A Cat Named Tommy Lived 16 Years, But Only One Week of His Life Inside

This is the story of a very specific feral cat by the name of Tommy. It is also parts of the stories of all feral cats. It is a farewell tribute. It is a call to action. Tommy first showed up in our backyard in 2017. He was sturdy and ate a lot of food. […]

Pet Food Pantry Opens on Northside for Cat Colony Caretakers

Pittsburgh Cat Folx

The Dr. John P. Ruffing VMD Pet Food Pantry distributes first round of food this week. With your help, we’ll be able to give some food to each participant every month. In addition to donations of pet food, we need the following gently or partially used items Donations can be dropped at 1440 Faulsey Way […]

Was Dr. John P. Ruffing Your Veterinarian? Celebrate His Birthday!

Dr. John P. Ruffing

He would be 58 on Wednesday Sometimes, I wonder how life would be if he had lived past the age of 41. But then I realize that is pointless. I am pretty sure he would not read my blog (all the reading!) and would proud of my awards. I have countless stories. Right now, I’m […]

Annual Dr. John P. Ruffing DVM Memorial Pet Food Drive

Dr. John Ruffing

Did you know Dr. Ruffing? He started as a vet assistant in the 1980s and practiced as a veterinarian until disability forced him to stop in the mid 2000s. He passed in 2007. John’s legacy was embedded in his intimate bonds with his clients. He was a “get on the floor” vet who soothed scared […]

Honor the Life and Death of Dr. John Ruffing With a Pet Food Donation Today

Dr. John Ruffing West Mifflin

Today is the anniversary of one of the saddest days of my life. November 9, 2007, my beloved friend and quasi-big-brother died unexpectedly at the age of 41. His name was Dr. John P. Ruffing VMD. Each year on his birthday (April) and this date (November), I write a post. I feel his loss so […]

When Elder Dogs Stumble

My guys are 13 years, 2 months old this week. That’s a good long life for their breed mixes. Over the past two years, they have slowed down considerably. They stopped playing as much in the yard and began meandering or simply sitting to sniff the wind. They both had trouble navigating the steps to […]

My Dog Has Cancer

Pet Portrait

Alexander and Amadeus came to me when they were seven weeks old – part of a litter of 7 that were rescued from a neglectful situation. They were being fed cat food with whole milk poured over it. At seven weeks. After some vet care and fluids for Amadeus who was dehydrated, they spent weeks […]