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May 2
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Lyns McCracken's avatar

Thank you JT. So glad you are here and thank you for taking the time to read and comment. 🙏

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Jen Rez's avatar

What a life Parker's had and is having! Thank you for sharing him generously and letting us in to the intimate transion period.

For me the final months with your dog are everything all at once and everything all at once often equals an overflowing bucket of love. Fecking ruins me in the best wouldn't change for the world kind of way.

Lots of love to you all 💖

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Lyns McCracken's avatar

Thank you my friend. I appreciate you. Thank you for being here. 🩶

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SuddenlyJamie's avatar

This is so, so beautiful, Lyns. Parker is a lucky pup, and you are a lucky person. Seems fated that you would find each other and spread so much joy in the world. I love that you are celebrating his life now. I hope he feels all the love and good will that will be sent his way because of people hearing your words. Thank you for sharing him with us. 💜

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Lyns McCracken's avatar

Thank you so much, Jamie. I am so very grateful. 🥹

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Sue Kusch's avatar

A beautiful celebration and a reminder for all of us to celebrate who and what we love now, rather than later. Thank you!

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Lyns McCracken's avatar

Thank you Sue! This means so much to me. 🩶🩶🩶

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Triana's avatar

Awww, sweetie Parker! I remember your song "every day we're swiffering!" which made me laugh. And I love his adventures in Seattle on his instagram. You two have given him the bestest happiest life. Give him lots of skirtches from me! <3

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Lyns McCracken's avatar

Thank you Friend. I had forgotten about the swiffering. Thank you for your comment.

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Sarah Myles's avatar

Such a gorgeous post detailing your beautiful approach to this very important transition. Parker is a sweetheart, blessed to be wrapped in such love. Thank you for sharing his, and your story - it's an honour to read. Sending love and light to you all. x

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Lyns McCracken's avatar

Thank you so much, Sarah. This is so kind of you! I really appreciate you.

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Cathy Joseph's avatar

Lyns, what an incredible and beautiful tribute to Parker and to your love of each other! I especially loved how he took off and ran as soon as he had his wheels. All that pent up need to run finally unleashed - literally! I am so happy to know you are both enjoying every single day together. That is a blessing.

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Lyns McCracken's avatar

Thank you Cathy! Yes, that was just the coolest moment!! 😍

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Susan Kacvinsky's avatar

Oh Lynns, what a classically handsome pug that Parker is. I've had 3 in my life, all of them black. There is definitely something about the pug personality that makes them emotionally available as support pugs. My May broke my heart when she passed, and I went straight to Pug Nation Rescue and adopted Coco, and 10-year-old spug (that's pug/spaniel). By the end of her life, I was walking her around the neighborhood with a lift harness, front and rear because she couldn't use a wheel chair. Let's just say, I know what you mean about helpful strangers and their comments. We had five great years with Coco before he left us too soon. I both cases, I felt I left the dreaded decision too long because I couldn't bear it. My last was a pug/husky mix who was born at Pug Nation. He died of a bee sting after being in the emergency room all day. That happened a year ago and I'm still not ready to talk about it. All my pugs have been the best dogs, and if I get another one, it'll be from Pug Nation. I remember the twilight you are in now with Parker, as I had that with May. One day she was completely engaged in the project of keeping her alive, and the next she looked up at me, and I clearly heard: "Enough." I was filled with sadness, and she tried her best to make me feel better - in classic pug fashion.

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Lyns McCracken's avatar

Thank you Susan 😭 this is so sweet. I’m sorry for all of your losses and thank you for the tip about pug nation, I’ve never heard of it. The story at the end about your sweet May brought me to tears and I only hope I’m as brave and open to listening as you were when the time comes. I am just not sure but we are meeting with the vet about it on Monday. Hugs to you my friend. Thank you for being here. 🩶🩶🩶

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Susan Kacvinsky's avatar

Hugs to you, your partner and Parker. Parker will lead the way. I know you hear his voice. Love to you all.

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Darragh Lucey's avatar

He’s beautiful. My best wishes for the times to come. I hope you both have joy in it. An animal’s love is a wonderful privilege.

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Lyns McCracken's avatar

Thank you so much, Darragh, I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment.

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Jo-Ann Petrarca's avatar

Oh sweetheart, Parker has the sweetest face. What you’re going through is not easy but you’re doing the right thing for you and Parker. I adore you, such a wonderful person. I wish I could just take you in my arms and hug you tight. Both you and Parker have been blessed to be together. Thank you for sharing such a heartwarming story. Blessings…

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Lyns McCracken's avatar

Aww thank you so much Jo-Ann. Blessings to you too, you are an amazing human. 🥹🩶

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Jo-Ann Petrarca's avatar

I’m human? Who told you that lie 😹…thank you for the lovely comment, you made my Sunday!

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Lyns McCracken's avatar

😄😄😄

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Jo-Ann Petrarca's avatar

I’m Pisces like Parker

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Lyns McCracken's avatar

♓️😊

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corvus coronoides's avatar

its so awesome the way you are handling Parker's move toward the great beyond. i wish i had been able to have such presence of mind when my Izzy was preparing to leave, but i was too... i dunno. one day i will write about her. i have never replaced her for want of a better word, she was just the rarest being, and i know everyone says that, and everyone is right. it is obvious you have given Parker all the love and care he could hope for, that will really be a comfort for you, never forget that. people say the darndest things.

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Lyns McCracken's avatar

I was a mess when my pug Clem passed, I get it. I was absorbed with fighting to keep her rather than listening and appreciating her. I still have my doubts about how we are handling this time around, I don’t think there is any way to go through this without second guessing yourself every moment of everyday. Thank you for sharing your Izzy and your very kind words. I’m so grateful for you. If you ever do decide to write about her, I’d be honored to read it.

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corvus coronoides's avatar

thankyou Lyns, for letting me know i wasnt the only mess in the final chapter. its so true, there is no guidebook, we just have to trust we are in accord with their will. that's two stories i owe you now, i haven't forgotten you would like to know about signs from my dad. truth be told, these will be so difficult to write, i know i need to, you know when you want to do justice to the beings and the events and you just don't know if you have it in you yet. but, i digress. i hope you guys and Parker have some more beautiful days ahead 🍀💚

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Lyns McCracken's avatar

Don’t push yourself to write about anything. When it’s ready, it’ll come out, don’t you think? Hugs to you 🩶

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corvus coronoides's avatar

yes that's definitely how my writing works 🙃 thankyou Lyns🖤

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Kara Westerman (she/her)'s avatar

What a sweetheart! You gave him the best life.

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Lyns McCracken's avatar

Thank you Kara! So grateful for you.

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Amanda Royal's avatar

I loved this. Thanks for sharing. I've been where you're at.

If you haven't seen this story of a Chinese man who rescued a stray mutt while bike riding through Mongolia and Tibet, I think you'd like it, as the dog also ends up on wheels: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAzpkOqkYzQ

It's worth watching beginning to end.

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Lyns McCracken's avatar

Thank you Amanda! This video is so sweet! Thank you for sharing it with me. 🩶

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Marissa's avatar

The Sirens by The Mccranski

My friend I'll walk right at your side

For naught can hold the rising tide

We'll comb the beaches you and me

The Sirens sweetly beckoning

The waters lapping at our feet

Eroding time out from beneath

Our footprints fade and disappear

As if we never ventured here.

Yet many've been this way before

And walked this lovely, lonesome shore

The horizon looming far but near

Time crashing on the cliffs so sheer

And if you tire, I'll carry you

And hold you close as good friends do

Or, if you prefer, we'll sit and rest

I'm in no hurry to end this quest

And as we stroll we'll reminisce

On every hug and every kiss

And in the silences between

I'll be the rock on which you lean

My friend, I won't abandon you

I'll be there till this journey’s thru

To comfort you and ease your fear

To hold you as your time draws near

You see, your love has been a gift

Of which I received the benefit

The love you give is so complete

There is no love that can compete

And while I try not to be sad

The thought of losing you hurts bad

I see the burden that you bear

Your tired limbs and confused stare

If I often sweep you off your toes

kiss your face, your head, your nose

It's because I want to hold you close

While I still can, and you still know.

As the tide waves come ashore

The beach a sliver of what it was before

Your sight is cast on distant sands

You’re destined for another land

Somewhere deep inside I’ll know

When the time has come to let you go

Your home no longer in this place

And only love on your sweet face.

I’ll watch you sail into the blue

Won’t want to take my eyes off you

I’ll leave to make my way back home

And yet I won’t feel all alone

The journey done, the day at end

But I know I'll take this walk again

it's not my first and not the last

I'm familiar with this solemn path

It's a privilege I gladly bear

For Each life I am allowed to share

I love you friend, and when it’s time

I’ll meet you on the other side.

For Gustavo the Great II

AKA Gus

12.07.03 to 11.25.15

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Lyns McCracken's avatar

“If I often sweep you off your toes

kiss your face, your head, your nose

It's because I want to hold you close

While I still can, and you still know”

😭😭😭😭😭

Awww sweet Gus. Thank you for this precious gift. I am speechless. This poem is so beautiful and so are you. I’m really really glad you are here and so grateful for your support. It means the world to me. 🥹🩶

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Kathryn MCCRACKEN's avatar

I love u both——-

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Lyns McCracken's avatar

🫶🩶🫶

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rena's avatar

Awww Lyns, this is a beautiful memory book 🌻 You are completely invested in the moment and this is extraordinary. The three of you know love ❤

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Lyns McCracken's avatar

Thank you so much, Rena! I always wanted to create a memory book to tell his story and I still might, but I figured now is the time to share his story. Thank you so much for reading and commenting. All my love 🩶🩶

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