Rusty

Rusty passed away a week ago Wednesday, August 15th.

As you know, he has been sick for some time now with IBD and kidney disease and other intestinal/esophageal issues. His little body just couldn't fight any longer and with his weight loss and decline it was decided it was best to let him be at peace.

He had a good last day. He got to be out on the patio and drink from the fountain he loved so much, and lay in the sunshine. Several volunteers came throughout the day to say their goodbyes.

I stopped by after work and took him outside onto the grass. I've never done that with any other cat. He ate the grass and had a few bites of some fishy food I had got in the mail earlier that day. He walked around outside the back patios with all the other cats watching from inside as if to say, "hey, how come he gets to do that?!!" He seemed to be enjoying the freedom.

Sarah and Donna were with him at the end and I am told he went peacefully.

I will mostly remember Rusty for wanting to climb all over me and try to get up on my shoulders while I was giving him fluids which was just not going to work. I think he found it amusing to frustrate me. We finally came to an understanding he could do that AFTER his fluids.

I'll remember his voracious appetite and his love for the little "meatballs" or "poopettes" that Roz would lovingly make for him.

I remember the time he was looking scruffy, so I gave him a bath and after he dried off, he was clean but his fur looked the exact same. *eye roll

And his bright shining little face, which was in such contrast to his skinny, lanky body. he would always look up at you as if to say, "what do you mean I'm sick?"

Rusty was a very special cat and he will be missed much.

Goodbye little roo, I'll miss you!