It seems impossible that it’s been over four years since I had to let Ruby go. As I’m watching Allegra in her senior years (she’ll be 15 in August, how is that even possible!) I feel cheated that I never got to watch my little Ruby girl grow old. I still miss her every single day. I’m grateful I have eight years of Ruby’s Reflections on this site to comfort me and remind me of some of the cute things she did, and I love sharing those memories with you.
This time of year always brings memories of the time Ruby came into my life. I first met her on March 31, 2011. Coincidentally (or not!), I met Allegra on March 31, 2010. Ruby came home with me on April 17 (Allegra on April 6.)
Ruby was fostered through the SPCA of Northern Virginia, and lived with a lovely young couple and two big male cats. The photo at the top of this post was one of the photos posted on the foster parents’ website. How could I not have fallen for this sweet little girl! She was found in someone’s backyard literally “asking” to be rescued when she was about four months old. The home owner heard a kitten crying. When she opened her patio door, Ruby ran right up to her without any hesitation.
When I met Ruby that day, her foster parents had just gotten home from work, so she was all wound up and eager to play. I spent about half an hour with her, and even though she was mostly focused on playing, she still occasionally jumped up on my lap. I knew right then and there that she was “the one.” Two weeks later, she came home with me.
Ruby’s name was Cinnamon, but that didn’t seem to suit my spirited little girl. I wanted to name her after a gemstone to honor Amber’s memory, and that’s how she became Ruby. Ruby, the heart stone – fitting for this little girl that completely stole my heart, and took a sizeable piece of it with her when she died.
Your love for your Ruby is so immense, it hurts my heart knowing how much you miss her. I’m so sorry she left far too soon.
Thank you for your beautiful words, Lisa.
Sorry for your loss and I can relate. I brought Kasey, the tortie “Warrior Queen” home from a difficult environment when she was about 10 years old
We had her for five years after that. At least the last third of her life was her best. I only wish I had pulled her out of there earlier.
She was a “soul cat” to me.
She’s been gone just over 10 years and I still miss her.
We never stop missing these soul cats.
She was such a beauty. Her name fit her well. Lovely memories.
She was my precious little gemstone, Sue, that’s for sure.
Ingrid, we, too, are all too aware of just how short our and their lives can be. We have lived with our many “kids” for many years and know that it is NEVER easy to let them go even when we know it is time, even when they tell us they are ready. It is the unexpected passing that are the most difficult though. I had to rise very early one morning to go to work and when I walked into our kitchen I found our Yogi Bear one the floor. He had apparently suffered a heart attack and dropped in his tracks and was still warm so I know that I just missed it happening. I NEVER gets any easier and it shouldn’t. We still remember ALL of our kids.
Oh Stoney, I’m so sorry about your Yogi Bear. You are so right, it never gets easier, and as you said, it shouldn’t.
Thank you for continuing to share your memories of Ruby. She was a very special friend for you.
Our youngest cat came to us in a similar way as Ruby. She went up to a person we knew and essentially meowed for help.
We originally were just going to foster. Instead she became the first cat of ours that we adopted as a kitten.
She’s now eight. Our other cats are seniors. Where does the time go?
I hope Allegra gives you many more happy years. Thanks for sharing her stories too.
Foster fails are the best, aren’t they, Allison! Time does go by much too fast.
Ingrid, I have tears streaming down my face as I read this. I’m so happy that you are sharing these memories of sweet, precious Ruby with all of us. Hugs to you and Allegra!
Thanks, Nancy!
I don’t think we ever get over the loss of our 4 legged children. My late dog that became my parents is buried with my mom. She had it put in the trust. My late dog will be buried with as will any other that pass b4 I do. I have it in my will, but if they survive me, my vet will see they get good homes. I have set aside money to care for them. I still cry and talk to my late dog. I know the vet school was working on a study to extend the life of our pets. It was supposed to be completed in Dec 2023. I have not seen the report though.
What beautiful memories. Hugs to you and Allegra. Tasha was a 1 year old Russian Blue at the Pet Smart I visited to get cat food for Romeo and Juliet at home. I had a Russian Blue that died in my arms when we lived in Burssels just after we moved there. He ended up with embolisms after being in cargo with chickens on our flight over there. I told Tahsa if she was still there the next day, I would bring her home. I went back the next day and she was there waiting for me. It was ment to be. She is my shadow and is 14 years old now.
I’m glad Tasha “waited” for you and helped heal your heart after losing your boy in such an awful way.
Hugs to you Ingrid, the love you have for your baby cats, as I call mine, is so evident in your words. The missing them never really goes away.
My now senior kitty also came to me in 2010, she was a tiny kitten, heartlessly dumped on our farm on a frigid, rainy night. But we found each other and I knew immediately it was meant to be, she’s been my baby ever since. A stunning solid black long hair with the silkiest fur I’ve ever felt on a cat. She will be 14 this August and don’t know how the years have flown by so fast. She is in good health but how I hate seeing her get older every year! I can’t imagine going back to life without her some day! But we all go through that don’t we?
Best wishes and hugs to you as you keep Ruby forever in your heart and thoughts. She was well loved!!
I hope your senior girl will be with you for a very long time, Sherri!
she looks just like my Callie, who crossed over the Rain Bow Bridge 3 years ago.
Miss her so much.
We don’t ever stop missing them.
I am so happy you had the chance to share your life with Ruby and you shared her with us too. I feel I knew her well through your blog. She sure was a beauty and a special little kitty. My favorite of your posts was Ruby and Allegra’s conversations.
Speaking of dates, I got Pono as an Easter gift in 2002. We lost him the day after Easter in 2018. ironically, today is April 2, the same day we lost him.
I’m sending you love and hugs on this sad anniversary, Janine.
Thank you for sharing Ruby’s story. It’s beautiful that she was part of a chain of beloved cats in your life.
Thank you for sharing of how you came by your precious Ruby. Your words are so poignant to me, as I met my precious Bella (rescue centre) April 17th 2016, and had five precious years having the utter privilege to care for her. Like you, I miss my girl every single day and wonder where the time has gone.