Thursday, May 5, 2011

RIP Rufus

After a real rough month or two, we lost our sweet piggy last night about 10:45pm. 

A week ago, he had surgery for a benign abscess, and it seemed Rufus was recovering nicely, and had gotten back his appetite after a few days of hand-feeding.  However, right after I gave him his meds last night about 7:30, he made a couple of strange noises then began showing signs of something like a stroke.

I feel extremely fortunate that I was here when it happened, and was able to hold him and comfort him over the next three hours while he slowly passed away. 

He was a very lucky pig.  We rescued him from an animal shelter four years ago, and since then spoiled him rotten.  He was an ideal pet.  He was my daughter's study buddy, snuggling next to her while she did her homework.  He would curl up with my husband or I with a blanky and a treat while we watched a movie, and would fall asleep if we rubbed him between his ears.  He was always happy to accept a carrot snack from visiting friends and family, and would sometimes even ring a bell on one of his toys when he felt he was overdue for one.

I am so very sad.  I will miss him terribly.

    

37 comments:

Melody said...

I'm sorry, Sandy. {Hugs}

Ana S. said...

:( *big hugs*

JoAnn said...

I'm so sorry, Sandy. ((hugs))

Beth F said...

Oh no. It's so hard to lose a family friend.

bermudaonion said...

I'm so sorry, Sandy. I hope you take comfort in the fact that you provided him with a great home.

Unknown said...

Such sad news. At least you know he had a wonderful life with you. He couldn't ask for more love and care. ((hugs))

Zibilee said...

Oh no! I am so sorry to hear this! I know how tough it can be to lose a pet that means so much to you. After my little cat Romeo died, I was a mess. I still miss him and think about him a lot. I repeat what Kathy said: remember that you gave him a wonderful home and lots of love. I will be keeping you in my thoughts.

Melissa (Avid Reader) said...

I'm so sorry. Losing a pet is just so hard. They love you unconditionally and are nothing but sweetness. I hope you have lots of great memories of him.

Ti said...

I was shocked when I heard the news on FB. I am so sorry Sandy. He was one, lucky piggy to have such a great family. He lived a happy, happy life. I'm so glad you were there for him in the end. Hugs.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry about Rufus, Sandy. I've followed your news about him with great interest. Glad that you were able to be with him and I know he knew he was loved. Hugs.

The Bumbles said...

Rufus was so well loved. I hope your family's broken heart heals soon. He was certainly a lovable furry bundle.

rhapsodyinbooks said...

How awful! But Molly is right - he was so well-loved! And so much more so than many of his ilk. I'm so glad he could spend his life with you and your family!

ds said...

Losing a beloved pet is so difficult--just know that he left from the place that was most dear to him, your arms. ((hugs))

Martha@Hey, I want to read that said...

I'm so sorry Sandy. What a blessing you were to him and I'm sure your being there made his passing a little more gentle. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Alyce said...

That is so sad! I'm sorry that Rufus died.

Susan said...

I'm so sorry. He looked and sounded like a sweet little guy. :(

Heidenkind said...

I'm sorry. :(

Unknown said...

So sorry to hear about Rufus. He was a cutie.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry Sandy. Losing a beloved pet is so, so difficult.

Unknown said...

Oh Sandy, I'm so sorry. Rufus was a very happy animal and you gave him a loving & wonderful home. I hope you can take comfort in that.

Lots of love & hugs to you and your husband and the children. Please let me know if I can do anything or if there's anything you need.

Trisha said...

So sorry!!!

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to hear about piggy. He was loved and he had you when it was time to go.

Jenners said...

I'm so sorry to hear about poor Rufus. I'm glad you were there for him in his final hours. You gave him a wonderful life. You've almost convinced me to get one of these little guys for my own family. He sounds like an ideal pet. Hugs to you.

Jenny said...

Oh Sandy, I'm so sorry. I know what it's like to lose such a loved pet. =( ((((hugs))))

caite said...

Aww..that is very sad.
But as you said, he...and you..were lucky to have four great years together.

Literate Housewife said...

So sorry to hear about Rufus, Sandy! He was a beautiful pig.

Darlene said...

Sandy, I'm so sorry about Rufus. Losing a pet is one of the hardest things to go through. I still cry a lot over Buddy. I think it takes a lot of time to feel even comfortable with the thought of a pet being gone when you loved them so much. My thoughts and prayers going out to all of you. Hugs.

Frances said...

So, so sorry! Sounds like he was a wonderful, snuggly pig. xo

Julie P. said...

I'm so sorry. I know how hard it is to lose a family member!

raych said...

Ah, Sandy. I had hoped he was pulling through. So sorry about this.

Natalie~Coffee and a Book Chick said...

Sandy...I'm so sorry. A pet is family and my heart breaks for you all. Sending love and hugs your way.

Meghan said...

Sorry to hear this. :( At least he had a good life with lots of love from you and your family.

Meg @ write meg! said...

Rufus looked so sweet -- I'm very sorry for your loss, Sandy.

Melissa said...

So sorry to hear this. It's hard to lose a loved family pet.

Anna said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. ((HUGS))

Serena said...

That's sad. I'm sorry to hear about Rufus.

Alice said...

I'm so sorry about Rufus. I'm also sorry I didn't come visit earlier. {{HUGS}}

I felt like death myself the last few weeks. :(