Missing messages

I have been noticing an increasing number of posts showing up with
just the header information and no message in the body. Specifically the
"Judy's sister's 13 year old dog" thread and the "Godspeed, Anna (June,
1996 - September, 2006)" thread. Has anyone else noticed this? Is there a
problem in the Usenet or is it a problem with my reader(Xnews)? Or is a
simple mistake and nothing to worry about?

ceb...

It's done as a silent memorial to a dog who has died. Some people post
messages, and some post silent messages of sympathy to the bereaved.

Les Hilliard...

Thank you Catherine and Diddy for letting me know about this. This is
the first time that I can recall seeing this done and I thought there might
be something wrong with my newsreader. For those with dogs that have
passed, please forgive me. You have my sympathy and I'll try not to be such
a clod in the future.

diddy...

Les,
When a dog passes on, and there are no words to express, a silent tribute
is offered.

Mirelle...

I noticed it also.

Choix Vox...

It a problem with your newsserver...

montana wildhack...

No, Les's question was correctly answered previously. What he was
seeing were "silent" posts, offered when people lose their dogs and
posters find there are no words to properly express their sympathy.