I know how sweet Orange Tabbies "Reds" are. I have 3. I have a male Johnny, who weighs 20 lbs. Someone "dumped" him at a dumpster when he was around 5 mos old. It was July in Florida, very hot & dry, my husband heard him crying, called to him, and we took him home. He is so sweet. He is now about 5 yrs old and 20 lbs. My female red was also a rescue, and my 3rd red,"Buster", a male, was a stray who stayed. All 3 are the sweetest cats! I sympthaze totally with you for your loss.