rebelredneck71
Rat Royalty
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| 05/12/2008 7:48 AM |
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I know I am going to catch flack on this one. One of my kidos is a lab/border collie mix very smart. I've had her for about 5 months now, and she is about 11 months old. I have a freind who's daughter has Autism, and is very drawn into herself. Well, to make long story short, when Lindsey (friends daughter) is around Alexis ( my lab mix) she becomes a differenet person. She opens up and pets Alexis and even smiles. So, I have really thought about letting them have Alexis. Alexis really loves it they come over. But it's like giving away one of my kids. On the other hand this little girl has a wonderful experience and I really think it can help her develope mentally.
What is your opion? |
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Life is like a jar of Jalapenos what do you today could burn your butt tomorrow.
A.D.
daddy to 3 skin kiddos, and a dad to 3 fur kiddos
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Mitzy's Mom
Pack Leader
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| 05/12/2008 7:51 AM |
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Can and will the family take good care of your pup? (Do they have the finances for vet care, are they knowledgeable on how to care for a dog and keep the dog safe, etc.)
If the answer is yes then I see nothing wrong in giving them the dog...it would be very unselfish on your part. JMO |
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Mary Beth, mom to Mitzy, Mayfly, Skipper, Skeeter and Loco
RBR Foster Mom
www.ratbonerescues.com |
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rebelredneck71
Rat Royalty
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| 05/12/2008 7:57 AM |
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| They had another dog that ran off or was stolen but it was a small one (don't know the breed). yes they can and will take care of her, I know this for a fact. Financially ,yes. the only thing I am worried about is Alexis is a hyper dog. Maybe she will calm down a liitle, because my kids are rowdy and in constant motion, and Lindsey isn't, I know they would take great care of her. Treat her like family, one of the kids. |
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Life is like a jar of Jalapenos what do you today could burn your butt tomorrow.
A.D.
daddy to 3 skin kiddos, and a dad to 3 fur kiddos
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Crystal
Ratastic
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| 05/12/2008 8:06 AM |
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| I think you have a wonderful heart, speak with them about it if you really want to do this find out thier thoughts and feelings on this matter. It is best to see how they feel about this, you might even suggest it being for a trial period of time to see how things go. Another thing you have to remember that dogs do understand people who have special needs, they have that (6th ) sense to know how active or inactive to be. Bless you for your good heart. |
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Mom to Guenhwyvar, When life gets hard, take a long hot bath and enjoy knowing the door locks and your phone is on silent!!
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rebelredneck71
Rat Royalty
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| 05/12/2008 8:17 AM |
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| they keep our 2 dogs when we go on trips. We have talked about it with them about taking Alexis and they are excited about the talking about it. Alexis is also a different dog when she is around Lindsey, know that I sit here and think about it. Alexis doesn't get to far from her, and let's Lindsey do whatever she wants to her. I will call my freind and see if they really feel this is a good thing. They know better than I do the effects on Lindsey more than I do. |
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Life is like a jar of Jalapenos what do you today could burn your butt tomorrow.
A.D.
daddy to 3 skin kiddos, and a dad to 3 fur kiddos
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rebelredneck71
Rat Royalty
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| 05/12/2008 8:36 AM |
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| GOOD NEWS, I just talked with my freind about Alexis, and They are going to come get her tomorrow. He called me a few minutes ago and I asked him about Alexis and if they would want her for Lindsey, he asked his wife sitting next to him and all I heard was "Hell yes we want her" and lindsey yelling in the background "We are getting Alexis ". So now I just have to break it to my wife. I really don't think she will have problem with it. She knows how Lindsey is affected by Alexis. |
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Life is like a jar of Jalapenos what do you today could burn your butt tomorrow.
A.D.
daddy to 3 skin kiddos, and a dad to 3 fur kiddos
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dnorton
Obsessed
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| 05/12/2008 8:55 AM |
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| Oh, what a wonderful gift! God bless you and your family! |
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Mimzy's Mom
RatBones Rescue Foster Mom
That Big Tall Gal Jay Married
Mother of Two
GrandMother of Three
Gardener
Ponder |
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DaisysMom
Moderator
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| 05/12/2008 9:01 AM |
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I think this is so very selfless and thoughtful of you. I've seen stories of dogs who have had this effect on a variety of challenged individuals. Our own Nora who takes her dog Bailey to the nursing home to visit her mother would tell of a lady there who had very late stage Alzheimers, I believe, who wouldn't talk to or "connect" with any person, but when Bailey would visit and he'd sit on her lap, she would talk and coo to him  I think sometimes a dog and a person can connect in ways we just don't understand and that some dogs definitely sense a "special" person's needs.
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Tracey - Darlin' Daisy's Mom
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Kasey's Mom
Terrier Terror
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| 05/12/2008 9:04 AM |
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Awwwww, how sweet! and you have such a big heart! Bless you! |
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Mardi
Momma to Kasey and Indy
~~Dance like nobody's watching~~ |
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Mitzy's Mom
Pack Leader
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| 05/12/2008 9:34 AM |
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| I think border collies are high energy so they may want to make sure she gets enough exercise. |
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Mary Beth, mom to Mitzy, Mayfly, Skipper, Skeeter and Loco
RBR Foster Mom
www.ratbonerescues.com |
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Crystal
Ratastic
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| 05/12/2008 9:52 AM |
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| I'm glad to hear that every one so far is in the same set of mind with this your wife prob will think the same way that you do. And since they do come over to visist and they do watch the dogs when you travel you will she her alot. I hope for the best for all. |
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Mom to Guenhwyvar, When life gets hard, take a long hot bath and enjoy knowing the door locks and your phone is on silent!!
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gwacie
Terrier Terror
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| 05/12/2008 9:52 AM |
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I think I'd make sure they knew they could return the dog to you if it didn't work out. I'd also make sure they knew she couldn't just be "let out loose and unwatched" but had to be walked, fenced etc. so she doesn't run off or get run over or stolen. I'd be very sure you felt this was a safe place for the dog and that they knew to get training if you felt the dog might hurt the kids with her energy level and jumping. And if you feel very sure on these things I see nothing wrong with what you are thinking and why. This dog could be a real lifeline for the child in question. Dogs can be amazing with special needs people. |
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gwacie (Bethany)
http://www.myadams.net/dogs/
Ratbone Rescue Home Visit Coordinator
and Foster Home |
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Maureen
Firehouse Big Dog
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| 05/12/2008 10:33 AM |
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| Wow! That is very giving of you!! Sounds like a therapy dog? HUGS! |
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Maureen Mom to Abby, Barkley and Reggie..and cat Sarah Jane
Scratch a dog and you'll find a permanent job. ~Franklin P. Jones
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swatson6
Attention Starved
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| 05/12/2008 10:38 AM |
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| I hope she helps her to the fullest. You have a huge heart! It is amazing what animals can do for an autistic child when you find the right pair. |
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Sarah
"Life's tough, it's even tougher if you're stupid." - John Wayne
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Dinks Mom
Ratastic
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| 05/12/2008 10:44 AM |
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No flack here...that is the sweetest gesture (it made me tear up) I know it was a hard decision to let her go but you're doing it for the right reasons. |
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~Susy~
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rebelredneck71
Rat Royalty
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| 05/12/2008 11:19 AM |
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Thank ya'll for all the encouraging words anf thoughts, I know in my heart she will be going to a wonderful family who will treat her right and do whats right. Yes they know at anytime they can return her to me. Alexis is a very smart and quick learning dog. To answer Mary Beths quote they live on about 100 acres with horses etc. they have about 2 acres fenced off with chain link. I really believe she is going to a very loving and exceptible home.
Aghain everyone thanks for the encouraging words. Yes it's very hard for me to let her go, but I will see her often so maybe it won't be that hard. and time eases the pain. |
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Life is like a jar of Jalapenos what do you today could burn your butt tomorrow.
A.D.
daddy to 3 skin kiddos, and a dad to 3 fur kiddos
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rebelredneck71
Rat Royalty
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| 05/13/2008 9:24 AM |
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*** UPDATE****
yesterday evening I took Alexis over to my freinds house, and Lindsesy wasn't home yet. So as a surprise when she got home I took her little hand and walked her to the backyard and showed Alexis. I asked her if she wanted Alexis she said "uhh huh" I aske her if she would take care of for me, and show her lots of love and effection? she said "uhh huh". Feed her, water her? she said "uhh huh". I told Lindsey that if she pinky swwears me that she will do all of this without mom and dad asking her too,she took my hand and with a very serious and grown up look and said " I pinky swear you". and then shook my pinky.
She then ran through the gate and grabbed Alexis by the neck and hugged her and said "Alexis, you and I are going to be the bestes freinds ever."
Yes me being 6'6" 350lbs and a little salty around the edges I had to fight the tears back a little, OK alot, my wife of course started crying, and our friends started crying. It was a very very eventfull day yesterday evening. |
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Life is like a jar of Jalapenos what do you today could burn your butt tomorrow.
A.D.
daddy to 3 skin kiddos, and a dad to 3 fur kiddos
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swatson6
Attention Starved
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| 05/13/2008 9:33 AM |
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| That is wonderful. You have done an amazing, selfless thing that I am sure will change that little girls life. |
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Sarah
"Life's tough, it's even tougher if you're stupid." - John Wayne
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gwacie
Terrier Terror
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| 05/13/2008 9:35 AM |
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| Thank you for sharing |
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gwacie (Bethany)
http://www.myadams.net/dogs/
Ratbone Rescue Home Visit Coordinator
and Foster Home |
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rattytatty
Training Moderator
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| 05/13/2008 9:37 AM |
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Border collies are indeed a very hyper/athletic breed and are often considered "special need" dogs for that reason. This breed is certainly not for everyone.
However, occasionally a dog comes along (regardless of breed) who has an "extra sense" when it comes to handicapped, disabled, elderly or otherwise sickly humans.
As energetic as Bailey is... when I take him into the nursing home his entire demeanor changes and he interacts beautifully... calmly...with the patients. Sounds as if this is the case with your border collie/lab mix. What a wonderful, selfless thing you have done... and I'm sure should things not work out for some reason.. you stand ready to take the dog back. |
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~Nora~
Mom to Hoss, Lil'Bit, Buster & Bailey, CGC, NA, NAJ |
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Mitzy's Mom
Pack Leader
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| 05/13/2008 9:37 AM |
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| You made that little girl's day for sure! |
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Mary Beth, mom to Mitzy, Mayfly, Skipper, Skeeter and Loco
RBR Foster Mom
www.ratbonerescues.com |
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daisydeux
Ratastic
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| 05/13/2008 10:10 AM |
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That is a beautiful story, thank you so much 4 sharing...tearing up, goosebumps... |
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winnihoohoo
Rat-A-Tat-Tat
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| 05/13/2008 10:43 AM |
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It is probably good therapy for her to get out and come see the dog. Once it is at her home, it may t be so special to her. Just making an observance. I mean, right now you get the satisfaction of knowing the dog is well cared for, and getting to see their special interaction. I mean I would not be able to give one of my fur kids up, because I would be wondering all,the time. Maybe you should look into training special needs dogs. You know where you foster them, and train them til they are ready to go to a special needs person. I get too attached, but if I knew it was for a good cause it might be a little easier, and more fulfilling. Maybe try training the dog before you give it to her, it is still pretty young. |
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rebelredneck71
Rat Royalty
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| 05/13/2008 10:45 AM |
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just talked to my friend to check up on Alexis and Lindsey he told me that Lindsey had a spell last night and that Alexis went to her and licked her face and then just sat down in front of her so Lindsey could see her. after about 2 or 3 minutes Lindsey came out of it and hugged Alexis, then went and played in her room. They were going to put Alexis in a kennel, which she slet in sometimes at my house, he said Lindsey throw a very bad fit and started to cry, so they let Alexis sleep with her, and this morning they couldn't find either one of them. They found the 2 girls outside playing at 7:30 this morning. which he told me that has never happened, ever Lindsey fights them when she has to get out of bed on the weekdays. Alexis has made a big change in her life.
I was going to send a pict of Alexis but it won't let me copy and paste.
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Life is like a jar of Jalapenos what do you today could burn your butt tomorrow.
A.D.
daddy to 3 skin kiddos, and a dad to 3 fur kiddos
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winnihoohoo
Rat-A-Tat-Tat
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| 05/13/2008 10:47 AM |
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| Guess I posted a little too late..sorry. Good luck. Sounds great so far. |
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Crystal
Ratastic
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| 05/13/2008 10:51 AM |
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| Wow I'm glad to hear that she is already showing a great change in herself after only one full day with her best friend, you have a great heart, I love the idea hat winnihoohoo made about you training the dogs for it maybe something to look forward to in the future! |
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Mom to Guenhwyvar, When life gets hard, take a long hot bath and enjoy knowing the door locks and your phone is on silent!!
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rebelredneck71
Rat Royalty
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| 05/13/2008 10:55 AM |
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Donna,
To answer your post, yes it was very hard for me to give her up, very hard. But to see the face and the reaction Alxis gave to Lindsey, is priceless, I know she is in a better home then I had for her. as for training special needs dogs, I don't have the patience for that, plus my family is like you they get attached to our fur kids way to fast and hard, Me to. When we get a "pet" it's for life. This includes fish and birds. yes we go through fish. and they are all named to. everything we get get a name. Even the 3 squirrels outside in the yard.
Mojo,squash, and Alvin. |
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Life is like a jar of Jalapenos what do you today could burn your butt tomorrow.
A.D.
daddy to 3 skin kiddos, and a dad to 3 fur kiddos
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Noodles n Me
Terrier Terror
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| 05/13/2008 10:59 AM |
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Flack??? It's not like you re-homed him because you had nothing better to do. You gave a loving gift to a child in need. With this act of love you gave Alexis an opportunity to shine, Lindsey a chance to grow, and found a way into our hearts.
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There is no joy greater than being owned by a Rattie!!
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Paul
Feisty
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lynnygal
Terrier Terror
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| 05/13/2008 11:07 AM |
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Well, I think what you did is awesome.....just think of the joy you have given that little girl and her family.....and the best is that you will still get to see the pup anytime and know the pup is in good hands and has made a difference in someone's life....very cool..... It is an awesome feeling to do something for someone that they need or want but wouldn't do for themselves..... Thanks for sharing this!
Lynn |
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--------------------- lynnygal --------------------------------- |
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