HI everyone,
Thanks for those who entered the drawing for this pretty pink fluffy sweater made by Anne. The winner this time is Rosemary B! Yay for Rosemary… my hubby drew your name out and you finally get your sweater! I’m not sure I have your address… could you email it to me… and I’ll get your dolly sweater in the mail!
My hubby and I had to say goodbye to Reuben today. He had been doing wonderfully well after “whatever it was” that caused him to be paralyzed for about 2 months. After the “therapy” sessions my hubby and I helped him through, he had gotten where he could walk and sort of jump at things, and go to the bathroom by himself, and had to be put back on the leash again because he was so active when we’d take him outside. It was just about like nothing had ever happened.
But something happened again last Thursday and he relapsed. It was worse than the first time. He could only move his eyes and twitch his ears. He could lap water from his bowl if you put it right under his chin. He also lost his voice again and wasn’t able to bark or whimper to tell us if he was hungry or needed water. We just had to remember those things for him.
Today we realized he was getting worse, and very quickly. He wasn’t able to control his bodily functions, so the hard decision was made to go back to the vet and let him put him to sleep. The vet was very kind and knew it was hard, but we’re thankful Reuben isn’t suffering anymore. We couldn’t tell if he was hurting or not, but when we looked in his eyes, he looked miserable and confused. We are still dabbing at our eyes to fight back the tears as we pick up all his toys around the house and see things that remind us he lived here too. He was going to be 11 on March 15… so he just missed his birthday by a month.
We took pictures of him all the time, but most of them were on our phone and we’d delete them and add new ones. Here are a few that aren’t great, but you can get an idea of why we loved him. Thank you to all of you who prayed for him and often asked about him.
This is what it always looked like after we gave him a haircut…
He was terrified when we were putting in the new kitchen sink…
We were just about done with putting down our new vinyl plank flooring… a man and his dog!
Rebecca loving on Reuben…
I’ll see you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
Dear Jeanne,
Oh, I am so so sorry about Reuben. You know you did the kindest thing for him, and yet it is so incredibly hard. I know; I’ve been there, too (as I’m sure several of us have). Just know that we are lifting you up in prayer as you go thru this loss in your life.
Rosemary, congrats on winning the drawing!! That really is such a pretty sweater!
I made a little progress on my purse today, mainly the zipper, but also some prep work on the lining. This fabric Definitely needs a lining; it ravels if you just look at it funny!! At least it’s not as thick as the stuff I made the prototype from, so it’s a little easier to sew!
You are brilliant for making the prototype. Try very hard to not look at the lining funny 😕 try to be unfunny.
We are all crying on the sofa today, so sad for you and George! In a way it is fortunate that we can control the situation so they don’t have to suffer any more. It is so hard to say Good Bye but you have some wonderful memories. He was a very sweet pup!
Oh dear, my comment I made earlier didn’t seem to go through! I thought I would wait a bit to see if it came on, but no, it still isn’t there. I could not go through the day without letting you know, Jeanne and George, how very sorry I am to hear about Reuben. He was the spunkiest and most lovable little dog! You gave him the best life he could have, if that is any comfort, and too, he gave you both great love and joy!
You have now gone through one of the lowest of low parts of life, when we have to say good by to our pets. I have done this more than a few times, and now I won’t go through that again, since we have decided, no more pets for us.
It made me a bit teary to see those pictures of little Reuben, how cute and spunky he was! May he find joy once again romping in meadows where pets go when they pass away, being free and happy, and awaiting the day when you see him again. 🥲
Congratulations to Rosemary, on winning that darling fluffy, pink sweater!
I forgot to add, my co dole ces to Rebecca, who shared a special relationship with Reuben. He loved her so much, as she loved him.
Condolences!
Tears for you and George, Jeanne, and tears for memories of the ones I had to do the same for. Thank you for the sweet photos.
We are going to our email provider to try to get my email working. If they can’t fix it I don’t know who can. I am using Peyton’s computer now.
I am so sorry I missed Mae’s sweet outfit, the winner is really lucky.
Congratulations to Rosemary on the sweater, so pretty and fluffy.
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart hurts for you. Giving up a furry family member is not easy. Sending hugs and heartfelt condolences.
Following Valentine’s Day, … how sweet. I know this deep painful sorrow, I think most of us do. If you are not a pet owner, you are sort of “spared” from the “fine print” but you do grieve with others. Reuben was a bright face and a free happy spirit that all of you will never forget. Aren’t we glad we have photos now?
I have to admit, I have many many photos of my kitties, all of my cutie silly “stuffed animals” (especially after they have gobbled their meal and come and sit on your lap -ooof) Remember those days, and know that Reuben’s last moments were surrounded by your adoration. Those memories are golden!
I am praying for all of you… courage. Print out some photos and put them in places for comfort. You do not have to frame them. (I still do, my kitties photos are right next to mom and dad, it is wonderful)
You will miss him every day, that will never end because his love is stamped right onto your hearts. You can be contrary and selfish in your thoughts: (I want all of my kitties back right now!) because that is part of the gift of grief in our hearts.
Today is the day all of us need a group hug.
The cute pink fuzzy handmade sweater so carefully knitted together by dear Anne. I am so delighted. I can’t wait to put it on my one and only Glitter girl doll and … I think I might start a dress today! Thank you Jeanne for hosting this fun sweater surprise extravaganza from Anne. It is just so exciting! Yay, I am a winner!!! Thank you so much Anne!
❤️Today my heart is full sympathy for all of you.
Reuben was a little Prince and had the best life!
Congratulations on winning the pink sweater! It is so cute!
Congrats on the sweater. It is a lovely one.
Oh, Jeanne, my heart hurts for you and George. I lost my dog, Linus, almost three years ago, and it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through. He was the sweetest, funniest boy, and my best buddy. He was about six weeks shy of his 15th birthday when we lost him. All I can say is, it may take awhile, but it will get better, the hurt will ease, and you will always have the memories of the joy Reuben brought you.
Dear Jeanne, I am so sorry for you and your family. Reuben was a special doggie.
Oh no. We’ve lost the Sofa Sisters mascot. I’m so sorry to hear about Reuben. I was thinking about him all day yesterday. Only time will help to heal the void we all feel. My thoughts are with you and George.
I was finally able to set up and get a few photos of a scene for the Lunar New of my Ruby Red kids done. I sent them to Jeanne for when she might have a spot for them.
Here, we had lots of rain last night. And then, the flashes and thunder began early this morning. What’s with that? Rather rare here and not in winter. Other person went to the bathroom and about that time, the whole room lit up. He came running back to bed right as the huge crashing began. Now, that was funny. Scaredy cat for sure. I believe that it was one of the largest flashes and continued thunder we’ve ever experienced here. And then the dumping of the rain buckets began. Tremendous amount of rain coming down for some time. I’m sure that it must have breached out retaining wall. Guess we’ll find out when it gets lighter. But, at least the power didn’t go out. 🙂
Oh, and the Sierra were dumped on with snow yesterday. Both major highways were closed. So glad that grands came home early.
And now, I need to hurry along. I have my eye appointment at 9:30.
Thinking of you Jeanne and George. Reuben will always be well remembered.
I am looking forward to the fashion photos, Joy!
Yes, I have experienced a few times, here on the east coast, those huge thunder storms. It sounds like someone dropped a bomb! Once, just one very loud horrible BOOM and that was it. No after rumbles. When it happens in the middle of the night, it is terrifying! Glad you survived
Tks Rosemary. The cat that isn’t ours wasn’t there for her breakfast this morning. Understandable after the loud crashes last night. Pets do not like that at all. Anyway, Callie Cat showed up finally and was very hungry. Must have been a rough night for her on the porch.
Im crying over this message! Prayers and 🫂
I am so sorry about Reuben, Jeanne. He was such a sweet dog. I’ll be praying for you. We put down our Cocker Spaniel 2 June’s ago. I still miss her.
Congratulations, Rosemary! I am happy you won it 🙂
Oh Jeanne and George, Rebecca and Kristopher, I am so heartbroken for all of you. When I saw all the pictures of Reuben, I knew he had come to a point where he could not go on any longer. It is so hard to let them go- they are our 4 legged children and they are so devoted to us always.
However, by letting him gently go, he is no longer confused or hurting. I truly believe they are all waiting for us in heaven, and yes, we all have tears today on the sofa.
I follow 2 blogs, and both of you just lost a dog companion — his a week ago, and Reuben now. Both of you wrote about them and both had many admirers who join you in missing them. It must help a little that they’ll be missed by people around the world. Here’s what Z wrote about Flash
https://www.electoral-vote.com/evp2026/Items/Feb13-7.html
If you don’t mind, I’ll share your post, and the pictures, with Z. I think he’ll especially like the ones with George. His blog does not share posts unless you write in with a question (Saturdays) or an opinion (Sundays). I copyread for that blog, so I write in every day and say profound things like “There’s a typo in paragraph 8.” The Flash story appeared as the Friday nice news section because it’s a celebration of good companionship, just as Reuben’s story is.
Toutes les amies du canapé,partagent votre peine et comprennent votre chagrin. Ces petits compagnons, font partie de notre vie de tous les jours et ils sont comme des amis fidèles.Le gentil petit reuben ne souffre plus,c’est une petite consolation. C’est vrai,qu’il était la mascotte de ce site…
All the friends of the couch share your sorrow and understand your grief. These little companions are part of our daily lives and are like faithful friends. The sweet little Reuben is no longer in pain, which is a small consolation. It’s true, he was the mascot of this site…
I’m so very sorry, George and Jeanne, Rebecca and Kristopher. I remember when you had Scruffy and then got Reuben as a tiny puppy. Pets make our lives whole. We are always perfect in their eyes. I certainly understand what you are feeling. No amount of years here is ever enough.
Once again, I’ll post one of my favorite poems.
I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
“It’s me, I haven’t left you, I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.”
I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.
I want to re-assure you, that I’m not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said ” it’s me.”
You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
It’s possible for me, to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, “I never went away.”
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew…
In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.
The day is over… I smile and watch you yawning
and say “good-night, God bless, I’ll see you in the morning.”
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I’ll rush across to greet you and we’ll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out…then come home to be with me.
He is waiting in Heaven as all our beloved pets are. I believe this with all my heart.
That poem was beautiful !!
Now I’m really crying !!!
How we love our fur babies!
Jeanne I am crying too hard to write much except how sorry I am, and I know how you are feeling it is only a year since I lost Louis and I still miss him so much.
Laura that was a lovely poem thank you
When I saw the title I was almost afraid to read the rest of the blog. I knew exactly what had happened. It sounds like maybe previously Reuben had a slight stroke and that this was a major one. We had 13 years with our Cocker Chelsy and it was still not enough but when she could no longer enjoy the things she had all her life like watching out the car window when we traveled, we knew it was time to put our feelings aside and think of her and what she was going through. I always wished our pets could talk to us so we would know. The day David took her to the vet he said it was almost like she knew and was ready. I have pretty garden stakes in my garden with deceased pets names, etc., on them but when Sean and Dionne’s dog had to be put to sleep they got an amazing memento package from the vet including a stuffed dog like theirs. Unfortunately our vet did not offer that so I wasn’t aware such a thing existed.
Congratulations to Rosemary on winning that adorable sweater. Wish we lived closer so our dolly girls could share both our sweaters. Yours would have been my second choice.
Praying for your family, Jeanne. I know this is hard on all of you. Reuben looked like he was doing so well.