~~~SEWING my way to POFQ ~ American Girl outfits & Custom Park Bags! ~~~

So many previous posters have put my feelings into their words. While I could go back and quote every single one of them and say "Yep, I agree ... or This, totally. :thumbsup2", I won't.

I have a pet (cat), and any true pet owner KNOWS they are your children -- only with fur. While I can't even begin to imagine your grief, I confess, I've never come close to having your experience. I know one day, I will ... and I don't look forward to it, nor do I wish that experience on anyone.

Your family is still in my thoughts and prayers, and know if you need someone to talk to, I'm here. :hug: Just do what is best for your sweet baby.
 
Dearest D~,
As I told you on our thread, there truly aren't words to help ease the pain and grief you are already feeling. You DO have a right to be angry, life isn’t fair and what was supposed to have been an exciting, magical countdown has turned in to one of worry, fear, grief and the unknown and THAT ISN’T RIGHT. Again I have so much I want to say; however, I don’t want to overstep my bounds and I really don’t think you need to hear it right now. Every single one of us who post on this thread have felt the excitement, elation and jubilation at each triumphtive milestone you met and wonderful creation you designed. I am repeating myself; however, it bears repeating: It will be an amazing time of bonding and love for you and your gorgeous daughters and Rufus, who has brought your family so much joy, laughter and strength will want you to have the time of your lives. All he wants is for HIS family to be happy, he loves you so...I know it is tough, but give him that gift joyfully. I hope it helps to know you have so many supporters and fans. My prayers continue for your peace and comfort and Rufus to enjoy being surrounded by the love you all so freely give him.
Love and Blessings,
Judy

Thank you Judy... Your words bring tears to my eyes, because I know what you say is true, and I know you understand... It makes me feel so much better knowing you are here. :hug:

I also forgot to quote your Donald picture in your thread... I did see it, and it definatly made me smile... Thank you for sharing it.. :lovestruc

To those who read here, I know often we don't know what to say. Having been in a life and death situation with our own beloved dog (our family member) just last month, I will say that just signing in to say I am thinking of you or praying for you meant a great deal to me. I KNOW D~ appreciates these words of comfort.

I do appreciate everyone who comes here, and I apologize that I am not my normal self.

I am trying to find a way through the haze and do something meaningful for Ruf, that will commemorate his life and keep him near to us, always. I've found some beautiful hand blown glass necklaces on Etsy, this gentleman blows the glass and encases your loved one's ashes inside... I would really like to do one of these for the girls and I - we probably wouldn't wear them often, for fear that we'd lose or break them - but wearing them on the days we miss Ruf the most might bring us some comfort. http://www.etsy.com/listing/93068440/cremation-glass-jewelry-remembrance

Victoria has started a beautiful pencil drawing of Ruf, and since I sew, I would like to make some sort of bag for his ashes, then use her pencil drawing to make an applique to go on the front of the bag. I know which fabric I would like to use, unfortunately - it is discontinued and only available in MN... I plan to hit a few quilt stores over the next few days, while I am out and about, to see if I can find any fat quarters of this fabric. Rufus loves to go to the lake, more than anything, and since our lake is featured on one of these fabrics (I am kicking myself for not purchasing any of it while I could), it would be the perfect fabric for Ruf. On the main fabric (cut off on the bottom left corner) is a house that looks just like ours...

QM2011_21836-B.jpg
600_QM2011_21640-BG.jpg


And since Josh does a lot of woodworking, I am hoping I can talk him into making a box to put Ruf's ash bag into... We were talking about spreading his ashes at the lake, but I am not sure I will be ready to do that any time soon.

D~
 
So many previous posters have put my feelings into their words. While I could go back and quote every single one of them and say "Yep, I agree ... or This, totally. :thumbsup2", I won't.

I have a pet (cat), and any true pet owner KNOWS they are your children -- only with fur. While I can't even begin to imagine your grief, I confess, I've never come close to having your experience. I know one day, I will ... and I don't look forward to it, nor do I wish that experience on anyone.

Your family is still in my thoughts and prayers, and know if you need someone to talk to, I'm here. :hug: Just do what is best for your sweet baby.

Thank you Liddy. :hug:

D~
 
D~ what a beautiful tribute that will be for your sweet Rufus :goodvibes love the fabric you have choosen, hope you can find it.

hope you were able to get some sleep last night, holding you all in my thoughts and prayers :hug:
 

D~ what a beautiful tribute that will be for your sweet Rufus :goodvibes love the fabric you have choosen, hope you can find it.

hope you were able to get some sleep last night, holding you all in my thoughts and prayers :hug:

Thank you Lisa. :hug:

I've been sleeping OK... I've been waking around midnight/1am and coming downstairs to lay with Ruf for an hour or so. It makes me feel better to be with him during the night, so he isn't alone. Josh gets up for work at 3am, so I know he checks on Ruf when he gets up... So, he's never alone for very long. :grouphug:

D~
 
Thank you Lisa. :hug:

I've been sleeping OK... I've been waking around midnight/1am and coming downstairs to lay with Ruf for an hour or so. It makes me feel better to be with him during the night, so he isn't alone. Josh gets up for work at 3am, so I know he checks on Ruf when he gets up... So, he's never alone for very long. :grouphug:

D~

remember to take care of yourself too :goodvibes sleep depreivation is not fun.
keep snuggling your sweet puppy, he knows you all love him so and are doing what's best for him :hug:
 
I have not been on here for awhile and come back to hear this bad news. I am so sorry that you, your family, and rufus are going through this right now. My thoughts and prayers are with you all right now.:hug:
 
Rufus, your family, and especially you have been in my thoughts the last couple days. It's so hard to be a bystander when a pet isn't feeling well.

Having just gone through it with Squeaky I know I went from hoping she'd get well, to reminding her of all the good times she'd shared with us in the past 17 years, to finally encouraing her to join Tigger and Tiny (the hardest part) and letting her know that we'd always remember her and that we'd -- eventually -- be okay without her.

Even as I took her to the vet for the last time I kept thinking how much harder it's got to be for dog owners. As much as I loved Squeaky, cats don't have nearly the interaction with people as dogs do.

Enjoy Rufus for as long as he's with you. It sounds like you're working on some nice remembrances once he's gone.
 
Oh D, I am so heartbroken to read your post about your dear dog. Growing up, I was technically an only child, but my "sister" was my little dachshund Molly. They really do become a big part of your family. Your family and Ruf will be in our family's prayers. :hug: Rufus is very blessed to have a family that loves him so much.
 
I have not been on here for awhile and come back to hear this bad news. I am so sorry that you, your family, and rufus are going through this right now. My thoughts and prayers are with you all right now.:hug:

Thank you Corri. :hug:

Rufus, your family, and especially you have been in my thoughts the last couple days. It's so hard to be a bystander when a pet isn't feeling well.

Having just gone through it with Squeaky I know I went from hoping she'd get well, to reminding her of all the good times she'd shared with us in the past 17 years, to finally encouraing her to join Tigger and Tiny (the hardest part) and letting her know that we'd always remember her and that we'd -- eventually -- be okay without her.

Even as I took her to the vet for the last time I kept thinking how much harder it's got to be for dog owners. As much as I loved Squeaky, cats don't have nearly the interaction with people as dogs do.

Enjoy Rufus for as long as he's with you. It sounds like you're working on some nice remembrances once he's gone.

Thank you Cheryl... And thank you for going through your letting go process... I am still hoping that Ruf will get better, but I am getting closer and closer to giving up that hope, he still isn't keeping anything down at all. I just keep thinking about how horrible he must be feeling, but he isn't showing it. :sick:

Allison and I did leave the house for a little while today... We went to the mall to find me a swim suit cover-up... and even though it covers me... Meh. LOL We also managed to find her a pair of capris (she was short one) and a pair of sunglasses that I like better. We also went out for lunch at Jimmy Johns (our fav).

We came home, with plans to trick Ruf... We knocked on the door, instead of coming right in - so that got him out of bed. Then we carried everything upstairs to pack it - then I turned around and Ruf is standing in our bedroom - he had climbed the stairs! For the first time in 2 days - I was thrilled! A short time later, he climbed them again. He was pretty alert up until Josh came home from work - and then he lost all of his energy. We also found the pancakes he didn't keep down this morning. :sad2: We are really relishing in the moments that we have him back, they seem to be getting fewer and fewer as the days go on. It is so very sad to watch.

I did do online check in this morning - because I wanted to check it out.

Can someone answer a question for me? You know how I called in the other day, and added my extra days of tickets to our trip? Well, the next day, I received another ME packet - but it does't have all the stuff in it - it's missing the luggage tags and our ME vouchers... So, I was planning to bring both envelopes with. I was a bit confused that I got two of these. So, do I bring one or the other, or both? I am going with both - for right now.

I've decided to go up to my sewing room for a few minutes right now... Maybe work on V's pirate applique for a little while.

D~
 
I don't know what you're talking about with ME vouchers and stuff .... but if it was me, I'd bring both. :confused3
 
happy that Rufus had some energy today...just keep snuggling him, love on him lots :love: continued prayers :hug::hug::hug::hug:



good that you checked out the on-line check-in, we use it and can save you time when you get to the resort.
ME info - did you already get a ME packet? does it have a different departure date on it???? they can just change it for you, double check with your TA...guess I'm confused, what was in the second ME packet? did you get one for the resort yet, will have different vouchers for minigolf, arcade, spa and other discounts
 
Sorry I have been MIA lately but I wanted to come by and say I am thinking of you, your family and especially Rufus. I know how hard it is too watch a beloved pet get so sick so suddenly. My dog that I had growing up from the age of 2 to 18 got sick suddenly and I was heartbroken. It is tough to see them suffer but I am happy you are able to still get in some wonderful moments with him.
 
I love that fabric -- I think you had showed me some of those in the past. You may want to inquire though b/c I think the cremation places have to put ashes in a sealed container. Doesn't mean you can't break it open though and do what you want to with the ashes.

Funny that you want to spread the ashes at the lake eventually -- I keep thinking of taking mine to Back Bay (ocean park) and spreading my last doggie's ashes there -- she loved walking along the beach.

I'm glad the Rufus made it up the stairs. I'm just amazed that for what he has not been keeping down that he still musters up such spurts of energy. Keep loving that good boy the way you do. He clearly recognizes it.
 
Just thinking of you and your family this morning! And of course sending prayers and virtual hugs your way....:grouphug::grouphug:

Lynn
 
I don't know what you're talking about with ME vouchers and stuff .... but if it was me, I'd bring both. :confused3

happy that Rufus had some energy today...just keep snuggling him, love on him lots :love: continued prayers :hug::hug::hug::hug:



good that you checked out the on-line check-in, we use it and can save you time when you get to the resort.
ME info - did you already get a ME packet? does it have a different departure date on it???? they can just change it for you, double check with your TA...guess I'm confused, what was in the second ME packet? did you get one for the resort yet, will have different vouchers for minigolf, arcade, spa and other discounts

OK... Here's what we have:

First Envelope:

Transfer from MCO to hotel
9 nights of parking
2 days MMW tickets
luggage tags (yellow and regular)
resort arcade card discount
guided fishing discount
child activity ctr discount
mini golf voucher
wdw marina disc offer
free resort refillable mug
discount spa voucher
planet hollywood souvenir vchr
plant hollywood $15 meal vchr
sammy duvall disc offer vchr
all of our meals
transfer to MCO from our resort

The 2nd envelope contains:

No new ME stuff (no tags, no ME vouchers)
It's updated our tickets to 9 MMW tickets
And duplicates of all our above coupons

And even though I have updated our flight info 3 times - it is still not listed anywhere in this new packet. :eek: Do I need to call them, yet again, and update our flight info?

Sorry I have been MIA lately but I wanted to come by and say I am thinking of you, your family and especially Rufus. I know how hard it is too watch a beloved pet get so sick so suddenly. My dog that I had growing up from the age of 2 to 18 got sick suddenly and I was heartbroken. It is tough to see them suffer but I am happy you are able to still get in some wonderful moments with him.

It's OK - thank you for stopping by. I am sorry about your childhood pet, as well. :hug: I keep telling myself that I knew he wouldn't live forever - but he has just always been so healthy, that it's hard to get over the shock.

I love that fabric -- I think you had showed me some of those in the past. You may want to inquire though b/c I think the cremation places have to put ashes in a sealed container. Doesn't mean you can't break it open though and do what you want to with the ashes.

Funny that you want to spread the ashes at the lake eventually -- I keep thinking of taking mine to Back Bay (ocean park) and spreading my last doggie's ashes there -- she loved walking along the beach.

I'm glad the Rufus made it up the stairs. I'm just amazed that for what he has not been keeping down that he still musters up such spurts of energy. Keep loving that good boy the way you do. He clearly recognizes it.

Thank you Andrea. :hug:

Rufus update:
He is still very tired. I figured it out today - and it's been 12 days already since he has been able to keep anything down. Even if we would have taken him to the vet the minute he threw up his first meal, it wouldn't have changed anything. Allison made pancakes for breakfast yesterday - he scarfed down 2 tiny ones. We have finally come to the realization, that once he throws up something, he refuses to eat it again... So, we are trying to play our cards right and come up with new ideas of what to feed him. Unfortunately, nothing we feed him stays down for more than a few hours. I just pray that he gets enough nutrition from those few hours - but I know he isn't. I know his body is just starting to shut down... we really have to say his name several times just to get him to look at us. However, I will say, that he does tend to perk up in the afternoons for a couple of hours... Not really perky or playful - but more alert and willing to go outside and willing to sit up.

Last night, he did something so precious. Allison and I decided to sleep in the livingroom and watch a movie (Fried Green Tomatoes) and V stayed over at a friend's house. So, I went upstairs to grab my pillow off the bed, before I knew it - I heard Rufus' collar jingle and I heard him attempting to come upstairs for the 3rd time yesterday... I stood at the top and I really had to coax him up those last few stairs - but he did it. He was about to lay down in Allison's door way, but I coaxed him down the hall to our bedroom. Josh has been trying to get Ruf to cuddle with him in bed for the last few days... See, Ruf isn't allowed in our bed - but since he was little, he would always sneak into it while we were at work, and we always knew because he would build a "nest" out of our blankets - and sometimes rip our comforters with his nails (our bed is pretty tall). Sometimes, we would let him into our bed when we were laying down for the night, and Josh and I would lay there and scratch his belly and then sleep with us for a few hours. So, last night, when Ruf came upstairs, I coaxed him into our room and then I lifted him into bed with Josh, and Ruf laid there for several hours getting his belly scratched, he was such a happy boy. I didin't hear him hop out of bed until about mid-night. :lovestruc I did go up and take a picture of my two guys cuddling - but I promised Josh that I wouldn't post it on the internet anywhere - It is just the sweetest picture ever, and I am so glad I got it.

I've been a bit obsessive about the cameral lately - as if I don't have 9 million pictures of Ruf as it is, but I just keep taking pictures - I don't know why... It's as if I am trying to save every moment with him to my memory. :lovestruc

I am still angry about the fate he was dealt, but like Alli keeps telling me (how did she get so smart?) - we just have to be thankful for all the good years that we had with him. I have a lot of guilt for all the missed time with him - because for the first 2 years, he really wasn't a part of our family - we'd take him to the lake and stuff, but he was always an outside dog. It wasn't until Josh went to Iraq that I brought him into the house (daily) and I wouldn't let him leave - even after Josh came home. So, I am carrying a lot of guilt for all those missed moments - If only I knew then what I knew now. He has brought more joy to our lives than I could have ever imagined, and he truly completed our family. :lovestruc It breaks my heart in every way imagineable that I can't do anything to save him, and we just have to sit here and watch him die.

***********************

I did manage to coax myself up to the sewing room yesterday, and I did manage to nearly complete V's Pirate applique.

I've changed my whole to do list and I've decided to get done what I can get done - but I am trying to sacrifice as little time as possible with Ruf, as I know that these last days before we leave for our trip, will be our last days with him.

My customs for the trip have now changed to... Completing the girls' Pirate t-shirts... If I have time, I will complete mine. I'd like to get to Alli's Dug wallet, as well. I've decided not to do a TS bag - it will just take too long and I'd have to work like a mad woman to complete it in time - I'd rather spend my time with Ruf. We have pleanty of customs, and it will be OK.

I am trying very hard to be excited for our trip, however, I know that under it all, the girls and I will be so very sad. I know that Ruf would want us to be happy, but it's so hard to be happy while we know he is suffering.

D~
 
Thank you Lynn... Sorry I missed your post in there. :hugs:

D~
 
D, it sounds like they just sent you another copy of the "package vouchers", and not really the ME stuff. It sounds like the packet I get (since we don't fly and take ME). Honestly, I'd take both, and use the ME vouchers from the first one, and check in to the resort with the second one. But honestly, I think your first one is fine. It sounds like they just wanted you to have proof that they updated your tickets. :confused3

Still praying for your family. Allison is such a smart girl. :hug: I hope Rufus has a good day today. :goodvibes
 
Thanks Liddy. (((Hugs)))

Ok, so my next question... I have 2 of each coupon they send you... Can I use both coupons? Some of them say one discount per room per stay... But some of them don't. Could I potentially use both of the ones that don't? Not that it matters much - I am one of those couponers that always leaves her coupons at home... ACK! So, I'll be lucky if I use any of them at all. LOL

D~
 
I have been thinking of you.

My advice on the coupons is if they don't have restrictions they can be used
 












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