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Gracie the Resilient Princess
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Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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31 August 2021 - 5:55 pm
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You have definitely  reached Enlightened  Soul status with your words of wisdom.  Yes, you are loving Gracie and that is exactly  why she is with you.  

With every relationship with our dogs, we alternate between student  and teacher with our dogs.  Gracie taught you all ahe wants os to be loved at rhis point in her life.  And you are giving her that experience, that's for sure♥️  You are focusing  on what you CAN control and that is such a valuable and definitely  making the best out of a tough situation.   

And along the way, you have given Hrqxie the care she needs so she CAN IMPROVE!  We can see it kn jer video.  The difference  in just a few days is definitely  noticeable.    Four blocks!!!!   To me, that is very impressive even for a "dit" senior dog!

As Paula said, "You are a special, special lady'"♥️

Hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

PS. Watched the videos twice.  Not only did I notice a vit more "pep in her step" in the second one, big I noticed her tail jad more "wag" to it.  The first it seemed the "wag" was more about balance and to aide more jn her gait.

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

On The Road


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31 August 2021 - 8:00 pm
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my new mantra is this – It is not my job to fix Gracie, it is my job to love her.

WOW! YESSSS!!!!

There is so much power in that mantra, on so many levels. Your strength is being passed over to her during every waking moment. She feels it, and it shows. 

I'm so proud of you Stacy. It takes so much courage to do what you are doing for her. BRAVO! smiley_clap

And no, you're not alone, you're stuck with us! 

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

New York, NY
Member Since:
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2 September 2021 - 3:11 pm
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Gracie passed away peacefully this afternoon.  While she had improved in her ability to walk since last week, she never recovered the ability to get up on her own.  Last night she started limping on her front left leg and this morning she was unable to bear weight on it at all.  She was listless, disinterested in food, and had great difficulty toileting outside.  I let the recue know that I thought it was her time and they agreed, graciously allowing me to bring Gracie to my vet this afternoon.  Before that, we took a walk to Gracie’s favorite spot in Griffin’s park where she could see the Hudson River and enjoy the sunshine and cool breezes.

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I know I did everything I could to make Gracie’s final months joyful, safe, and loving.  My heart aches for the loss of her gentle, loyal spirit, but in her eyes I could see that it was time for her to go.  My heart also aches for the family that surrendered her in July.  They may not have had the resources to care for her medically, but based on how well-trained and sweet she was, I know they must have loved Gracie very much and not knowing what became of her must be agonizing for them.

As challenging as our time together was occassionally, I do not regret for one second taking Gracie into my care.  And while some common medical issues with Griffin brought up painful memories, I am so very grateful that my experiences with Griffin made me a better advocate for Gracie, including knowing when her quality of life was compromised to the point where I needed to let her go peacefully and pain free.

Gracie met so many of my family, friends, & neighbors, experienced Beaver Creek in Pennsylvania, and took long walks in the park almost every day.  I am thankful to have shared such fun times with Gracie and I will hold her in my heart forever.  May her memory be a blessing. sp_hearticon2

Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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2 September 2021 - 9:56 pm
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When I first saw a "new" post on this thread, tears started flowing.  I knew.

To take Gracie into your heart and home so fully, knowingmtheir would be grief and sadness as Gracie's health issues unfolded.  Your emotions  are still raw from the loss of Griffin and you knew you would be facing  hurt all over again as Gracie's earth journey was ending. 

You are such a beautiful  Soul Stacy.  You stayed fully focused on loving  and caring  for Gracie, while your heart still jas some healing to do..  Gracie did help you heal your heart though.   You were born to love and to receive  the beautiful  love dogs have to give.  You needed Gracie and she needed you.

Yes, you. got the dog you "needed"....and Gracie got the hooman she needed......and wanted♥️

You do get what these few months together were about.  Far more than just "fostering'.    Gracie still had purpose and lessons to teach when she came into your life.    

The picture and video you shared so sweet.  Yea, her eyes show she's at peace and content and ready for her journey.  Ahe knows she's done her mission.....and got to  be loved and spoiled while doing it.

,Maybe when you are up to it you could track down her previous  owners.  I'm sure there is a record trail.  You can have someone contact them indirectly on your behalf to let them know she was loved and happy.  And the "surrender" could not have gone to a more  PERFECT home.  She was happy.

While she was sniffing the breezes, I have no doubt she picked up Griffin's scent as his energy was coming  to surround her for her journey back home.

What you have done for Graciie is worthy of a Purple Heart given out for the brave who do whatever it takes top save another,  regardless of the cost.

Safe journey sweet Gracie.  Our earth time with you was short, but our love for you was instant and deep.

With love

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Green Bay, WI


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3 September 2021 - 8:49 am
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Like Sally, when I saw the new post, I had a sinking feeling even before I read it.icon_cry So sorry Gracie's story played out this way, but so overwhelmingly grateful that she travelled her final journey with you. I don't know if I could've been as brave. Her pictures and video do indeed show a gentle soul, at peace.....what more can anyone ask for? Thank you for being her biggest advocate, and for opening your heart to her, even as yours may not have been fully healed from the loss of Griffin. You know those 2 met up in heaven, and shared stories about their wonderful "mom".

I now have another addition to my "Angels on Earth" list - YOU! (you're in great company, as Sally is the other angel on that list). Thank you for sharing Gracie's journey with us....take care, and much love to you

Paula and Warrior Angels Nitro and Kodi

Nitro 11 1/2  yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms.  Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"

http://nitro.tripawds.com

"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior

On The Road


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3 September 2021 - 4:12 pm
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Awwwwwww. I'm sad that she got her wings Stacy, you have my condolences. That couldn't have been an easy situation to go through with her. You get Foster Mom of the Year. 

Sweet girl, I wish she could have had more time. We all do. There is just never enough. What a blessing you were from the moment you said you would foster her! All those adventures, all that fun squeezed into the blink of an eye over the last few months. You allowed her to prepare to transition on knowing she was loved and cared for, in such kind and loving surroundings. What an incredible gift. 

The world lost a beautiful dog but her angel spirit is free and lighting up the sky. And we are so blessed to have an Angel on Earth in our company. Thank you for allowing us to be part of this experience with you and the princess.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

New York, NY
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9 October 2021 - 9:47 am
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When I began fostering Gracie, we thought that her body condition was a result of malnutrition and given the financial difficulties faced by many people due to the pandemic, that was not such a far fetched idea.  After spending time with Gracie, I knew that she had been very loved because of her sweet nature and impeccable manners.  Once we learned that she had cancer which was causing her inappetence, I was convinced that her family had surrendered her because they could not afford vet care.  After Gracie passed, I kept thinking about her family – how they must have been agonized to give her up and not have any idea what became of her.  I was determined to return her ashes to her family and let them know that even though she was not with them at the end, she was loved.  And last weekend, I did just that.

I know the world of rescue is filled with heartache and broken promises.  I wasn’t naïve, but I just felt it in my gut that Gracie’s family had not willingly parted with her.  The head of Rescue City was a bit skeptical and warned me that the outcome might not be what I wanted, but she acceded to my wishes and reached out to the municipal shelter to give permission for them to share my phone number with the family that had surrendered Gracie.  We were busy that morning with an intake of 40 dogs from Kentucky, so I did not hear my phone ring.  Later that afternoon I saw I had missed calls and a message from an unknown number.  It took Gracie’s mom less than an hour to reach me from the time the recue reached out to the shelter. 

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Lisa and I spoke later that day.  She had simply been provided my number and told I had information about her Bella with no updates.  And so it fell to me to break the news that her beloved dog had passed.  I gave her a brief update of the cancer and osteoarthritis diagnoses, and even through her pain, Lisa kept expressing gratitude that Bella had been loved and well cared for in her final months.  We agreed to meet up the following Saturday so we could talk more and so I could return Bella’s ashes.

October 2, 2021, one month after Gracie passed, was a gorgeous autumn day in New York City.  Lisa, her son (Karl), my friend (Virginia), and I met in the Conservatory Garden in Central Park, at a fountain dedicated to Frances Hodgson Burnett, author of A Little Princess, which seemed a fitting place to honor Gracie.  While I had learned a bit about her story in our phone call, meeting with Lisa gave me the chance to hear the full story.

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Bella was born on April 1, 2011 in Texas and came to live with her family when she was 8 weeks old.  Around age 6, Bella and her family moved to the Northeast region, living in Connecticut and upstate New York before recently settling in New York City.  She was loved by everyone who met her, a treasured companion, and sister to a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Kane.  She began losing weight in the spring, which was attributed to her temporarily living with Lisa’s daughter and not being fed the same dog food.  Then came housing struggles that left Lisa with no place to keep her dogs.  She brought Bella and Kane to the municipal shelter asking them to hold the dogs for a few days until she figured out where she would land.  When Lisa went back for her dogs, Kane was returned to her, but Bella was gone.  Shelter staff told her that Bella was severely anorexic, likely had very little time to live, and was sent to hospice.  When Lisa asked if she could contact the hospice to be there when Bella was euthanized (which she assumed is what they meant would happen), they told her there was no way to contact the group that had Bella.  Lisa explained how she tried to put thoughts of Bella out of her mind but kept thinking that Bella would never understand why they never came back for her and was heartbroken that after being with Bella her whole life, she was not with her at the end.

I told Lisa and Karl about my time with Bella, her love of long walks and car rides, her medical issues, that she started eating again, and about her mobility decline at the end.  I gave them her ashes, a paw print, lock of her hair, and printed photos.  Lisa kept thanking me for caring for Bella and I kept insisting that it was my honor to love her Bella.  We laughed and cried, and expressed that despite our sadness, our hearts felt lighter to have this closure.

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I don’t think Lisa had the financial means to bring Bella to the vet in the spring when she was losing weight and knowing that it took an expensive ultrasound and biopsy to diagnose the cancer, I’m pretty sure Bella would have died a painful death without an intervention.  It’s distressing that Bella had to be separated from her family to receive a diagnosis and medication that allowed her to begin eating and gaining weight.  And while I know Bella bonded to me and had good quality of life at the end, it does not replace the 10+ years of love from her family.  I keep thinking how lucky I am that had anything ever happened to me while Griffin was alive, any number of family and friends would have stepped up to care for him and keep him in my life.  And I’m so heartbroken that Lisa did not have that same support system in her life.

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I’m not sure if I believe that there is always a reason why things happen, but in this case, I’m glad that it was me chosen to care for Bella.  Lisa and I have kept in touch via text since we met in person, and I hope that I can be a support for her if she ever needs it in the future.  And I am ever so thankful that we were given the chance to meet and that Bella is back home with her family where she belongs. sp_hearticon2

Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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9 October 2021 - 11:07 am
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Ohhhhh Stacy.  I can't  stop crying.  Just cannot! And of course I read this right before going to work, so will show up with red eyes again from Tripawd stories.

Have soooo many thoughts running  thru my head and will right ater. Hopefully  after I'm a bit more composed. 

Can only say that, while heartbroken for Lisa, for her to have known how well cared for and how well loved she was with you.....can't  even find the words right now.  For her to have this peace and comfort  knowing  how loved and well cared for Gracie was.......her heart mist be so full of love and relief.

Don't  like the word "closure" per se, but the not knowing  mist jave been eating her up.  And now she knows....and the knowing ended up be a beautiful thing.

Because  you are such an enlightened  and wise Soul, as well as being guided by Griffin,  you just knew you had to find Lisa.  No one would have gone to the lengths  you did,  but you listened to your heart.

All the good things that happened to Bella once in your care, completely  erase the few weeks of jard times getting to you.   Ues, it was meant to be.....definitely  meant to be.

Still crying so need to stop now.

You are one of the most beautiful  Souls to jave ever graced our community. 

Woth love

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Green Bay, WI


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9 October 2021 - 2:01 pm
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Same here - tears running down my face!  Such an emotional time for both you and her former owners. My heart breaks that they were unable to care for her - and my heart swells with joy that YOU were the one that was "chosen" to be with her till the end. What an amazing story - from start to finish - I almost think this needs to be published, somewhere, somehow. (I feel spiritually close to her since you and I talked about her situation).  This really was/is a poignant love story, that will stick with me for a long time. Thank you so much for caring for her, and loving her - you are an amazing lady, that I would be honored to meet some day. Thank you for sharing "the rest of the story"

Paula and Warrior Angels Nitro and Kodi

Nitro 11 1/2  yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms.  Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"

http://nitro.tripawds.com

"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior





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9 October 2021 - 2:36 pm
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Wow oh wow.  Tears here too.  I am so glad you got to meet her family and share about Bella at the end.  I am sure Bella's mom is happy to have Bella back with her and know she was loved at the end probably gave her a piece of mind.  I am sure she grieved not knowing what happened and divine intervention brought you all together. 

Thank you for sharing the complete story with us and giving that family the gift of having their baby back with them even if it's her ashes.  It gives them that peace knowing she is home. 

Hugs

Michelle & Angels Sassy, Bosch, Baby Simba and sweet Snickers

sassymichelle-sm.jpg

Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013

05/04/2006 -  Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19  fought cancer for 4 months.

"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."

On The Road


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10 October 2021 - 6:12 pm
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Just. BEAUTIFUL. Even though she had to get her wings, she left us knowing that people surrounded her with love and compassion. What a gift!

Stacy when you told us this story in the Tripawds Chat , I was just so in awe that you went the extra mile to find Bella's people and return her to them. Wow! Thank you! Wonderful! What a huge, loving heart you have! And to be able to get the whole story on her directly from Lisa, that's just such good closure for everyone. It's as if the humans in Bella's life let out a giant sigh of relief, and now she can be truly free. 

Thanks so much for sharing. You are amazing!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

New York, NY
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24 March 2020
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10 October 2021 - 9:17 pm
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I actually waited a while to post this update because after meeting Lisa, I grieved hard for a few days, this time for Bella's family.  Every time I think about how frantic they must have been to go back to the shelter and learn Bella was gone makes me anxious and teary.  At one point I was mentally listing all the people in my life that would have stepped up to help me with Griffin and I swear, my Tripawds family was on that list.  I'm really not sure how I got through sharing the story on the Tripawds Group Hug without crying, but it felt good to talk about Bella and know that she is finally home.

I have shared this update with my rescue, of course, and I hope it has really opened the eyes of the leaders about how easy it is to demonize humans when dogs are hurting, but that doesn't actually help anything at all.  Some days I fantasize what it would have been like to find Bella's family earlier and have the rescue assist them with vet care so that Bella could have remained with her family.  The reality is, of course, that the rescue is ill-equipped to expand their scope of services.  But perhaps Bella's legacy will be that we think more compassionately about the previous families of the dogs that come to us and extend that grace to those with whom we interact.

I really do hope that one day I can meet all of you - Rene, Sally, Paula, Michelle, and so many others who have shared in Griffin's, Nori's, and Gracie's stories - because I really do count you as my family. sp_hearticon2

Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com

New York, NY
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12 October 2021 - 6:15 pm
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And to be clear, Rene - y'all are welcome to my place in NYC anytime! sp_hearticon2

Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com

On The Road


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12 October 2021 - 7:52 pm
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Ok watch out Stacy!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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12 October 2021 - 8:16 pm
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Even when you first posted, I remember  mentoning I wish you had a way to contact the original al owner. That's because it  was clear to me, and I'm I'm to others,  the voice in your heart was "speaking" to you and we knew you were "listening".  The outcome just confirms that you have a powerful "inner voice", a powerful "intuition"...whatever you want to call it, you tapped Iinto it.😎

Some days I fantasize what it would have been like to find Bella's family earlier and have the rescue assist them with vet care so that Bella could have remained with her family.  

.............

Seems to me this is such a t"teaching" moment  for shelters, Vets, etc.  I've always been haunted by stories of dogs who have to ve turned over or "surrendered " to clinics or shelters,  because  they couldn't afford proceedures,  The clinics would go ahead and perform the procedures or treatment and then give them away to a new owners.  I never understood why, of they ended up "donating" their procedures, why they couldn't return them back to the owners.   Assuming of course they were loving and caring like Lisa..

But perhaps Bella's legacy will be that we think more compassionately about the previous families of the dogs that come to us and extend that grace to those with whom we interact. 

Because of you (and Griffine) Bella Gracie has, indeed achieved  part of her legacy

O,kay, I'm rambling, but what needs to happen so a situation  like Lisa's doesn't happen anymore.  What "policy" do Shelters  need to put in place so that, communication is crystal clear.  Referencing Lisa's case, there had to be miscommunication about her desire to return for BOTH dogs.  Okay, I nderstand  that Bella's situation  needed care and medical  attention and that a foster may be the great place for her (and clearly it was).  But why would she be prevented from knowing what happened???  The agony she went thru must have been unbearable!!    Obviously it would have to be a case by case basis as to whether the owner could visit the dog, or be there ,as they crossover.   I guess my bottom line is, whatever the "rules" are, there need to be exceptions,  or change the rules, 

The story of you, Griffin, Gracie Bella and Lisa has to be the catalyst for change so this gutwrenching not knowing  can be prevented  in the future  what you jave chronicled  here is exactly what's needed to facilitate  new polocies.

Okay, sorry for unload and thanks for listening.   I just feel like ALL  this u folded exactly as it should in a life changing  Unoverse guided sort of way.

Hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

PS. And yes, agree.  There just might be an East Coast Tripawd Pawty in the making😉😎

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

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