2004-01-31 Western Cruise Afterglow

[The4OfUs]

Thank you Cap. Right now he's sedated with an IV and pain meds, and they are running tests to determine if surgery is even an option.

If it isn't for whatever reason, the decision will be ours, not the childrens, but they do have to decide how they choose to say goodbye in that event, as they are at that age where this is a critical thing, according to my son's therapist (knowing my emotional children, I can see that this will help them alot, even though it is hard - it's their choice as opposed to "Mom and Dad did that and I didn't even get to say goodbye" - which happened to me twice growing up and to be honest I'm not over it yet)

I truly appreciate your kind and supportive words.

I will be pricing out those invisible fences for the other two dogs - were you the one with that at your house? And you find that it really is helpful, in addition to training and careful watching?

 

[dheller97]

Nikki-

Knowing how much our pets become such a large part of our family, I agonize with you on your decision. But, as Cap said, I think it is an adult decision. Whatever it is, know you have many friends here that are with you in spirit, and your family will support you as well.

Hugs to a dear friend, and prayers for the ailing family member.

Dean

 

[dizdadof2]

Not having a pet I can not imagine the day you are going through. I can only offer our thoughts for you today in what ever decision you make.

Mike

 

[The4OfUs]

Thank you. The vet called...he as a double fracture on his pelvis. Sugery is an option after his blood work came back clean. Problems...his age. We're not even sure how old he is, but we guess around 16, we've had him 14 yrs. There is no guarantee that he will be pain free EVER after this...and the recovery time for a dog his age will be months. Months of pain. And not knowing how long he has left, this feels so unfair to him, so selfish of us, becuase we'd do it for us, so we don't miss him.

Listen to me...it's so easy to write and so hard to accept. I almost wish the bloodwork had come back saying that surgery is not an option, so the decision was not mine to make.

And add to that the burden that it was DH who backed the van out...and me who was not watching him as I had just woken up...the guilt is fairly overwhelming.

So Glenn is coming home from work, and we're going to make a decision, although we're both leaning towards the "responsible" thing to do...and then we'll discuss it with the kids, and move on from there.

It's raining, and it's going to rain for days. How appropriate.

 

[kmc33]

Nikki - My heart goes out to you and your family. I know how pets become a part of the family. What a difficult decision to make; you have my sympathy.

Blessings to Rebel, you, and the rest of your family.

 

[auntrenae]

Mike,
I went swimming in Lake Powell in Arizona when I was 10. The water was at least 95 and felt like a bathtub. (There were no hot tubs then) I didn't like it at all because it made us tired just to swim in water that warm... there will be no wishing for hot tub temp water here... 80* is fine with this spoiled Floridian!

Cap, nice to hear from you again! How are you?

Nikki, I'm so sorry to hear about your sad news. Every time I've had a pet die or be injured it's like losing a family member for me too. I do agree with Cap that the kids shouldn't have the responsibility of making the decision, but if your dog isn't in too much pain, I think the kids should have the choice to say goodbye. I'll send you some pixie dust so you will have the right words to tell them and the strength to make your decision.

Mike again, I have LOADS of ideas for you. Do you want me to scan pages and send them to you via email, or do you want to see them when you get here? That is easier... I don't sell scrapbook stuff, but I've been teaching for a couple of years. It's more fun than any other craft I've done, and more rewarding.
See you soon, Renae

 

[CAMICKEY]

The4OfUs - With tears in my eyes, I am saddened to hear about your family. A difficult decision to make. Not many things make me shed a tear, but I have come to be one of those people who consider pets as part of my family. My prayers are with you. - Mike

 

[dizdadof2]

Renae, I can wait until I get down there. I would love to get any ideas.

Nikki, I have been checking the board as often as before the cruise. Again, all best tonight.

Mike

 

[The4OfUs]

Well, it's done. I took the kids and we got there, and they brought us into a room. We filled out paperwork, paid the remainder, while they put an iv into his leg. Then they brought him in and we got to say goodbye. He was shaking and whimpering, and looked so confused, but we hugged him (carefully) and kissed him and petted him. Then I called the dr in, Kelsey went out to the car, and Tyler chose to stay. I was going to hold him in my lap, but then they warned me that he might pee or something as he went. So we put him on the table, and he laid there, with his head up, I put my arms around him and they administered the shot...then as it kicked in he laid his head on my arm, I swear I heard him sigh, he stopped shaking and his body jsut relaxed. I think it really helped Tyler to be there and see how peaceful and quiet it was. All of 10 seconds and he was better.

They're going to cremate him, and Tyler suggested taking his ashes to the ocean, to be with my dad, as we had scattered his ashes in the ocean when he died. Then they can be togehter and we can visit Rebel whenever we go to the beach or on the Magic again...that was a huge part of the cruise for me, being with my dad all week long. I have to call and make arrangements.

The kids will be staying home from school tomorrow. They need a day where they can get their emotions out without worrying about crying in school. I wish I could stay home too.

Thank you for your support during this, it really REALLY means alot.

 

[dizmomof2]

Nikki,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I'm sitting here in tears feeling your pain. I am glad that you had the strength to do what was best for rebel even though it was the hardest for you. My thoughts and prayers are definitely with you and your family. I hope that I have the same strength you showed when it comes time for this kind of decision in my house.

 

[dizmomof2]

Dizdadof2: Just read back a few pages. Your doing a scrapbook? I take it the surpise is for Isabel. Do you need anything? I've got a million pictures. (okay, so we only took 400) I also have disney stickers and cruise stickers, albums, adhesives, etc. Let me know. (and I want to see it!)

 

[Cap]

Nikki,

I think you handled this very well. You have my sympathy and best wishes.

 

[The4OfUs]

I was feeling better after, because the decision was done, but it's really hitting us all now as we come home and one of our other dogs seems to wonder what is up. I can't put his bowl away...or think of anything like that. After 14 years of him by my side constantly, this is a nightmare. Thank you for your kind words...

I just drew a bath for DS to try to unwind...maybe I could use one too.

Isn't it amazing how pets can become such vital parts of the family. I'm glad we have the other two to help us remember to smile.

 

[dizdadof2]

Nikki - I am glad you made the right decisions for the family. As the sadness departs I hope that only the smiles remain.

Jen - I am trying to do a couple of pages as a surprise but as usual Isabel knows everything. I plan to raid you store when I am ready.

Mike

 

[Annie12345]

Nikki - what sad news... You and Glenn, Kelsey and Tyler are in our thoughts... It's a nice idea to take his ashes to the ocean - especially since Tyler thought of it, it will probably be comforting to the kids ...

Tomorrow will be a better day...

Take care everyone....

- Annie (and Randy and JJ)

 

[OKWMEMBER]

Nikki,

Gail just called me about Rebel. She and I are heartbroken for you. We went through the same thing with her cat, Twix. Now we have two cats that we've had as kittens, Rolo and A.J. (Almond Joy). You might remember them from the pictures we posted on the other thread. I belong to Rolo. He's my first personal pet and I will be a basket case when he's no longer with us.

They aren't "just animals", they are family members with personalities and feelings. We mourn your loss with you and send buckets of pixie dust your way.

We really respect that you were with Rebel to the end. Gail couldn't bear to be with Twix and I will always regret letting him spend his last moments with a stranger. You did the right thing.

He's in a better place now. I hope he and Twix will be friends.

 

[The4OfUs]

Originally posted by OKWMEMBER
We really respect that you were with Rebel to the end. Gail couldn't bear to be with Twix and I will always regret letting him spend his last moments with a stranger. You did the right thing.

He's in a better place now. I hope he and Twix will be friends.

You guys are so sweet, all of you here...reading that about Twix made me cry. I bet they are, that's how I picture him, running like he hasn't in years, if there's heaven there will be chipmunks and squirrels galore for him to chase, and many friends to play with.

Poor Buddy is so lost today. He keeps going to where Rebel's bowl is...but then again, I went to feed him this morning...so apparently he's not the only one lost.

I just called and I'm going up to get his bed (which I used to carry him in, because of his back legs I knew I couldn't just carry him) and I asked for his collar and tag...I just want to know they're here. Next on my list today is to call the Pet Memorial place and arrange for the creamation...and to distract the kids with funny stories from Rebel's past, which they are suddenly remembering as well. Try to turn the tears to smiles as soon as I can...because that's what he deserved.

I just got back from Tyler's therapist appt. with him, and this man is such a wonder...he had articles all set for us to go through (from a child's standpoint as well as an adults) and I see that my decision to let Tyler and Kelsey choose their own paths in this was the right one.

It's amazing how having this place to share my feelings yesterday was so helpful. Thank you again.

 

[auntrenae]

I'm sad to hear that Rebel is gone, but when you described how it went at the end, I'm sure it helped you to see the pain end for him. It's awful to lose a treasured family member like that, I know, as I've been there before, but it's good to know that you made the right decision for him. I agree that Tyler's suggestion to scatter his ashes at the ocean will be good for all of you. You all have great memories of him and will be able to think of him whenever you are at the beach.
I have a suggestion. Sometimes it's cathartic to write down some of the memories and put together some pictures in a scrapbook. It can help bring out some of the good times and is a way to honor his memory. Even if you don't usually do scrapbooks, just putting in each of your written memories with some pictures can help. Just a thought.
thinking of you,
Renae

 

[kmc33]

Nikki,

I am sorry for your loss. I too, really respect how you handled the situation. I give you a lot of credit.

Blessings and prayers.

 

[kmc33]

I just noticed that we have been moved to the Community Boards. Maybe this isn't news; I don't pay attention since I access through my User CP. But, in case anyone is searching on the main boards, looks like you'll find this thread in the Community Board.