While wishing Sam over at Tails Around the Ranch a happy 14th birthday, I realised that today is Zeke’s 10th! What a bad Mom I am!
I was gonna go on and on about what a fabulous member of the family he has been since that day we drove all the way to Sherbrooke to pick him up, only to have him barf in the car on the way home… and for the next year every friggen time we brought him on a car ride.
Thankfully, he outgrew that problem and enjoyed trips down to the Jersey shore and the Keys in Florida… And then, just to remind me that as we get older, we often regress, has started, once again, to puke in the car. To whit, today, he graced me with it twice. Once on our way to our destination and once just as we were approaching home. Getting older sucks for us all, it would seem.
So instead of telling you how over the years we have gone on miles and miles of walks, through sun and snow and rain and whatnot. How he probably misses my shower in the old house as that was his favourite place to sleep. How he has become a chicken-shit as soon as there is thunder and lightening. How he has always hated when there was yelling in the house. How he stops people as we walk because they just can’t believe how beautiful he is. And how he has been there for me since Mick passed… I just thought I’d share a few (or so) pics of him over the last ten years.
Happy two digit milestone Zeke!!! What a glorious pooch – pup to (sort of) grown up!
🙂
Love the photos and the story and the sentiments and the photos and .. everything.
Hugs to yas,
Na’ama
PS he’s gorgeous. No wonder he stops traffic!
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He says thank you very much!
And glad you enjoyed my little showing off of the Zeke-meister.
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I did, I did!
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Happy Birthday, Zeke.Great photos, Mom
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Thanks, John!
From both of us 😉
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😊
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He really is SO HANDSOME. 🐾🐾🐾Happy Birthday 🍰🍰Zeke 🎂🎂and many 🐾🐾many 🐾🐾many 🐾🐾more❤❤❤❤
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Thank you, Debbie!
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Happy Birthday Zeke, gorgeous dog and photographs Dale. 🙂
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Thank you Rene!
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You’re welcome! I hope the day was super. Looks like everyone is having fun esp Zeke!
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It was! I got a whole new batch of photos today 😉
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Happy Birthday Zeke. I can tell this dog means a lot to you.
What breed is it? Looks like it’s at least partially a German Shepherd. My younger son “acquired” a German Shepherd a couple of years ago — contrary to his parents’ advice that he wasn’t ready to take on the responsibility of his own pet. Primarily for financial reasons. In all other ways, he was ready. He and the dog, named Kitty, are pretty much inseparable. The dog is wonderful.
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Thanks, Mark.
He is actually a pure bread long-haired German Shepherd. They are a little less common. And he is a big dork of a softie. I don’t think he even knows how to growl.
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Interesting about him being a purebred. My son has a genetic test for his. Don’t know if he’s done it yet. Kitty has a lot more black coloring but she is also a softie. She’ll bark at times, but other than that thinks she is a lap dog.
My son works at a doggy day care/dog training facility. Which is how he “acquired” Kitty. He works mostly on the training side of things these days, so Kitty is well-trained.
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Yeah. And we had one before Zeke that we named Chakotay (even if she was female) and looked just like him but wasn’t officially purebred as far as we knew. Got her for fifty bucks. Zeke’s tattooed – we weren’t looking necessarily for pure but it just happened. My sister saw him on Kijiji and we were sold.
If I am stupid enough to get another one later on when the inevitable happens – and I am in no rush, I will get a rescue. But I don’t think I want to go there for a good while. If ever.
Zeke was the easiest to train, ever!
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Kitty was a rescue. My son’s boss rescued her and was caring for and training her when Jacob started working for her. He and Kitty bonded and there came a point where his boss said “either you take him or I gotta find an owner for her.” Well, regardless of parental advice, was there any choice?
We have small, yappy, untrained dogs. It’s a thing with the wife’s family for some reason. Once our two dogs are no longer with us, I really want to get a medium to large sized dog that can go on runs and hikes with me. That I can train and that will be my companion.
Just don’t know if that will ever happen given the preferences and predilections of the other adult in the home. I have no interest in trying to have a trained dog living in a house with untrained dogs.
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Lovely. And no, methinks the parentals didn’t have much to say 😉 As long as he does the taking care of!
Ugh. Can’t stand “wiffwaffs” or “kickables” as we fondly call them in my family. A dog must be at least two feet high! And listen.
No. I don’t blame you.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ZEKE!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HANDSOME BOY!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR HANDSOME BOY ZEKE!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE DEAREST HANDSOMEST BOY IN THE WORLD!!!!!
Okay, it don’t rhyme, but it’s from the heart. 🙂
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How sweet are you?
He sends you sloppy kisses in thanks!
Don’t rhyme, don’t matter. Definitely all good!
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Sloppy kisses accepted.
I ain’t much for rhyming.
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Excellent.
No need to.
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Phew!
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Haha! You know bettah.
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I do. 😉
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😊😘
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😘😘
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😘😘
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You underestimate yourself. I know you’re a secret rapper Mr. Imma. You ain’t foolin’ the Thin Girl. 🙂
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Haha! You tell him, Susannah!
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He can be so shy and at other times, a bull racing into the ring at Pamplona. 🙂
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True ’nuff!
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Guilty as charged.
And to think, I’d have gotten away with it if not for the Thin Girl! 🙂
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Nothin’ gets passed me Mr. Imma.
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Evidently . . .
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Haha!
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Your love of Seke fair oozes out of every word and every photo. What a wonderful companion.
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Zeke helped me keep my sanity after I lost my job then lost Mick. He’s a fabulous furry friend!
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As I said, your love for him oozes. And I can imagine him being wondrously cuddly
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Smiling hugely. He is
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I can see that huge smile and feel your affection for Zeke
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😊
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He is a gorgeous dog… and they are very much family members 🙂
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Thank you so much, Sue! They truly are.
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🙂
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😊
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Lovely photos and memories. Happy Birthday Zeke. Your Aiden looks just like Mick 💜💜
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Thank you, Willow! And it’s so funny. Most people say Iain loos like him. I think they both have a little of us both 🧡🧡
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Yes indeed and isn’t that lovely 💜💜💜💜
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🧡🧡🧡🧡
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Tears in my eyes – I’m a sucker for a gorgeous dog and Zeke is one gorgeous dog. Thank you, Dale, for another master class in how to blog. I start off by glancing at your open window, then your words pull me over the sill and I’m in! Happy birthday, Zeke xx
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Awww shucks, Jilly! You are so sweet.
Zeke and I thank you. xoxo
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Happy 10 sweet Zeke!!!! No wonder he’s so gorgeous… a Libra, okay he also reflects the beauty of his family! Give him a big kiss on that nose for me and Hera also sends some slobbery ones and tail wags! Here’s to endless treats, walks and cuddles! xoxoxo
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Thank you so much, Marina!
xoxoxo
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😘😘🐾😘😘
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😘😘🐶🐕😘😘
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Happy birthday Zeke! Treats, hugs and megga fuss by proxy! Would love to lose my hands in your fur, tickle your tummy, rub behind your ears.
(You may have gathered Dale, I love GSDs!)
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Thank you so much, Di!
And why would you not? 😉
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I’m swooning over these photos. He’s so handsome, and you look like a couple. Hey, we all know, opposites attract. Thanks for sending me the link. Yes, I’m a huge Zeke, not to mention Dale fan. 🙂
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I thought you might enjoy those snaps. Thanks for taking the time to come take a look-see. 😊
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I LOVED THEM. HE’S SO BEAUTIFUL RIN TIN TIN HAD NOTHING ON ZEKE.
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Wanted to say one more thing. I know you’ve had loss in your life, and the comfort of an animal compares to nothing else. Their warmth, loyalty…all without words…it’s nature at her most tenderest. Zeke is that for you.
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My WOOT was for the “I LOVED THEM…”
This is for the lovely comment on loss. He has given me more than comfort since Mick’s passing. He was the reason I got up off the couch and out into the fresh air. He definitely is that for me.
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I knew all of that. His face tells the story. 🌹
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WOOT!!
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Woof back atcha
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Dear Dale,
This just started my day off with a smile. Give Zeke an extra scritch behind the ears for me. Thanks for sharing all the pictures. 10 years of furry love.
Shalom and lotsa hugs,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
So glad it did! Will do.
He’s been a gift. Puke and all.
Shalom and Lotsa love,
Dale
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Happy Birthday Zeke. What a handsome boy you are!
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Thank you, Peter. He is, isn’t he?
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He is very handsome! Happy Birthday, Zeke!
Give him and hug and kiss from me. 🙂
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Thank you, Merril.
Consider it done! 🙂
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🙂
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Great pictures, and a proud day.
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Thank you, James.
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Love the pictures. Dogs are fun. Now we just pet and play with others dogs. We have had dogs, cats, a mouse, tropical fish, birds and probably other pets I have forgotten. We are now a pet free home and will most likely remain so. I do enjoy them though.
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Thanks, Jan. It’s been a zoo for us at times, too. Dog, 2 cats, 2 turtles, 1 leopard gecko, a few fish…
I have said as they pass away, they don’t get replaced …
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Oh yeah, I forgot about our turtles, my snake and Geico my Gecko. Lol.
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Happy Birthday to Zeke. He is a special member of your family, indeed. Great photos!
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Thank you, Ina. He really is. Glad you liked my bombardment of photos!!
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Happy, happy Barkday, Messr. Zeke. I can’t stop smiling looking at pictures of you over the years. I think I even squealed out loud with the puppy pic with the floppy ear pose. Too cute, so GSD. Hope you had a pawsome day and don’t sweat the car rides. It means your mama loves to bring you with her on adventures. 🦴 🦴🦴
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So glad you enjoyed the pics. That floppy ear remains to this day because some kid did that to him – right after my son told him him to not touch his ears. Little shit. Then again, it gives him his charm, doesn’t it?
We had a pawsome day and guess what? We’re going out today again! Woo hooo!!!
Mom is gonna put a HUGE blanket to cover all of her car. It’s not like I want to puke up bile, yanno… it’s rather gross to me too…
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You’re one adorably handsome boy with a regal look. Enjoy sniffing and checking out the world and give your mama a couple of precious glances for photos.
We know about the auto blanket thing. I’ve had a rubberized blanket in the back seat for years. Have fun!
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Why thank you! You are so kind to say. I’ll do my best.
Rubberized? Mom has an SUV and puts one side down so I can lie down closer to her. Unfortunately, that is where I also seem to choose to barf. I missed the blanket, too…
I’ll have to tell her to look into a different kind of cover, I guess.
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I think ours was intended for picnics-it prevents wetness from getting through. They were a package of two from Costco if I recall. It wipes off fairly easily. Good luck finding a suitable cover for your car trips.
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I might “borrow” a couple from work… ahem.
Or I could be a good girl and go shopping…
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You know me, I’m a firm believer in the thought that “sharing is caring” and it’s the least that can be done, right? 😈
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Absolutely! Meanwhile, the washer gets a workout ever time we go out…
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I can’t remember the last time I ran mine through a washer. I just shake and if really gross, wipe it off. It’s been an absolute godsend for carting pets and gross things in the car.
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Honestly. The quantity of yellow slime that emanated from Zeke… no way in hell a simple wipe would have done. So gross.
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Poor buddy. Funny how in their later years things that never seemed to bother them years ago suddenly are front and center again.
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Seriously. When I think I drove almost five hours to go to my friend’s cottage and just as we turned on the last street there he blows. Dude. We had a mere 200 feet left in our journey!
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Nothing used to bother Sam but in the past couple of years, he really gets freaked out with thunderstorms and fireworks. He used to be able to withstand a bomb going off. 🙄Luckily he’s never gotten physically sick in the car, just anxious. Thank goodness for CBD to calm his tender nerves.
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Zeke too! Suddenly, he is leaning against my bed, hoping I’ll let him hop up. I’m thinking of getting CBD for him for both his joints and his nerves.
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It’s an absolute godsend on both fronts. Holler if you need help picking a brand or if you have questions about CBD. I’m a big fan for all the good things it does.
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I’m hollering…
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😁 You crack me up.
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I do my best 😉
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Comme il est beau! 🙂
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Merci! Et une vrai guidoune, en plus…😉
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😳😱
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Hahaha!!
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What a handsome fellow! Many happy returns, Zeke! My two Frenchies turned 7 without me remembering either of their birthdays. So happy to have them both with us despite ongoing health issues, and this morning’s diarrhea eruption as I was making breakfast! 🤮
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Thanks Melanie!
Oh, Ugh…the things we do for them…
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OMG. So loved this post. And the pictures, heartwarming. Happy Birthday Zeke!
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I knew you would and it’s the only reason I directed you here. 😉
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Using “reader” works. Thanks for the hint
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I discovered this quite by accident. So you’re welcome!!
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Happy Birthday Zeke! What a beautiful boy 🙂
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Thank you! He so is!
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Dale, he’s as gorgeous as ever. My Bailey (8 next year) also has become terrified of thunder and lightning. And she won’t put up with yelling–she barks furiously to warn whoever is doing it to stop. Wants a happy pack:). I love that Zeke has been there for you, and you for him. They really are furry angels . . .
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He is, isn’t he? I’m thinking the older they get, the more sensitive to everything they become. He doesn’t bark when we fight, he cowers under the desk.
I never would have thought I would get such comfort from a dog.
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happy birthday to one gorgeous pup!!
loved the family pics – so beautiful and brought smiles.
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Thanks, Yvette!
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PS – this likely does not matter- but typo last line 2nd para.
ever should be every?
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Yep. Typo
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I don’t even correct all of mine anymore – like I read an old post and saw two small ones – not worth the time to go in and fix –
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Well… I fixed that one 😉
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🙂
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