18 Comments
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Kreg's avatar

I lost my nine year old rescue dog this year, Justin. He had some health problems when we rescued him at a year old but we mostly managed to overcome them knowing long term they might rear up again. It happened so fast we felt cheated of the time we were counting on, so I very much feel your pain about not being ready. My heart goes out to your family, especially your little ones.

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Michael Rost's avatar

I love the story of Pixel. Thanks for sharing.

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Audrey Pauwels's avatar

I just ran across a picture book called "bear island" by Matthew Cordell at our library. It's a really beautiful portrayal of coping with the loss of a pet (although in the story it's a dog). Your girls are older but picture books are for everyone. Warning: it will make you cry

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Brandon Kerr's avatar

Oh, by the way, thank you for answering the question about ZaDarius . Makes a lot of sense when you think about the financial implications. Just hope he goes to the AFC.

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Brandon Kerr's avatar

My wife would absolutely love the coloring of your cat pixel. We’ve got a Torty who’s looks like a regular tabby cat but she’s got coloring similar to that. She’s about 13 years old and she is an absolute diva.

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Bob Kaminski's avatar

Thanks for sharing your story about Pixel. We had to say goodbye to our cat Kenny, who was 18+ years old, three weeks ago. Our kids grew up with Kenny; and while he lived a great life, losing him absolutely sucks. That’s the tough part about having pets in your home- despite the many years of joy, we understand the grief that will be experienced when they leave us.

Awesome work and insights shared through the mail bag!

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kwasny.james10@yahoo.com's avatar

Having a cat or dog adds to the quality of every day. Enjoy them.

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Ken Almas's avatar

Dude, I feel your pain.

Whoever you get to fill that void, you’re gonna love them just as much. It’s hard to concentrate on loss when this other thing requires your attention right now.

The only way to deal with falling off the saddle is to get right back on it…unless you broke something. ;)

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John Ruder's avatar

What a great story about your cat. I wish more people would adopt cats. So many are GREAT companions and so loving and affectionate. Keep up the good work with your publication.

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Brian Mullins's avatar

Pets break your heart but totally worth it.

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Dank Amble's avatar

Sounds like Pixel is wearing a gold jacket.

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Joe's avatar

Sorry about your loss Justin. It sounds like Pixel was an awesome part of your family. Hope there is some consolation that Pixel had 15 great years.

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Jamelle Cooper's avatar

I'm a dog owner and I get irrationally emotional even time I even think about the inevitably of outliving my dogs. I've already declared that they'll be my last pets. I don't want so much as a gold fish after their time is done. My lab had a bout with a fungal infection that almost killed him, but 11 months (and more than $6000 later) he's gotten a clean bill of health. But he permanently lost vision in his left eye.

I'm not sure whybi shared all of that, but thanks for sharing you pet story, Justin. I'm sure it wasn't easy. I'm very sorry for your loss.

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Jamelle Cooper's avatar

Inevitability*

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Justin Rogers's avatar

Because we're social creatures at heart and it's cathartic to share our experiences.

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Evan's avatar

You left some wiggle room (smart!) saying almost certainly the Lions wouldn't resign the six players listed. I think there is a much better chance of it happening.

Where I really disagree is the notion that the Lions might become the Saints. There is plenty of room to resign all these guys, play it out for 3-5 years, and then bite the bullet for a year on the cap. This is what teams in a Super Bowl contention window should do.

The Saints problem is they are propping up a bad team to be mediocre. The Lions aren't anywhere close to that.

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lionsfan54's avatar

It got dusty in my office when I read about Pixel. At first I was like "meh, someone else's pet" then I read the origin story and that made it hit home. I'm sorry for your loss. sucks.

I did laugh at you being able to take that cat on due to a "roster opening" though.

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Julian Swearengin's avatar

Thank you for sharing the story of Pixel; I can just picture him hopping on your couch for the first time. Losing pets is awful, but loving them is so worth it.

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