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You may remember the story of Special Friends, Idgie & Ruth, the inseparable pair found together, abandoned in a driveway. In spite of efforts by a local animal control officer to lure the dachshund away from the cat, the stalwart companion remained until the two were taken together. Ruth, a parapalegic black and white cat, and Idgie, a young dachshund, were adopted by Jackie Borum of Hollywood Houndz, naming them after the lead characters in Fried Green Tomatoes.
Borum, who also runs Project Paws, a nonprofit that aids in assisting rescue groups with veterinary bills, had taken Ruth to all variety of specialists with the hope of finding a cure for her. The cat’s fore paws curled inward and she had to drag herself to move around. Eventually, Ruth was found to have an auto-immune disease that did have a treatment, but no cure. Hollywood Houndz threw a special celebration in honor of the two year anniversary of Ruth and Idgei’s rescue, but Borum knew that Ruth would not be long for the world.
Sadly, on Tuesday, Borum shared that Ruth went to the Rainbow Bridge. Idgie is at a complete loss, curling up on their shared spot, seemingly waiting for Ruth to return.
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Borum posted the following on Facebook:
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our precious Ruthie. It was made public early on that Ruthie’s health was fragile and most recently had been declining from autoimmune disease. Ruthie had the most incredible fighting spirit! Over the last 3 years, there were several occasions where her condition looked bleak, only for her to rally once again! But this time there would be no rally. Ruthie had finally given her all. We knew from the very beginning that every day was a gift to be cherished. Letting Ruthie go was a decision made out of love and compassion by her amazing medical team and those who loved and adored her. There was not a dry eye…even now, as I write this post.
Ruth and Idgie were named after the characters in the movie Fried Green Tomatoes. Their story now too has a similar ending, but the bond Ruth and Idgie shared will never die! Thank you for your outpouring of love and prayers. I believe it’s what had sustained Ruthie all this time, and it is what continues to sustain us now. Thank you world, for embracing this amazing dynamic duo, that not only beat the odds, but conquered, by being a beacon of light for other animals in desperate need through Project Paws. Their friendship has so much to teach us as humans about love, selflessness, loyalty and the ability to look beyond our differences.
A once in a lifetime!
What a privilege to have shared in the warmth of their spark !
Idgie and I will move forward together in carrying on Ruthie’s legacy , exploring additional opportunities to make a difference in the lives of animals in need. When one door closes, another door opens…….
Love to all,
Idgie ♡♡
& Jackie
Project Paws
In celebration of the joy that the bond Ruth and Idgie shared with each other and the so many people whose lives they touched, efforts continue on their behalf to raise awareness and funds for special needs animals through Project Paws. For more information please visit Project Paws Facebook page or to make a donation directly in Ruth’s name go to their PayPal page.
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God love her. This is so sad…..poor Idgie…..this is so hard for him. I feel so bad. May she rest in peace and see Ingie at the Rainbow Bridge.