My Dearest Tripawd Family,
Thank you for helping my hoomins through one of the hardest days of their lives and the next days to come. I know their hearts are breaking, but I am really in a better place.
Rescuing these two silly people in 2014 is the best thing I ever did. 
When they became my Mommy and Daddy, they gave me so many treats, stuffed carrots, my own king size bed that I sometimes shared with them, belly rubs, head scritches, scratchy pads, foam tiles, food in every room, stairs everywhere to help me to my favorite spots, lots of Cat TV, toys and so many more things. I got to meet Dr. Scott who helped them keep me healthy too. Too bad I had to go on those stoooopid car rides to see him!
We had a few years that I was 100% healthy then my leg started hurting. Mommy and Daddy paid my rescuing them forward and rescued me right back. They found a way to keep me healthy and pain free for almost 3 more years! During this part of my journey is when I got to meet all of you! Mommy and I shared all of the cool things we did together to make it easier on us Tripawds. I hope some of it helps those of kitties that are new to this world. You guys sure helped us. With your help, I became the Super Tripawd you know. I caught mice, stole hearts, and lived my life to the fullest. I helped Daddy wrap Christmas presents, stole puzzle pieces from my Grandma, loved on our visitors, and was simply the best Bunnyman I could be.
Unfortunately a few weeks ago I could no longer hide the fact that my breathing wasn’t good. Mommy and Daddy were able to tell something was wrong…as they usually can. Despite my protests, they brought me in to the emergency room in the middle of the night where someone who wasn’t Dr. Scott looked at me, gave me a shot and catheter, put me in a special room/cage with “oxygen”, and gave me meds. They took xrays and called Mommy and Daddy. I stayed with these people for 2 days and felt a little better but still not great. Dr. Scott even visited with me during my stay.
Because I try to be a good boy, I rallied enough to go home to Mommy and Daddy. I heard them saying stuff like congestive heart failure, cancer in lungs, quality of life, etc but I just wanted to sleep. I hung out in the closet in our bedroom for a few days. I didn’t want to eat anything. I was just too tired. When I finally had enough rest, I moved out to couch so I could spend time with them. I ate a little bit for Mommy but my belly couldn’t really take it. (BTW-after a few days of this, Mommy called the vet and then got this fetish with my ears!!! Transdermal meds she called them. WEIRD.)
Anyway, I wanted my hoomins to know how much I loved them and wanted to visit their special spots. I spent the last week at home in the bedroom (either on the bed, in the closet, or on the blankies), on the couch and even went to Daddy’s special Comic Book Room where I stayed for a few days hanging out on his recliner. It was nice and cool and easier to breathe. Mommy and Daddy brought me my favorite blankie and CARROT! To thank them, I ate a little bit for Mommy again. I also wanted to surprise them.
After they visited me in the comic room, I made my way upstairs. It was a long journey. I took 3 or 4 steps and had to rest, but I did it! I made it to the top of the stairs, laid down in the hallway for a few minutes, then yelled Mom! Dad! (or to the hoomin ear…MEEOOOOOOW!) They, of course, came running as always. Somehow I knew it was important for them to see me upstairs. I went on the bed, hoping Mommy would get the message and join me. She did. We cuddled all night. Daddy gave me pets and then let me stay with Mommy.
The next day, the three of us watched Cat Tv and just had quiet day. I could no longer hide my breathing. It was hard. I slept with Mommy one more night, letting her know I love her.
On Saturday, Mommy and Daddy called Dr.Scott. After a brief conversation, they brought me on another car ride during which I complained. This felt different though. They seemed very sad. When we got to Dr Scott’s place, we went inside. Mommy and Daddy kept petting me and telling me how much they loved me until someone took me away from them. Those people stuck a catheter into my back leg. You would be proud of me…I did not make it easy for them!! They brought me back to Mommy and Daddy and Dr Scott came in and said hi too. They all were telling me what a brave, strong boy I am. How I put up an awesome fight but I could let go now.
I started feeling very sleepy, put my head on my carrot and favorite blankie … and then suddenly I could breathe freely and run once more!!
I looked around and saw Mommy and Daddy crying like I never have before but I couldn’t do anything to stop it. I just wanted them to know that I AM OK now. Thank you for loving me and I will always love you.
As their journey on Earth continues, I know they have more love to give and that is why it hurts so much. I came to Mommy in a dream and showed her kittens that need her and Daddy to love them. They can pay my love forward and start feeling those Sand Paper Kisses again soon.
Thank you again my Tripawd family for letting me and my hoomins into your hearts. I will be looking over you and waiting for you on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.
Sand Paper Kisses,
Rusty the Bunnyman
Ohhh Rusty. I’m so sad you are gone although I know you are so free and light and happy once again. That must feel so good for you. It’s just hard to say goodbye to our heroes, and when someone is a legend like you, well, it hits home even harder.
I’m just so glad we got to know you and your hoomans. Your story is a huge part of the inspiration behind all that we do to help 3-legged kitties through amputation and afterward, because your story is HOPE. Thank you for letting us in on all your tricks and adventures and good times. We will never forget you!
xoxoxo
R.I.P. Rusty!!
Okay, maybe I can post some now with fewer sad tears and more tears of joy for a life soooo well lived and sooo well loved.
And a life that will ALWAYS remembered here.
As Jerry said, Risty the Bunnyman is a true LEGEND!!! His story will continue to inspire newbies facingnthis journey. Rusty will show everyone that maybe they too can best the odds and blow statistics out of the water!!!
And ya’ know, Rusty really did show the world that he beat that crap disease. Yeah, he developed meta, but it appears that it was more of an irreversible heart issue that caused his end stage issues. That’s the story and we’re sticking to it!! Rusty survived it!!!
Rusty, thank you so much for your letter frommthe Bridge. I loved hearing how well thought out some of your shenanigans were as uoh prepared your hoomans for when you needed to head to tje Bridge. You made soooo many memories for them……lounging in all the special spots….leaving cat hair around for them to find when they least expect it
You did such a good job of letting them know how michnyou loved them…not that they every had any doubt. And uounmade sure they got to let you know how mich theynloved you…not that you had any doubt.
Stealing our hearts was one thing. But to steal puzzle pieces from uour Granny had to be sooo much fun! For you, mot so much for her.
I know uour BFF Dr Scott adored you. He will be telling the your story of hope and inspiration for uears to come!
It was fun to look at the collage of pictures. But that one of you speaking out (between doors??) is just precious!!
I know you problem already have a cat, or two, picked out. Your hoomans just don’t know it yet. Actually, they probably do!
Rusty, it truly is an honor to know you, and to know your loving and devoted hoomans. Truly!! Yoir lofe has had such a positive impact on so many. And will continue do so
Tell is more when you can. And def update us on the new kitties yoi are sending.
With love
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too