimely death of a pet so beloved as Eko was is devastating. Even to those of us who have only followed you and Eko through Marking Our Territory,
Prayers are with you and your family…….
I’m speechless and sad. I will miss him
Peace to Eko and you. I’m so sorry. Hugs to you.
I am so so sorry for your loss! Words cannot explain what you feel and I’ve been there and I am hre with you to send you light and strength!
i am so very sorry!
OHMG Will: the physical response to your post is that of utter shock and disbelief. Tears are running down my face. I am heart broken – it’s like I knew Eko in person. I haven’t missed any post ever and watched ALL of the videos multiple
Times over the years. There is no easing the pain you feel right now. But I know it too, as many others do. Was there an autopsy to try and understand what killed him???? Oh poor Penny…..
OMP! NNNOOO!!! I just can’t imagine my sweet friend. I am so sorry to hear this. We know your pain. We send major hogs and snout kisses your way – and always a shoulder to lean on. XOXO – Bacon
Oh Dear God NOOOOOOOOOOOO………………………..OMG. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. I keep reloading this page because the top is black……….praying it isn’t Eko. Oh dear God. There is NOTHING. NOTHING that I can say that can even begin to adequately convey the depths of my sorrow. NO. I am in shock, denial. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO NOT EKO!!!!!!!!! Oh Will…………I am crying. My heart is breaking. I just can’t even write. I agree with Easy, i have “bitter tears.” NOOOOOOOO. I am going to Instagram to your page. God I am beyond sorry. I am rambling. I do not have the words. I am sorry from the core of my being. Eko, amazing, patient, loving Eko. NOOOOOOOO. Sending much love and prayers for all of you.
Will, I am so terribly sorry that Eko is gone……it doesn’t seem possible. You made him part of our family and we will miss him terribly.
Oh, Will…I’m so sorry. There are no words.
I’m so sorry! This is unbearable. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Emily, Penny, and your family. My heart is broken, too. Eko was so very special, and I will never forget him.
There are no words. The light has gone out.
I am in tears. This will hurt and ache. Take the time you need to grieve. Someone once said, the depth of your grief mirrors the depth of your love. He was well loved. He loved well.
Will, I am so very sorry for the heartbreaking loss of your beloved Eco. I know how devastating it is. Your words and photos have helped me through my Duncan’s battle with cancer and the inevitable goodbye I had to say. Know that my heart is with you and yours during this incredibly difficult time. ❤ ❤ Rest In Peace sweet Eco. You were one in a million!
Dreadful news. My heart is aching for your family. I’m so very sorry for the loss of such a wonderful friend.
OMG! I can’t believe this is real. We are so very, very sorry for your loss. He was such an awesome dog and you were such an amazing team. We’ve missed seeing him this summer on your break, but that is nothing compared to how much he will be missed by you, Emily and Penny. Our thoughts are with you.
Oh, Will, this is just shattering. I am deeply sorry, so very saddened by this awful news. We all lost him, and the joy he gave, but you of course, bear the greatest, deepest grief of all. I weep with you.
My heart is breaking for you . . . I have no words right now. I’m so very sorry . . .
Shocked and sad. I am so sorry.
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I write this with aching tears running down my face; I can not believe that beautiful graceful creature is gone. My heart aches for you all but mostly for Penny. How can she understand where her beloved big brother is gone. You will have to help her, Will. Hopefully, by comforting her, you can somehow comfort yourself. Emily has a hard road ahead of her. He will always be remembered and missed by so many who never even met him.
Love to you all. He will be sorely missed.
I am so sorry for your loss. He was so loved. I loved seeing and reading about your adventures. Eko had such a full life, you’re one of the best dog owners I’ve ever encountered and I could tell how happy your dogs were. I hope you heal. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Like you, like Emily, like Penny, I’m so sad at the loss of such a wonderful friend. May you all soon be able to think of him with more smiles than tears. Because that amazing boy brought many smiles to us all. And I thank both of you for that.
RIP Eko.
I am so sorry to read this. It is becourse of you and Eco I got my own ridgeback, Kira! Give a big hug to Penny and keep yourself strong for the two you love! Go for a long walk at the beach and let your memories be your compagnon.
Greetje
Oh Will..i have no words..i feel your pain and i cannot make it ho away..please feel my love coming to you all..Bev
Everyone else has said it……..and all of us feel it…….a huge loss but nobody could feel it as intensely as you, Emily and Penny. Our hearts will ache for a very long time for you – Eko was an incredibly adorable, patient, loving and special boy……God must have needed him for something terribly important to take him from you. You have the love of a HUGE community right now but all you want is to grieve – so do it…….you must and need to. We’ll be thinking of you………….
Hugs, Pam (and Sam)
Will, Emily and Penny…….we are in shock….I know you are too and no amount of empathy or sympathy from all of us will help put your hearts back together again. Just know we are thinking of you in this time of extreme sorrow……………we all will miss that extraordinary boy who took a piece of your hearts with him when he left. He was a special pup. But then you know that far better than any of us……….grieve and know you are not grieving alone.
Love, Pam and Sam
Eko had such an impact on so many people from around the world. I have shared so many of his and Penny’s adventures with family and friends for years. God grant you all the strength to get through this horrible time and someday you will look back with tears of joy instead of tears of sorrow and know that Eko will always live in our hearts.
My heart goes out to you. Good dog.
I am truly sorry for your loss. I hope you can find some comfort in the wonderful time you did have together. Xx
I will add my words of sympathy to the others, knowing it is the smallest of gestures. Eko lived a full and wonderful life – loved by so many of us that never met him, sharing your adventures and love. He was a big dog, in all the best ways. Losing Eko is one of the worst things that will ever happen to you in your lifetime, I know. And the physical absence is immense. You will get through this, and you have the wisdom to survive the loss – as well as your remaining two loves. But I too burst into tears hearing this news. You are not alone, and we mourn with you. I am just so sorry you have to go through this pain for Eko, who died much too young. You have already given him the best legacy ever and I know there will be much more to come that will help all of us who ultimately have to say goodby to these wonderful dogs in our lives. I am so very sorry for your loss.
I am so very sorry! There are no words I can add. Such a heartbreak!
It’s hard to stop my flow of tears. The love for your family is far reaching, I hope you can feel it now from all of us who read your blog. Eko has found his way into all of our hearts. I hope you can take some kind of solace in knowing that. I’m so sorry Will
Oh Will – I am so sorry! Words cannot express the sadness. We have followed, shared, laughed and cried over Eko’s exploits and he will be so missed by your community here. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Emily and Penny!
Shana and Hobbes the Vizsla
Wow-shocker. It’s been almost two years and we’re still tearing up over Kyla. We know.
Oh no! I’m so sorry, for all of you.
Oh Will – it was a year ago August that my Harley passed suddenly on a Sunday night at the vet ER. He was 3, a shelter dog that I couldn’t place until I found Ecko, who is his twin. I feel your sorrow implicitly. Sending you prayers, strength and happy mementoes. Our doppelgängers are running free.
I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your wonderful Eko with all of us.
my heart goes out to you. the loss is so much harder when unexpected. cherish the memories…
Will, Emily and Penny,
I have followed you since the beginning. Some days you were the only light in my life. You and Eko touched so many people. Let your memories give you comfort. God speed Eko.
I can’t stop crying. We will not be selfish. Take the time you need.
We love you and your family. Karen, Neeka and Khoi
Oh my gosh…your post took my breath away and now the tears are flowing from a broken heart. There just aren’t words to express the feelings of this loss. Please know you, Emily and Penny are in my thoughts. I’m so very sorry, Will. Eko may be gone but he certainly will not be forgotten. ღ
Eko and you have touched us all. I am so sorry. I don’t understand why things happen, but I wish I could change this for you.
I am very sorry for your loss. Eko was a beautiful dog who will be missed.
Oh Will, I can barely type this because the tears are flowing. As soon as I saw the subject line in my email I knew something was terribly wrong. I, along with everyone else, is shattered by the news. There are no words to express our sorrow at your news. Know that you are not alone in your grief. We all will miss him. Hugs.
The love of a ridgeback is so special. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you and Ekko.
Oh, Will. I can barely write this as the tears are flowing. It’s hard enough when it’s expected at our pups age much faster than we do, but in one still in his/her prime, it’s devastating. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Emily, and Penny. You are not alone in your grief.
Oh Will. This is so heartbreaking for so many of us but nothing compared to your ache of grief. Prayers and healing hugs.
Oh my goodness. I am so, so sorry to hear this. Thank you for sharing him and your adventures with him with all of your readers.
Sharing the sadness of your loss, may your beloved Eko be at peace beyond the rainbow. May you find, in time, peace through his beautiful memories.
Oh my goodness, Will. How dreadful. I’m so sorry to hear your news. I loved hearing about Eko’s adventures. He sounded like a wonderful chap. My thoughts are with you and the family xx
My heart is aching for the three of you left behind with a broken heart and still so much love left to share… Hang in there ❤️!
I am so sorry for this excruciating loss. He is one of those loves that you never get over. he did a wonderful job escorting you to a place of much love. he has been a wonderful transformer for you all. Thank you for sharing the journey with us.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have followed your blog and adventures for years, and I feel terribly sad. Eko always seemed to be having a blast with a good sense of humor. He lived a full life, but not long enough.
Eko brought so much laughter and sunshine to us through your posts. You gave him a great life, and it’s surreal that he is gone so soon. RIP Eko.
I was so shocked and so sad to see this horrible news this morning. My thoughts are with you as I know how awful it is to lose a dog but even worse when they are in their prime. My good friend also lost her beautiful ridgeback in his prime due to bloat and I had always passed on your inciteful posts to her. He was such a beautiful wonderful dog and though I never met him I felt I knew him. I am so sad. My thoughts are with you guys.
Will, we are so sorry for your loss. Like others, my heart sank when I saw the subject line. That heart is now aching for you, Emily and Penny. It’s difficult to type this through tears.
I have been following your blog for years and, through your writing, have come to feel like you all are almost like part of our family. Take the time to grieve. There is no time line for that. Prayers to you, Emily, and Penny. RIP Eko, you were so very well loved.
You were a great owner to him and you did good. Thanks for sharing him with us.
You were a great owner and you did good. Thanks for sharing him with us.
Will, your beautiful Eko – my heart hurts for you and the pain you are experiencing. Prayers for your
strength and comfort
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Eko and can not imagine the pain you are feeling right now. My thoughts are with you, Emily, and Penny at this terrible time. RIP Eko….run fast over the Rainbow Bridge.
Oh Will, Emily, I am SO sorry to hear this.
I’ve been following your family’s adventures for years, from Will and Eko’s travels across the US, your relationships with family, the addition of Miss Penny, your wedding, to Emily’s launch into her job… In other words, I’ve been the grateful recipient of your generosity with your lives. What a great community you’ve created! I am so, so sorry to hear of Eko’s sudden death and wish you all the best as you move through this heartbreaking time.
So so sorry for your sudden loss. You have many loyal readers grieving with you.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss Will and for the excruciating pain you are feeling. Have been thinking about you, Emily and Penny all day and will continue to for days to come as it is such a difficult time for all.
Mark so sad to here I know he will be in your heart for ever.Take care of Penny bigjim
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Peace and comfort to you all. We share in your grief over the passing of this very good dog.
I’m so sorry, my heart goes out to you.
Oh my God Will I am so so so sorry and my heart is breaking for you. There are no words that can ease your pain. Hug Penny hard – she’ll need you too and Emily of course. Thoughts are with you. Rest in Peace Eko – you brought such joy to so many people all around the world. Love you little man.
I am so sorry!!! I know the pain too well. Eko was such a wonderful dog. He and you will meet again at the Rainbow Bridge. Love to you all.
There are no words that I can say to bring you comfort. Please know that you all are in my prayers.
I am so very sorry, lost my beloved “mollie” in June, I certainly feel your pain.
My wife and I wish to give our deepest sympathies to you and your family losing a great friend is never easy remember him fondly remember him often all of our love lee,carolyn and Nami xxx
So very, very sorry for your loss, my heart has ached since the minute the words of your post registered in my brain. We’ve all come to love Eko like one of our own, and we feel your loss resonate in those parts of our hearts that hold the pain of those we’ve lost. Sending you love and comfort, and the hope that you’ll have great joy again when you see the life you captured in words and pictures live forever.
I am so very sorry to read this news. It’s evident through the journey you shared with us that he was not only a wonderful dog but that the two of you shared such a special bond. My heart is in pieces knowing the pain and loss that you feel without your boy. From one Ridgeback lover to another, I wish you and your family many healing thoughts and the eventual return of tear-free days.
So deeply sorry for your unexpected loss. Eko will be greatly missed. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
There is nothing like the love of a good dog. Thank you for sharing that amazing love with all of us.
I hope that peace finds you and Emily and Penny soon. I know it will be a long road, but Eko will guide you, just as he always has.
We will miss you terribly, Mr. Eko. Run free over the bridge, then find all the best sunny places to have your naps. Good boy.
RIP, Eko. You loved well and were well-loved. Prayers for your parents and sister to heal from this unthinkable loss.
Love and licks,
Cupcake and Mom
(u) My heart goes out to you. I cry with you and for you. I have loved your poetic writing about sharing ones life with these beautiful dogs, i could feel your love for them in every word you wrote. You and Eko have made me laugh out loud numerous of times, made me cherish my past and present dog, and, like now, touched deep into my heart and soul. I remember your tribute ‘about a dog’, it was beautiful. I am so sorry for your loss. For your pain. It brings back memories, i suffered a similar loss with my first RR love. They are so special to us. It took me four years to dare to love like that again. And the fear of loosing again is always there. But I hope that your love for Eko , your many fun and heartwarming memories, will help you in your grief. Love from K & Vega
Will, Austin just told me. I am so very sorry. There is nothing I can say which will diminish the pain. I know how special he was and know from my own experience what a large hole this leaves. For now, just know how much your shared experiences brought joy to many… we will all miss him.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have been reading about Eko for years. He will be sadly missed.
I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. Your special boy will be missed by all his fans. Warm hugs to you, Emily and especially Penny.
So sorry to even have to read this post and my heart sank as just this weekend I was looking forward to the next post from you guys. My heart is broken as I know yours, Emily & Penny’s are too! Please accept my deepest condolences to you all! And EKO will stay in our hearts forever! RIP EKO
How can I even respond? This news has taken my breath away and overwhelmed me with disbelief and sorrow. As many, I have followed you and your family since the very beginning. It was so easy to get attached and now it’s so hard to let go. I’m always relating your stories to others who probably think it strange I could speak so personally about a family I’ve never actually met. I myself find it totally normal to feel close even through stories, pictures and videos. Yes, I grieve with you, Emily and Penny. Yes there is a sudden sharp and horrible emptiness. And yes I wish I could put my arms around you all, not just for your comfort and peace, but also for my own. I shed my own tears for you and hope for your healing, and when your heart is healed enough to let us all in again, I will be waiting to pick up where we left off and continue participating in your life and stories, always with wonderful memories of Eko to make me laugh and feel good again.
Will I am so so sorry to hear about Eko: I read this and am crying with you, for Eko, for the pain you and Emily have, for the loss and bewilderment Penny will be feeling, for the ridgebacks and other dogs I have lost and for the pain they leave behind.
As so many others I’m writing through tears. There is nothing I could possibly say that makes Eko’s loss less painful. Sending you, Emily and Penny all the love in the world!
Oh no, no, no. I’m crying. Hugs. No words.
I heard about Eko on one of the ridgeback pages I follow on FB. The news took my breath away. And then the tears came. The ridgie community grieves with you, Will. We understand your heartbreak, pain and profound shock. We are with you in spirit, if that is any comfort at all during this horrible time.
When we decided to get our first ridgie, my husband found your videos and we watched every single one. Often more than once, even! From you and your pups we learned what to expect from the amazing dog that would soon come our way. We now have two ridgebacks that we love more than anything. Thank you, Eko and Penny for inspiring us with your most amazing relationships.
There is no loss like that of a best pal, a dog. The pain is profound. Been there. If I had any healing words for you, I would give them, but you have to go thru what you have to go thru. Be mad, be sad, be angry, be irrational, be a little crazy. Every feeling is OK, however painful.
Take care, Will, Penny and Emily. And Eko, rest in peace, and look over your family. They love you and will miss you until you meet again. And it will be beautiful.
My heart is heavy today. Sigh.
Dear Will, Emily, & Penny,
Please know & feel all the love your audience has for you & all you’ve done for Mr. Eko & Penny! Eko lived the epitome of a dog’s life that would take four times as long for a regular dog to live. I’m crying now and have been off & on since my father called & told me. I’m in complete shock. I began sharing your blog with my dad last year & it’s brought us closer. So thank you on so many levels, but I just thought you should know how much I appreciate your insights and can only imagine the hurt you feel. You & yours are not alone – my hope is time heals your broken heart soon & softly.
Warmly,
René & “Chi-Chi”
Chelmsford, MA
We will hold you and your family in our thoughts. Rest in peace, sweet Eko.
Will, I am so very sorry for your loss, made all the more awful for its suddenness. Eko lived such a beautiful and blessed life. Thank you for sharing his light with us. Holding you and your family in my heart.
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My heart sank when I read this sad news. Will and Emily, we are so sorry for your shocking loss .We loved him and Penny.
RIP Mr Eko,we will miss you.
Clio the Ridgeback and family
Thinking of you and Emily during this time of loss, you are in my thoughts and prayers. What devastating news no one wants to hear. Hugs my friend!
So sorry to hear about your loss. Such a painful experience that I’ve known all too well his year. Your crazy videos of your pups was part of what helped me thru my sadness as I missed my girls. We each mourn in our own way and you will find your way through this darkness in your own time.
Oh my gosh. Will, I am so sorry! This is awful, and I don’t really know what to say, except that you take all the time you need. We understand. Go ahead and hurt. We will be here for you for when you want to talk about it. My prayers will be with you and your family. ❤️❤️❤️
OMG I cannot believe this is true.I am so sorry and have no words to help.My heart breaks for you and with you and your wife.
Oh geez……I am at a loss for words. My heart is heavy after reading your post. This happened to a friend a few years ago and she is still devastated. God bless you and yours………and God bless Echo.
Will .. Emily .. Penny .. so very sorry for your loss. It is very hard news indeed. Mr Eko will be missed.
Granny and I are so deeply sorry for your loss. We didn’t know Eko, but we know how you feel :'( Soft Pawkisses to comfort you. RIP sweet Eko <3 <3 <3
Oh no. What an awful, unexpected shock. I don’t know what to say.
Eko galloped his way into my heart last year when I was searching for what to expect from my new (and first) Ridgeback puppy, Kaira. Each new adventure he enjoyed was greeted with laughter and joy in our house. I loved him and I’m crying with you for his loss. We will miss him.
Hugs from me and sympathetic puppy licks from Kaira. xxxx
Dear Will, Emily and Penny
You have given so much pleasure to your followers and we’ve loved reading about your fantastic adventures. We’ve rejoiced in your ups and shared your pain during the downs.
Your handsome, loyal, loveable Eko has gone far too soon and we’re all grieving with you .
Please take some comfort that your fellow ridgeback owners are thinking of you. We’ve all been through the loss and will inevitably have to go through it again . X
Oh my gosh I am so so sorry for your loss. We’re sending love and prayers your direction, and if there’s anything we can do from afar, let us know.
Will & Emily: I am in complete shock. Just stunned. When I read the post on the POTP site saying that Eko passed, I felt my heart stop and drop into my stomach. I really don’t even have words other than the super cliched I am SO SO SO incredibly sorry. Take your time and we’ll be here waiting for you when you come back. Love, Samantha (Noodle’s Mom)
There are no words. Just know we all hurt with you. So sorry for your loss Will.
Will, Emily, Penny,
I can not even begin to imagine how you feel amongst such a traumatic loss. If someone took my Strider away I would be so distraught. So please know you have my prayers. I hope y’all and Penny transitioning smoothly through such a incredible change.
The three of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Be sure to take care of each other.
Jamie
This is such shocking and heartbreaking news. I can barely believe it. My heart thoroughly hurts for you, your wife, and Penny. I have grown attached to Eko over the years. My heart truly hurts for you. I know we don’t know each other and I’m sure you have a large network of support where you are, but if you need anything, I would like to help in any way I can. I know I would appreciate any support when my time comes.
Oh no, I am so, so, sorry!!! The hurt is world shattering when you lose your fur buddy. Your hurting heart will heal eventually, but in the mean time hold on to his sister. She will be grieving also. I’m sending my most heartfelt sympathy.
Karen Boone
Will- I’m deviststed and can only imagine through empathy how you must feel. Or more likely you’re now numb and may be feeling a bit lost. Your talent with words and love and passion for Eko and Penny brought hundreds of smiles to my face and now tears. The words I’m sorry cannot convey the sadness I feel for you and you’re wonderful family. The human spirit is almost as strong as a dog’s so I know, in time, you’ll be fine as will Emily and Penny. And Penny- somehow you need to fill the void she must feel but not understand right now. Focus on her.
Take care, heal, and I’ll be here to read about your ongoing journey when you’re ready.
Mike
My condolences to you and your Wife and Penny. I didn’t know Eko personally but through your writings and photos I feel like I did. I can’t even begin to imagine how hard it is to lose a much loved family member without warning. He is in a good place now free from any pain and I am sure he will always be around in spirit watching over his family.
I started crying when I read the first sentence. Through your writing, photos, and videos that I’ve gotten to enjoy the last few years, I felt like Eko was partially my dog too, even though we never met. This blog is already such a wonderful tribute to Eko and his relationship with you. You’re fortunate to have such a well-documented journey that covers the big adventures, the little moments, and everything in between that you two shared. My thoughts are with you, Emily, and Penny.
Will:
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I was in Chicago a few weeks ago and was able to walk the beach and thought of you, Eko, and Penny. Your stories of Eko have helped me be more thankful for my wonderful gift of life with my dog and family. I hope to get to ND soon and will light a candle at the grotto for you and your family.
Glenn
I read this news days ago but was so full of sadness for you all that I couldn’t comment. I am so sorry that you have lost Eko. He was the luckiest pup in the world to spend his time with you.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I enjoyed following Eko’s adventures. I hope soon the great memories you have of him will be stronger than the sadness.
Oh Will, I am so sorry for your loss. And I’m shocked to read this. Eko was such a healthy, happy dog, I cannot believe this happened. My heart bleeds for you, I know how much Eko meant to you and how much you loved him. I’m in tears for you. Our prayers are with you.
I am sorry. I cannot stop crying. I hope that in time you feel a little bit healed. Eko was an absolute gem, one of a kind and a beautiful soul. Every day through your writing I loved him more and more. We never will understand why these things happen. We can only hope that our children lived a happy, full life. And yours did. You gave him love, happiness and a good good life.
Wow! I was just reading your ‘why do you get out of bed?’ blog post and my mind went numb… Confused? What am I reading? Eko? Gone? I am SO sorry for your unexpected loss. I know you only from this, your blog yet am a kindered spirit in DOG. I feel compelled to send my sincerest condolences to you… I give my beloved mexi-mutt an extra hug & light a candle in Eko’s honour. So sorry fellow dog lover… So sorry… Be well.
“I am so sorry for your loss” just doesn’t seem like enough to say about Eko’s death. I found your blog the week you started on your incredible journey with that extraordinary soul. I was so excited to see what you two would do next. I have followed as you grew up together, got married, moved, and adopted Penny. I grieve with you and all of your followers. From my pack to yours, we are sorry for your loss.
Our heart is broken with you. What great sadness. He was Avery special companion. – your friends at DogDaz