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

[VBAndrea]

I'm so sorry D as I know this is not the decision you wanted to make. But it is a sign from Rufus -- he's ready. My thoughts and prayers are with you today and always.

 

[DMGeurts]

I just woke up and I am trying to get through all of your heartfelt messages with out crying again. Please be assured that each one of your messages means a lot to me and it's very comforting that you are all here for me (and my family). Today promises to be a rough one for all of us. The only thing I am remotely thankful for, is that the girls and I won't have to worry about Ruf while we are on our trip, we will know that he isn't suffering any more.

Just know that the vets won't let you "kill" him. They will only put him down if they know it is near the end and he is suffering. Its never easy, but please don't think you are "killing" him. You are helping him and saving him from suffering. He knows you are doing everything you can for him and that little tail wag when you walk into the room means "thank you mom".

Thinking of you!

THank you Suzi. You are right, we have a great vet, and he wouldn't let us kill Ruf... Sometimes I just get so emotional about it. I need to be a little more rational... We had a neighbor stop over last night, and while she was here, I was looking at Ruf - and for the first time, I noticed that he is literally starving to death - he has lost so much weight in the last few weeks. This really is the right decision, no matter how hard it is for us.

I agree with Andrea, you will know and think you should call your vet with what happend this morning, maybe he can give you some insight.

please dont feel that way about the decision to put him down, you don't want him to suffer, he will know you are doing it out of love for him, they sense it, our dog did....she gave us that "look" that it was okay.


if you'd like a little break, I started our Feb DLR TR its in my OCT TR thread....have a couple photos I took just for you!

Thank you for the wise words Lisa, and thank you for the much needed distraction of your TR yesterday - I really loved looking at all of your pictures.

I have experience seizures in a dog first hand. Our first shepherd developed epilepsy the last couple of years of her life. Her seizures for the first few months were very much like Rufus'. Then they developed into ones where she was completely spaced out during them and lost control of her bladder. Near the end she would also lose control of her bowels. It is a very hard thing to witness. I remember being able to see the indications of them coming on at the end and rushing to her to make sure she didn't hurt herself and then sitting with her while she came out of the fog.


Your last statement is so true. They do let you know when it is time to let them go.


Please never think that you are killing him. In many instances, it is far more humane to put them down, especially when they are in pain but not showing it. I've been in this position many times in my life with my own sweet pup and with family pets growing up and it is not easy. You will know when the time is right if it comes to that. Rufus will let you know.


See my comments above regarding seizures. The stiff legs are part of it. One of the first things our vet told us was not to move her until she was showing signs of wanting to move. It was so long ago that I don't remember the reason for it now.


You are doing exactly what you need to - just being there for Rufus and making him as comfortable as can be.

The seizures are like that. Until near the end with my sweet girl, after 15-20 minutes you never would have known that she had just had a seizure. It can be very hard to witness them and if you need to talk about it, I'm here, just PM me.

And ramble away all you'd like. We all understand.

Thank you Tink... I really appreciate you taking the time to explain this to me first hand. I was really doubting that Ruf had a seizure yesterday, until Josh got home and Ruf was stumbling and bumping into things - you could really tell that something had happened.

I don't have anythig to add but please know I am praying for you.

Thank you Chiara - and thank you again for the wonderful gifts... I know my post doesn't show it as much as I would like it to - but please know that we are elated about them, and can't wait to wear them in Disney... I am trying to decide if we should wear them on one of our Epcot days, or one of our AK days? I am leaning more towards AK...

oh holy cow.

I should never have opened your thread here.


I should not go to the Disboutique forum you mentioned.


Houston we have a problem.


Those are so stinkin cute. Like. Everything.


First off, would you PM me with your pricing on the AG princess clothes? and on your UDB?


secondly, I didn't read everything yet so I'm not sure if you've used your UDB at a park yet...but if so, how did it fare on the 'wet' rides like splash mountain? I've got a hipster thingy that I bought one year (that I have used the heck out of) but it's more of a nylon fabric.


oye. wow.

Welcome, and thank you. I have not personally carried my UPB in Disney yet... Many others have - so maybe they will respond? They are not water proof, so you would have to take the proper precautions on wet rides and wear it under a poncho if it's raining. I did carry a Vera Bradley bag the last time I went, and to be honest - I just carried a zip-loc bag with me, and any time we went on a wet ride or it rained - I just threw anything I didn't want to get wet right in the bag. I plan to do the same thing this time.

D~
I am so sorry to hear about Ruf's latest episode. You will know when the time is right to put him down. I have had to do it with two cats, the first time I was not prepared for how quick it is, when I had to do it a second time I at least knew that...not that any preparation makes it any easier. I am glad that you guys have had some good times with Ruf. I know he is feeling super loved by his family.

Hugs, prayers, and more hugs for you all.

Lynn

Thank you Lynn. And thank you for letting me know that it's quick... I am just so nervous about it.

I don't know who Chiara is, but those shirts are AWESOME. Chiara....we must connect!

My MIL's machine is a Brother and can read PES files from a flashdrive....does anyone have that embroidery graphic in the pics above as that kind of file that you might email to me?!

Yes, Chiara did an amazing job with the shirts.

There are lots of sellers out there that sell the files, all the files I know about are copyrighted, so you actually have to purchase them from the digitizer - you really aren't allowed to share them with others.

There are some great digitizers here on the Dis that make the files you are interested in... Heather Sue, Diane and Rubberduckyranch are probably the top 3 - but I don't actually own an embroidery machine, so there may be more out there that I don't know of off the top of my head.

Oh D~

I am so so sorry about Rufus.

I am, however, so glad that you got a beautiful ray of sunshine today in the form of a fabulous gift from Chiara!!!

Let me know if you need anything - you know I'm just a call or text away.

M~

Thank you Marianne... Yes, it was so wonderful to get something fun yesterday - we all really needed it.

Oh D I know it is so hard to make that decision. I remember calling the Vet to set up the appointment and I could barely speak I was crying so hard and I made DH go to the vet. I was preggo with DS4 and I just couldn't do it.:

Chiara what adorable shirts you sent.

TG that SW lets 2 bags each as we had 10 bags plus all our carryon junk

I wish I could just not go - the thought has crossed my mind - but then I think I would regret it. I want him to know that I love him, and I want to be there with him, no matter how hard it is for me...

Wow~!!! 10 bags!!! How did you get all those through to the ticket counter... I dunno how the girls and I are going to do it - with only 2 bags. I am kind of hoping that Josh will help us get through the ticket counter, since he doesn't have to work on Tues.

Dear D~ In the midst of what must surely be one of your most difficult weeks, I am so grateful you received some mail to bring a smile to your face. You deserve it. My prayers and love remain with you and I will be lifting you up and asking for strength for you as you say goodbye to Rufus. Every tear I have shed reading this has been a prayer for your family.

Thank you Judy. I just keep thinking to myself that what I am going through is nothing compared to what you have to go through all the time - I just can't imagine how you do it. But you do - and you are such an amazing person - I just really look up to you and your family for how courageous and brave you all are - and yet you have such solid Faith and a genuine love for all... It really shows in all that you say and all that you do. I am so very lucky to have you (and all the rest of my Dis friends) as a friend.

Thank you for all the prayers, and thank you so much for thinking of me the other day... I really want to post about it - but I wanted to make sure it was OK with you first.

D - somehow I missed your early post about Rufus and his seizure this morning, blame it on the fact I was packing and checking the DIS every now and then. A little while ago I came back on and started to catch up on your PTR. I can not tell you how bad I felt reading the earlier post and then I read the last, I know how hard this is going to be on you and your family, we had to put our Sheltie down years ago and I just could not go with my DH and youngest son to the vet's office. I regret not going till this day. I do not know what to say except Rufus had a good life and knows he is loved so much. My heart is breaking for you right now.

Oh Sheila - no apologies are necessary at all. Thank you so much for being here for me... And please know that you and your family are in my prayers as well... You need to enjoy your trip and reflect on the happy memories and create new ones. Please know that you are in my thoughts a lot and I hope this trip is exactly what you need to get you through the next days and weeks.

I wish I has some wonderful words of wisdom on how to make this better/easier, but I don't. However, do not be affraid for your sweet boy. It is very easy for him. He absolutely knows how much you all love him. . .those pictures are truly priceless. I am thankful you are going through this as a family. It really helped us to cry together and laugh together remembering our favorite memories. I encourage you each to talk about it when you need to and not try to "just deal with it". They have given us so much and this truly is the last (and most difficult) gift you'll give him. I found this website the day I called to make our appointment (which was for the following morning). I found it SO helpful and comforting to have scripture that spoke to animals in Heaven. Scroll down to the post by Bailey Gertrude E NSSC. It has a lot of information but tied it all together in a way I could process.

http://www.answers2prayer.org/bible_questions/Answers/animals/pets.html

Know that you have many people lifting you up tonight, tomorrow and the coming days. Praying for God to give you a peace about this decision and the strength to get through the day.

Thank you so very much... What you said truly makes sense to me. I will go look at the link you posted today and look specifically for the one you mentioned. I really appreciate your support and kind words.

Oh yeah, one more strange parallel in our lives. . .we left for a week long vacation a few days after losing our boy. It was a wonderful time of healing for my family. . .I pray the same for yours!

Thank you, I hope we are able to use this as a time for healing. I know the girls and I will be OK, because we will be distracted by all the wonderful Magic... but Dh, OTOH, will be at home - alone - because he was supposed to stay behind to take care of Ruf... he insists he will be OK - and I am sure he will be. But I've been left behind many times while Josh and the girls took Ruf to the lake - and I know how lonely and quiet it is around here... I am sure he will be fine though, he is a lot more at peace with this than I am.

D~ I can only say my heart is aching , know what a tough decision this is for you all ..... will hold you all in my heart tomorrow
will be in and out tomorrow, but will have my cell on, please call if you need to!



Chiara did a beautiful job on the shirts and happy she brought a ray of sunshine and smiles to your faces today

Thank you Lisa... I will call or text if I need anything. I'll probably be on the computer all day, in between givin' Ruf all my attention. He is currently laying on the floor next to me...

Yes, Chiara's gift couldn't have come on a better day.

I'm so sorry D as I know this is not the decision you wanted to make. But it is a sign from Rufus -- he's ready. My thoughts and prayers are with you today and always.

Thank you Andrea, that means a lot.

I wish I had more to add, but as soon as I updated last night, I went to bed. So there is nothing new... Except both of the girls slept in the living room with Ruf last night - but when I got up, Ruf was sleeping in the office - LOL He probably got sick of them moving around all night, disturbing his beauty sleep.

I am trying to distract myself with last minute preperations for our trip... So please forgive me if I jump around on topics a lot today - I am just trying to get through today and this weekend the best I can.

I still have to go to Target and purchase the last of our GCs... I thought I had done that last week, but then I decided I am going to pay for tips with GCs too, to save on some $$. I am also going to get myself a $50 GC for souvenirs for myself.

I need to go to the bank to get a bit of cash. I am not bringing a lot of actual cash with us, just enough to cover Mousekeeping and baggage tips.

Josh got the new Hugo movie... So we plan to watch that sometime this weekend.

On Sunday (maybe even Monday night), I plan to do all of our nails up Disney style. So, that should be fun.

I still need to color my hair... I think I've gotten more gray in the last week or two.

I need to make sure that Allison gets the rest of her shirts packed.

I also need to make sure the girls bring their gym shoes home on Monday night from their gym lockers.

I need to finish up Alli's Dug wallet that I've been working on intermittantly the last few days. I don't have that much to do on it, so it should go quickly.

I am very disappointed that I didn't get to my Toy Story park bag. Oh well, it will save something fun for me to do for our next trip.

Again, I just really want you all to know how much we appreciate your prayers and support over these last few weeks, it really means a lot to me.

D~

 

[dianemom2]

I don't have anything additional to add to all the wise and soothing comments that others have made. I am sure this is very difficult for you and your family but that you are making the best decision possible for Rufus. I hope today goes ok.

And Chiara's shirts are awesome! What a lovely surprise she sent! Opening the package must have been like a ray of sunshine on a stormy day.

 

[cogero]

D~ I am so so sorry you are going through this. It sucks plain and simple. Just know that Rufus will be loooking down on you. I think it is good that you will not be stressed with worrying about Rufus while you are away.

I am glad I was able to bring some smiles to you all during this rough time.

 

[Lidian]

D, I am so sorry about Rufus. Please know I am praying for your family.

 

[GlassSlippers]

I know today is going to be so difficult for you and your family, Dorine, and words are so inadequate. I'm praying for peace and comfort for all of you. Maybe by tonight Rufus will have found my Sky and they'll be making friends and playing in puppy heaven.

Lori in East Podunk

PS: Maybe those wonderful new four parks shirts from Chiara would be good traveling shirts for you and the girls on Tuesday!

 

[mphalens]

Good Morning. The boys & I are just home from a breakfast birthday party for one of their friends. I think I'm very very grateful this morning that we homeschool - we had to be at the friend's house for 7:30am . . . it was still dark when i got up to start getting ready . . . Phalen doesn't usually wake up until 8am most days.

Oh - and we're out of coffee

Anyhoo - just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you and praying that Rufus knows just how much you all love him. I know what a difficult day today will be and just know that I'm here if you need me.

 

[mommy2mrb]

Snuggle with your sweet Rufus today, he know's you all love him as much as he loves you....will be holding you tight in my prayers and heart

 

[VBAndrea]

D~ I am going to be out and about for a bit so I wanted to post and let you know I am thinking of you this afternoon. Praying for strength and courage for you. Rufus will get to spend this evening running in the fields with my Shih Tzus Spice and LeeLee and chasing our cats Isis, Elsa and Anya. He will have a great time. And I know how much he thanks you, Josh, Allison and Victoria for being such good humans to him all his life. Wishing you strength in this difficult time

 

[miprender]

Thinking of you today,

°O° °O° °O° °O° °O° °O° °O° °O° °O° °O° °O° °O° °O° °O° °O° °O° °O° °O°

As for the 10 bags we are lucky that SW has curbside check in. And don't have to walk that far and on our way home we used the RAC at AKL to check our bags. That is the best invention ever.

 

[smile5sunshine]

Thinking and praying for you and your family today.

 

[solana131]

Sometimes I just get so emotional about it. I need to be a little more rational...

If you weren't emotional about it, you wouldn't be a good mom. Please don't second guess yourselves on this. You have shown that furry guy more love than most animals get in a lifetime! You are only doing what is best for you all. I think this is good. It will be better to make this a "healing trip" than find out while you are down there that he passed. Mickey makes everything better

I wonder if they have "I just lost my pet" buttons. Maybe you can get some free cupcakes

Sorry, that was bad, just trying to make you smile!

 

[DMGeurts]

Thank you everyone for such kind words today.

If you are my friend on FB... I just uploaded about 200+ photos of Ruf and our family... We would love it if you had the time to watch his life unfold and spend some time knowing our Ruf.

If you weren't emotional about it, you wouldn't be a good mom. Please don't second guess yourselves on this. You have shown that furry guy more love than most animals get in a lifetime! You are only doing what is best for you all. I think this is good. It will be better to make this a "healing trip" than find out while you are down there that he passed. Mickey makes everything better

I wonder if they have "I just lost my pet" buttons. Maybe you can get some free cupcakes

Sorry, that was bad, just trying to make you smile!

Suzi... You did make me chuckle. I thought about making the girls and I "Rufus buttons" to wear in Disney - but I have no idea how to get them done in time, as I don't know if anyone does them locally and if they would only do 3??? Actually, I may check into it... I think I know someone???

D~

 

[solana131]

Well, they do have the blank "I'm Celebrating..." buttons. It has a blank spot you can fill in whatever you are celebrating. Maybe you could fill in: "Rufus!"

 

[babynala]

So sorry to hear about Rufus. How sweet that the girls slept with him last night. I can not imagine how rough today was for you and your family.

 

[DMGeurts]

Hi everyone. Thank you for all the prayers and support - again.

I just wanted to let you know, Ruf's appt is at 5pm - so a little over an hour. Right now I am doing OK, just trying not to think about it. It's just so hard to imagine life with out him in it.

D~

 

[cajunfan]

Praying for you all. HUGS!

 

[tinkbell13]

Thinking of you guys.

 

[denvergirl]

Can't stop thinking of you and praying for you. . .you will get through this. . .just take it one breath at time.

 

[denvergirl]

D~ I am going to be out and about for a bit so I wanted to post and let you know I am thinking of you this afternoon. Praying for strength and courage for you. Rufus will get to spend this evening running in the fields with my Shih Tzus Spice and LeeLee and chasing our cats Isis, Elsa and Anya. He will have a great time. And I know how much he thanks you, Josh, Allison and Victoria for being such good humans to him all his life. Wishing you strength in this difficult time

We need "LIKE" buttons. . .LIKE!