Rutherford's sad news.

[phesina]

Jen, I am so sorry to learn about Rutherford.

Be comfortable and happy, sweet boy, knowing you are loved beyond words and have the most wonderful home imaginable.

Hugs and purrs and gentle pets to you both.

Pat and cats

[GILL]

I am so sorry, at lest he was in a wonderful home, with a loving mom. Take hart in that he will be waiting at the bridge when the time comes. We all know that you have one of the biggest harts around and do every thing possible for your babies.

[Kirsten]

Oh Jen, I'm really sorry! You've been through so much lately with your kitties, and this one sounds really bad!

I hope there's still some quality time left for Rutherford where he's painfree and happy.

Please give him a hug from me, okay?

Kirsten

[catmandu]

NO, NOT BIG HANDSOME RUTHERFORD.
HES BEEN WITH YOU FOR SO MANY YEARS , THATS SUCH A SHAME TO LOSE ANY FRIEND THAT YOU HAVE LOVED FOR SO LONG AND SO WELL.
I WAS TRYING TO REMEMBER HOW RUTHERFORD CAME TO BE YOUR CAT.
COULD YOU PLEASE RETELL RUTHERFORDS STORY, AS I RECALL THAT WAS A TOUCHING STORY.
THE FOUND CATS AND I ARE PRAYING FOR THIER DEAR FRIEND RUTHERFORD , AND OF COURSE WE PRAY THAT HES GOT AT LEAST ONE CATMAS AHEAD OF HIM
PLESAE OUR ALL MIGHTY LORD GOD, LET RUTHERFORD HAVE AS LITTLE PAIN, AND BE AS HAPPY AS POSSIBLE

[Pam]

Jen, I am so sorry to read this. I remember Rutherford from way back. I know you are devastated. ((((Hugs)))) I hope he can be made as comfortable as possible for his remaining time with you.

[G535]

I am so sorry to hear about Rutherford, I wish there could be some miracle cure for him.

[Grace]

I'm so very sorry to hear about Rutherford.

[jenluckenbach]

Here is Rutherford's story as I wrote in in 2002:

Rutherford's story

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Rutherford and Fern's story go hand in hand because they were adopted on the same day, May 24, 1997. But we will focus on Rutherford.
The "why" behind adopting 2 cats is a sad story all by itself. It was early May, 1997, and a normal day off for my husband and me, playing with our 6 cats before leaving for errand running. Upon our return we discovered our 14 year old cat Thumper, under the table DEAD. An awful sight especially since he was not sick. Very mysterious, heart attack we suspected. Now for the double blow, 5 DAYS later, our beloved Brighteyes, our first cat,also 14,was having problems breathing. It was 6 a.m. and I knew she was suffering so it was off to the after hours emergency clinic. Good bye, sweet girl. We'll miss you. You'll always be our first.
Now that we are a 4 cat household, there was too much emptiness and grief. On the upcoming Memorial day weekend we knew that a local shelter, that was an all foster home organization, would be having their "Kitten Kapers", an event that brought their cats together in one rented building for the public to see. We had already picked out 2 names, Ruth and Fern, after 2 freinds of ours. We figured we'd take 2 cats that were already bonded to each other so they would have that relationship as they got better acquainted with their new family. Well a very special blue and white male cat changed bothe those plans in one fell swoop!
He was a long haired, or would be when he grew back. Matted, so badly we were told, that they had no choice but to shave him to the skin. But even with that shaved, bald little body, his personality shone through. His picture perfect little face continually straining at the top of his cage to get closer to us. We kept looking for our 2 "sibling" females but "baldy" would not be discouraged. He would find a way to convince us, that he was our man. (To be honest, it really didn't take much convincing, sometimes you just KNOW!).
[Then we chose Fern-but that's a different story]
Ruth, now Rutherford B. Hayes, turned out to be the sweetest, most lovable and polite cat that has ever walked this planet. Everyone (including a few here on PT) that meets him wants to take him home. His 2 favorite things are being brushed and being petted. Both of which you will tire of before he does. And he always comes, from any where in the house, when you call "Rutherford, my lap is empty!". But he will wait for an invitation to jump up. You must say "You can". Sweet Rutherford, I'd take a dozen, just like you

[Moesha]

I am so very sorry to hear about Rutherford. I hope these days can be comfortable and happy for him.

[Emeraldgreen]

But even with that shaved, bald little body, his personality shone through. His picture perfect little face continually straining at the top of his cage to get closer to us. We kept looking for our 2 "sibling" females but "baldy" would not be discouraged. He would find a way to convince us, that he was our man. (To be honest, it really didn't take much convincing, sometimes you just KNOW!).[/I]

What a beautiful story about Rutherford. This part was my favourite.
This must be a terrible time for you and I'm so sorry. I'm just so thankful that he found you and your husband in that crowd that day to adopt him. It sounds like it has been a perfect match. My thoughts are with you.