Wednesday, 9 August 2017

Goodbye Wilbur!

Yesterday morning we had to say goodbye to Wilbur.  Crikey even writing those words is hard.

We knew this was coming as he was 11 yr 1month and epileptic.  The seizures we had been managing for the last 2 years finally got the better of us and over the weekend he went into a state of continuous seizure and emergency treatment at first seemed to stabilise him wasn't enough.

It's always hard saying goodbye to a dog and Wilbur was our second Basset and third dog we had to send on his way - there is no getting used to it and I now understand for the first time why people say never again.


It hurts and will hurt for a while but I would not trade the 4yrs 5months of his life that he spent with us since we rescued him from Ash Animal Rescue.


He had a big personality and was tons of fun and I'll miss him.


Pets on Quilts 2017So this year we are taking a break from pets on quilts which starts tomorrow over on Lilypad quilting. 

Wilbur always managed to steal the show and we had tons of fun making a special photo shoot with the dogs. It gave us some of my favourite photos of him. 

Please visit the other quilters celebrating their furry friends.


Goodbye pal, thanks for the slobber, the chewed up sofa, half eaten laundry, the thousands of cuddles,  warm welcomes and wagging tail, happy memories and lots of love.

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52 comments:

  1. Sherry9 August 2017 at 20:55

    My deepest sympathies. I have been where you are three times also. It is never easy. For me the happy memories help overcome the sadness.

    Hugs from me to you and your family.

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    1. Ruth10 August 2017 at 12:54

      Thanks Sherry. I think I have more photos of Wilbur than any other dog so goes to show lots of happy memories to hold onto.

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  2. Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl9 August 2017 at 23:25

    My heart goes out to you and the whole family, Ruth. I will miss Wilbur and his gregarious personality. I am so glad you had such a lovely time with him and I am sending you all love.

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    1. Ruth10 August 2017 at 12:55

      Thanks a million Yvonne. They all have their own personalities but his was a big wilfully one! He was tons if fun.

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  3. LIttle Penguin Quilts10 August 2017 at 00:26

    Oh, I am so sorry to hear that. Sounds like you and Wilbur were a match made in heaven. Thinking of you.

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    1. Ruth10 August 2017 at 12:56

      Thanks! There was a bit of a learning curve when we first brought him home and I think he trained us more than the other way around!

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  4. Anja @ Anja Quilts10 August 2017 at 01:40

    So very sorry to hear about Wilbur. I enjoyed reading about Wilbur. Take care.

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  5. Shauna10 August 2017 at 02:11

    I am so sorry, I know how hard it is. I will keep ya'll in my prayers.

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    1. Ruth10 August 2017 at 12:58

      Thanks Shauna. It's a tough week but worth all the years of love and fun with him as you know yourself.

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  6. Little Black Cat Quilting10 August 2017 at 02:42

    As a vet tech who has said goodbye to an uncountable number of animals, I agree that it doesn't get easier. I know any words I could offer won't change anything, but thank you for sharing Wilbur with us. Thank you for celebrating his life as you said goodbye. Good vibes are being sent your way as you find a new normal in the future.

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  7. Cynthia Brunz Designs10 August 2017 at 04:36

    So very sorry Ruth. He certainly found a great home with wonderful humans. And you had that special guy in your life. It is so hard to say goodbye but I hope all the sweet memories help to get you through the tough times.

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    1. Ruth10 August 2017 at 13:00

      Thanks Cynthia. He was in animal rescue for a month and others thought he was too much for them. We didn't even see that just a happy bouncy Basset so we were well met!

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  8. Celtic Thistle10 August 2017 at 07:09

    So sorry to hear of Wilbur's passing, he will definitely be a hard act to follow.

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  9. Lena Pugacheva10 August 2017 at 09:47

    I'm so sorry Ruth, I know he meant a lot for you, but he will always be there in your memories and in the lovely photos.

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    1. Ruth10 August 2017 at 13:01

      I have so many photos Lena and the funniest ones are Wilburs. So happy to have them.

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  10. Lisa J.10 August 2017 at 11:51

    Oh Ruth: I know this must be so difficult for you loosing such a close friend and companion. I feel like I've gotten to know him over the last couple of years. He seemed like such a ham. I know you will miss him very much and my heart and thoughts are with you.

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    1. Ruth10 August 2017 at 13:02

      Thanks Lisa. He was a character and we were lucky to have him for as long as we did.

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  11. Ruth10 August 2017 at 12:57

    Thanks a million Afton.

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  12. Teresa in Music City10 August 2017 at 14:13

    Oh Ruth!!! I am so saddened to hear this, and I grieve with you. Losing a pet is one of the most gut-wrenching things we experience, and only time takes away the tears and sorrow. It has been almost 3 years since we lost our Gypsy after 18-1/2 years together, and I sometimes still want to have a good cry when I think of her. But mostly now I smile and remember her warmth and grace and beautiful green eyes trained on me with such love. Don and I were both shocked a few days ago when I actually called Rocky by her name! We will miss the wonder posts about him, especially now at POQ time. Please know that I am lifting you up in prayer for comfort and peace.

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    1. Ruth10 August 2017 at 14:21

      Thanks so much Teresa. I'm grateful for pets on quilts as it gave us so many wonderful photos and excuse to make a bigger fuss of all of them than we already do.

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  13. The Colorful Fabriholic10 August 2017 at 14:50

    So sorry for the loss of your beloved Wilbur; it's always so hard when we have to let a pet go. Clearly he had a good life with your family, and I'm sure you're all missing him terribly. I hope the good memories you have of him live on in your hearts forever.

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  14. Soma @ inkTorrents.com10 August 2017 at 19:40

    Wilbur could not have asked for a more caring home. I have always loved the photos you took of that goofy face. They always made me smile and brightened my day. I am so saddened by this news, Ruth! It is heartbreaking and I am really really sorry.

    -Soma

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    1. Ruth11 August 2017 at 08:34

      Thanks a million Soma. He had a big personality and was a lot of fun. The camera loved him!

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  15. beth10 August 2017 at 20:56

    Thank you so much for sharing Wilber with all of us, I feel like I have lost a part of my family. He enjoyed life because of you. Bless all.

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    1. Ruth11 August 2017 at 08:36

      Thanks a million Elizabeth. Im grateful for the Wilbur posts now too as i have lots to remember him by.

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  16. Jenny - the lilac cat10 August 2017 at 21:10

    So sorry to hear that. You will be missed of PoQs but we will all remember that wonderful appliqué pcture Lara did for you. I'm sure it has pride of place. Our pet companions are so important to us and really become the backdrop of our home lifes. I hope the ache eases soon but as you know it's a long road. But what a blessing you found each other in the way you did.

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    1. Ruth11 August 2017 at 08:37

      Thanks Jenny. Laras piece hangs above my seeing table in prude of place and I love it to bits. Makes me smile when I look at it!

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    2. Ruth13 August 2017 at 17:54

      iphone typos! that's sewing table and pride of place!

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  17. Kate @ Smiles From Kate10 August 2017 at 21:50

    I'm so sorry to hear you lost Wibur, it doesn't matter how old they are, you just want them to go on forever. I lost my Cavalier Treacle the same way, no history, she just started fitting and they couldn't stop it. You are sad now but filled with happy memories, and what a wonderful life he has had since you found each other.

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  18. Val's Quilting Studio11 August 2017 at 22:10

    Ruth...sending cyber hugs. To loose a pet is just soooo hard. Know you're being thought of.

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    1. Ruth13 August 2017 at 17:57

      Thanks Val, Charly and Maggie are keeping my spirits up but the house seems that bit quieter without Wilbur. He was quite musical and chirped ee u which made me laugh and made Mutley grumbling noises! Terriers are very quiet in comparison only barking at the neighbour's cat or postman!

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  19. Louise13 August 2017 at 19:52

    Oh, Ruth, I'm so sorry for your loss. Such a sad and painful time. My deepest condolences.

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  20. Serena @ Sewgiving14 August 2017 at 08:49

    I'm going to miss seeing his face around here ... he's been here since I "met" you on the new bloggers hop all those years ago ... sending much love to you xxx

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    1. Ruth14 August 2017 at 21:21

      Thanks a million Serena. I was looking for a particular photo of him and couldn't find it and realised it was on the blog, along with so many others - I think I took more photos of him than any other dog we've had. its nice to have that record of him!

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  21. Tish Stemple14 August 2017 at 13:30

    Ruth, my heart breaks to hear that Wilbur has passed. I've always enjoyed reading about Wilbur and seeing that adorable droopy smile with the big sad eyes. It's a face you just want to cover in kisses. The love of a pet is a special gift and a precious bond that we get to carry forever.

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  22. pennydog14 August 2017 at 16:54

    I'm so sorry Ruth, he was such a good boy :(

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    1. Ruth14 August 2017 at 21:22

      Most of the time Kerry! He had bags of personality and was up to much mischief but loveable all at the same time!

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  23. Sandra Walker14 August 2017 at 22:06

    Tish told me about Wilbur and I'm so sorry Ruth. You'd only had him a little over 4 years? Seems like he was with you longer! Oh yes, he gaveyou the best shots for PoQ... LOVE the one of him itching his back and the other two going 'Dude, that's not cool; this is supposed to be formal and serious.' I've had to go through that too many times and it is always heart- and gut-wrenching. May the other two bring you comfort.

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    1. Ruth17 August 2017 at 19:38

      It's funny Sandra it does seem way longer than 4 years! Thanks a million.

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  24. Jasmine15 August 2017 at 05:45

    So sorry for your loss. He definitely was a cutie.

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  25. cheeky monkey22 August 2017 at 19:03

    I am so sorry to read this! He was so cute when he was walking around in your house and I am sure he left a million great memories

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    1. Ruth28 August 2017 at 17:38

      Thanks Anneliese, he was cute and slobbery at the same time - quite a feat!

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  26. Lara B.25 August 2017 at 13:48

    Oh Ruth, my heart just sank to hear that Wilbur has gone. What a character he was! You and Gordon gave him the best life and he in return gave you so many laughs and filled your home with love. He was one of the funniest dogs and we'll all miss his antics. Maybe Maggie will take up his cape and become the impetus for couch redecorating, LOL.
    We met a neighbor with a basset hound named Stella, who everyone falls in love with. Everytime I give Stella a belly rub I have thought of Wilbur. May the empty spot in your heart become filled up with all the cherished memories you have of Wilbur. Hugs from across the ocean!

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    1. Ruth28 August 2017 at 17:42

      Thanks so much Lara! Thanks again for the amazing mug rug with him and Charly - it means so much to me and I am so happy to have it on the wall over my shoulder as I sew. I love that you give belly rubs to Stella, of all the dog breeds we have ever had bassets are the most social and love cuddles. Maggie is just as cuddly but much more timid and hides behind me rather that going head first in like Wilbur. They all have their own personalities and I'm glad we got to know Wilbur for the time we had him. Certainly made life more interesting and noisy!

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