Thoughts from Herc

Thoughts from Herc's friends

I'm so sorry to hear of Herc's passing. He was one of the best, a dog that will be remembered by many, many people. He was a winner at everything he did and I'm sure he'll leave a huge hole in the hearts of Mark and Sandy. Their new puppy Roc will never fill Herc's shoes but his kisses will surely wipe the tears away.
Belle

I haven't been on the list much lately so just read the news about Herc. I'm so very sorry for your loss but know you did what was best for you beloved boy and yes also know he will be watching over you and your new buddy, Roc. You and Herc were wonderful ambassadors not just to the breed but to dog world in general. Roc has big footsteps to follow but I'm sure with your guidance he will do well.
Take care
Brenda

Mark , Sandy and family.
Thinking of you , allow yourself time to grieve for this great loss is your family.
See you over the bridge Hercules.
Paul and Carla/Hunter and Lucy

Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved Herc….
My heart and thoughts go out to you and your family at this difficult time.
This is a little poem a friend of mine sent me when I lost my first dog…

You are loved,
It broke my heart to lose you,
But you did not go alone,
For part of me went with you,
The day God called you home.

Take care, lots of hugs,
Carola

Hi Mark: just read the list and we are so sorry to hear of your loss, I know you must be totally heartbroken. After so many years of not having a Saint in the area, he really was an ambassador for the breed and for dogs in general.

Hopefully someday you will find another little Herc to stand tall in his shadow and look toward the 'rainbow' from which Herc will be watching.
Cheryl and Wynn.

Herc was such an ambassasor for his breed, and the dog fancy in general.
He will be missed by so many. My heart goes out to Marc, his family and
all who were touched by this very special boy!
"Focus" on your blessings
Cindi-Lee

Hi Mark, and Mrs. Mark too!

I am saddened to learn of Herc's passing today.
I cannot find the words to express what I feel, so I will simply say,
I share your pain...and sadness...and of course the joy...of your new pup...
Take it easy,
Claude

Dear Mark We are sorry to hear about your beloved Herc. He was a magnificent St. Bernard, typical of his breed. Look to the future. David & Stephanie

Mark, I'm so sorry to hear about Herc. I know what he meant to you.
You have my deepest sympathy.......
Kathleen

Cannot find the right words but please know we are truly devastated to hear of the loss of a great one. Please know our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I’m so sorry my heart is breaking for you:-(
Tina

My deepest sympathies go to Mark in the recent loss of Herc. They were a team in everything they did. This is the way I remember Mark and Herc. Herc having a great time and one can tell my looking at Mark's face that he certainly was too.

If tears could build a stairway,
And memories were a lane,
I would walk right up to Heaven
To bring you home again.

My heart still aches with sadness,
And secret tears still flow.
What it means to lose you,
No one will ever know.

Fay

Mark & Sandy,
I just read the very sad news about the passing of your treasured Herc. My very sincere condolences to you during this very sad time.
Gayle & 'Dash'

'No matter how deep my sleep, I shall hear you,
And not all the power of death will keep me from wagging a grateful tail'

-Eugene O'Neill: "The Last Will And Testament Of An Extremely Distinguished Dog'

Dear Mark
I am so very sorry to read of your loss of Hercules. I can only imagine the tremendous void and sadness you must be experiencing right now.

I first met Herc when he and Chloe both attended the same Obedience and Rally classes with Bob in a church hall in Halifax. It was such a pleasure to watch the two of you. I can remember the smiles and enjoyment Herc gave to the class with his many antics and often deciding to "go his own way" and "do his own thing". I don't know who got more exercise, him or you. :-). He was a sheer joy and won the hearts of everyone in the class!!

That was ten years ago and since then it always gave me enjoyment to read and hear of Herc's many accomplishments since those early days.

He touched the hearts of many people, mine included.
He will be forever in yours.
My condolences to you and your family.
Gerri

I am so sorry to hear of Herc's passing. He truly was one of the GREATS!
I believe that they could live 30 years and it still would never be long
enough. Please know that there are those of us out here who mourn his
passing but celebrate his life. My most sincere Condolences,
Giselle

Mark, so very sorry to hear about Herc.

Some dogs are just dogs. Others define their breed and whenever one thinks of that breed, that certain dog will always come to mind. Herc was that kind of special dog. Forever and always, whenever I think of a Saint Bernard, Herc will be the image that comes to mind. He was Saint personified.

He did you proud and what you accomplished together was a reflection of the love you shared. Rest in peace, sweet and gentle giant...
Jo-anne

I just want to add my support to that of others who have shared their feelings of sympathy and empathy. We can only truly grieve when we truly love. That is the beauty and pain of life.

The love and devotion between Mark and Herc was so evident to all. Herc was an incredible gift, not only to the Grant family, but to all whom he met. The world is a better place because he “visited” it.
Jane

So sorry to hear of Herc's passing...my condolences to Mark and Sandi...the "little boy" has big paw prints to fill...
Jean

Mark: I just this minute learned that Herc that Herc has passed . He certainly did not pass through this life unnoticed. What a team you were...always together be it showing him, and volunteering constantly allowing all to see this wonderful dog, and enjoy him along with you. Imagine how many lives he touched in his short life! Knowing full well what it is like to lose your best friend...my condolences to you and your family.
We will be seeing lots of your new charge, I am sure, and he will have very large paw prints to fill. Just wanted you to know we are all thinking of you. Take care
Cheryl

We have lost a great ambassador of purebred dogs to the public. What the two of you accomplished in his time with you is nothing short of remarkable. He was definitely larger than life and he led a great one. My condolences to you and Sandy.
John

I'm so sorry to hear that Herc and his family had to say good bye, that must have been very difficult. I know you guys were good friends and there is no doubt that he will be waiting for you. Take comfort in knowing that you made one last decision for him, one that was best for him. I am going to miss Herc but I am certain he will always be with you.
Katherine

Sorry about your loss , he was such a great dog.
Edna

I was so very saddened to hear that Herc. is gone, and wanted to express my heartfelt sympathies. He was a wonderful dog and you made a great team. Herc
will be sorely missed by the kids and by all of us at Dartmouth North. No dog can really take Herc's place, but I'm so glad you have Roc to help with the loss and carry on the great work Herc did.
Just wanted you to know you and Herc are in our thoughts.
Kim

I am so sorry to hear about Herc. He was a wonderful ambassador for your
breed and for dogs in general. My condolences to you and Sandy. It is always
too soon
Lendra

I cannot believe how quickly the years have flown by since you first took this gangly loveable St. Bernard into the show ring. I had the privilege of watching you both blossom in and out of the show ring. You presented a great team and one to be envied.
I am glad you have a new puppy ... he will help you heal and that will take some time so allow yourself to grieve.
You will both be in my prayers tonight and Herc will be romping the fields with some Snowstar Samoyeds.
Margaret

Seems a time to share...He will be a force well missed. My remembrance
would be the Oromocto shows the summer of 2002? Herc was suppose to
'stay' on his table, while you went to get hairdryer power.....he had
other plans. This was when it was held at the marina (if it still is
an outdoor show). Off the table he went and into the water!!!

He was full of life and you and your family was blessed, you usually
only get one 'special' dog and he was a gem!

Celebrate the fact that you got to share in his life.
Patty

So terribly sorry for your loss.
Kindest regards from Spain,
Peggy

My sincere Condolences to Mark and Sandy. “Herc” touched so many lives during his lifetime and will always be remembered by those who knew and admired him. Mark and Sandy can be very proud of their wonderful Saint. May he have a quick journey to the Rainbow Bridge and he just might meet up with some of the Seawind Gang.
Glady

I am so very sad and sit here with tears in my eyes when I think about the hurt you are feeling. We feel your pain.
It does not seem like that long ago when we traveled to shows together, Herc & my Franklin who will be 10 this coming December...talk about the odd couple...those are good memories. Herc was probably one of the most loved dogs at the shows and one of the best things was watching you Mark, delight in the kids' reactions and comments about him. You never tired of that...no matter how many kids, or questions or how many times you heard "how much does he weigh?"

You so obviously shared a loving bond and although your heart is heavy now, in time the wonderful memories will transform the pain of loss into a contented pleasure for having shared his time on earth.

There is only one fitting place to bury a good dog and that is in the heart of his master. I know Herc will rest peacefully in yours for the rest of your life.

Please accept our most heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved Herc.
Shannon & Howie

I am so sorry to hear that it was time for Hercules to go, in as much as we would like to see them live forever these big guys just get older too fast. You and Herc did so much good for the St. Bernard world as well as all the people's lives you and he touched. We like many others are so proud of what the two of you have done and his memories will live on in all of our hearts. Just know that our thoughts are with you and Sandy in your time of sorrow and I hope having the new pup helps ease the pain somewhat. Thanks for always sharing Herc with us, we will always think of you as family.

In Deepest Sympathy,
Shirley & Joe

So very sad to hear of Herc's passing. What a special team he & Mark were & it was obvious that Herc was loved so very much. He was a success inside & outside the show ring & was truly an outstanding ambassador for his breed & for all dogs.

My condolences to Mark & family in their loss.
Sue

I read on the list you lost your beloved Hercules. I am just thinking how you can feel alone. How much you can feel devastated. When Kodiak go over the rainbow I was devastated, and I still miss this friend, but at least you and Hercules had 2 more years together to live close and work for the best of children and many other things like animal survival.
Mark, the memory of your team will remain in the history of our breed .
PS Excuse my English
With Respect
Yves & Louise

What a lovely tribute and messages on his page.

What a lovely dog - will be sadly missed

Karlaix

We have only been showing dogs for a few years and have met many wonderful people. You are the exception, right from the beginning you were there to take time to show us how to handle dogs and answer any of our questions. I told Dale you can see it in your eyes the love for your dogs. We have not gone through this yet, our time will come. When Dale heard she became very sad as well as myself after our conversation at canning, Our hearts go out to you and Sandy in your time of sorrow.
Dale & John and the Gang at Eisenberg Rottweilers

I am sad and sorry for the loss of your beloved Herc. What a great doggie. I remember him lying on his back at an HKC show, and he let me rub his lovely big belly.
Such a difficult time.
Thinkg about you.
Alice

Myself and everyone else at the library were very saddened to hear the news about Hercules. He provided great company to the kids at the library and we really appreciate all the time that you and he generously gave to the program. We were very lucky to have you two as a team here!
Jill

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