Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

That's a great story! I'm glad that Judy was able to adopt a dog after her husband passed. That also shows the willingness she had to concede to her beloved's wishes. That's not always the case. That the dog also rescued her is also a great part of the story and I loved that she had her "told you so " moment with her empty chair! Best wishes in the contest!

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2021

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2021

Thank you Helen for a lovely review. Yes I thought she did well to respect her husband's wishes for more than fifty years (that bit was true!) Thank you too for your good wishes - they also are appreciated.
Wendy

Comment from zanya

Excellent

Aw-w-w why do I feel a hot tear beginning to roll down my cheek ? a beautiful tale told with affection and love of a beautiful canine and a wonderful owner whose need and affection merged

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2021

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2021

What a lovely review! Yes, they needed each other, the same as she needed her adopted grandchildren and they needed her. The concept of family is flexible enough to include all these aspects. Thank you so much for reviewing.
Wendy

Comment from royowen

Exceptional

I don't there are too many that appreciate animals like you do Wendy, this is a lovely story, and fitting of the opinion yo have for those four legged treasures, that are given to us, for a shorter period than maybe a husband. Beautifully written dear girl, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2021

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2021

Thank you so much Roy for the honour of six stars, which I greatly value, along with your supportive and encouraging words. All are greatly appreciated.
Wendy

reply by royowen on 20-Nov-2021

Most welcome

Comment from Elizabeth Emerald

Excellent

Wonderful story. You masterfully conflated the pair of true tales and skillfully interwove the embellishments to create a seamless and delightful piece.

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2021

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2021

Thank you Liz. I really appreciate your words and I am glad you enjoyed this story.
Wendy

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

Thank you for sharing this writing prompt entry with us. I absolutely loved it. I am a firm believer that dogs are indeed an important family member. Every child should grow up with at least one dog. They are perfect for the elderly too.

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2021

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2021

Totally agree. They are as much a part of the family as humans, sometimes even more so. Many thanks for your kind review.
Wendy

Comment from Begin Again

Excellent

I bet Sunny helped you with this fantastic story. It's so heartwarming to discover that love can be found in so many strange places, including puppy adoption agencies, schools, and in the hereafter. I want to believe that her angel was smiling and thrilled that someone was looking after her. Touched my heart. Good luck in the contest.

Carol

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2021

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2021

Hi Carol,
Thank you for a great review. The first bit about "Judy" getting a dog was based on a true story of Toni getting a dog after the death of her husband after fifty years. (On a show called "Dog House"). She was an art teacher, but the rest is made up.
Thanks for your good wishes. All are appreciated.

Comment from Annmuma

Excellent

I enjoyed the feel-good story! Pets often fill a lot of holes in one's heart and this story is well-written. A good 'marriage' between a pet and an owner is priceless. Good luck in the contest. ann

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2021

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2021

Thank you so much for reviewing. Yes, you are exactly right, and the concept of "family" is a blurred one in this story. The dog, the "adopted" grandchildren - they are all family to her.
Thank you for your good wishes too. Appreciated.
Wendy

Comment from Sherry Asbury

Excellent

Wish I had a 6 to give you. This heartfelt story melted my heart. Such sweetness and joy and I bet it will instill love in readers. Overall a wonderful story with good things to spread to others. I love it!!

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2021

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2021

Hi Sherry,
Thank you so much for reviewing - what lovely words, so encouraging. Yes, the concept of "family" is a blurred one in this story. The dog, the "adopted" grandchildren - they are all family to her, and all very important.
Thank you for picking up the typo too. Fixed.
Wendy

Comment from humpwhistle

Excellent

Isn't that always the way? Fiction and truth co-mingle in almost every story. Any pet lover will recognize the truth of Judy and Missy's connection. I remember watching Lassie as a child. I didn't understand then that all dogs have their 'Lassie' moments.

Best of luck at the polls.

Peace, Lee

she was introduce(d) to gentle, lovable Missy,

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2021

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2021

Thank you so much for reviewing. Yes, you are exactly right, and the concept of "family" is a blurred one in this story. The dog, the "adopted" grandchildren - they are all family to her.
Thank you for picking up the typo too. Fixed.
Wendy

Comment from Alcreator Litt Dear

Excellent

This General Fiction ~ Family Story ~ writing prompt entry speaks about love, marriage and the extended family; Well said, well done, thanks 4 sharing this, happy reviewing this legible post, time is rare gift, post more, fast, I, DR, wrote 114 books on God, Law, Truth, R 123000/N21. ALCREATOR

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2021

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2021

Thank you so much for reviewing, which I appreciate a lot.
Wendy