GA Rusty addendum, with pic; 24 July: Rusty is home!

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Dear Ella and Edward - I am so very sorry it was time for Rusty to leave you. He was loved by so many. His daily presence will be greatly missed. Thank you for sharing him with all of us. With great sadness and sympathy - carol
 
Fly Free Rusty.

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Ella and Edward,

I am so so sorry to read that it was time for Rusty to make his final journey. I am devastated, tears have been flowing.... As I am sure they are for you too. I wish I could have been more of a presence here on the Board the past year or so, regret that life got in the way of my doing so, as I so wanted to be as supportive of you both, and Rusty, as you were for me and Mannie. I am forever indebted to you for your guidance, and insight. I know that Rusty felt the same. He knew he had the best care givers ever. Take heart Ella, knowing that Rusty knew you were there for him. It is always so hard when it is time for our furbabies to leave us. You and Edward were/are simply the best ever.

The memories of Rusty are endless... I can remember his transport to your home, how so many people on the board were following his journey. What a happy time it was, for you, for Rusty, and for all those followers. I can remember that as if it were yesterday. Such awesome memories. There so many others as well... The KTSS, the radiators, the snow forts in Rusty's yard, the trips to NYC with all those hot dogs and trips to the parks, The Blue Mannie group, ice fishing, all those adventures at Camp Stu, Rusty's barn, The travels of Rusty, Mannie, Tess and Gracie, and Stu where it all began. I can so fondly remember the Full moon parties, the OTJ parties, the Circles of Remembrance. And of course, Master Chef Rusty. Mannie was so proud to be Stu's successor, and to have Rusty take over for him when he crossed. I can only imagine what a kitchen is operating at the Bridge now, what with master Chefs Stu, Mannie and Rusty, Pastry Chef Tess, and Bartender Master Gracie, and all their amazing sous chefs. I thank you and Rusty for memories that are endless. There are many a day when I think of them with a smile, and miss them fondly.

I shall never ever forget you Rusty. You were one of a kind. I thank you for so many things, and know that I will never ever forget you. Mannie is without a doubt waiting for your arrival at the Bridge. It is a day he has dreaded, as it comes with some sadness, but welcomes with open paws. He has missed you. Travel safely, land softly. Remember to send your beans a sign that you made it.



Forever in my heart Rusty.

"To have loved and then said farewell is better than to have never loved at all.
For all of the times that you stooped and touched my head, fed me my favorite treat and returned the love that I so unconditionally gave to you.
For the care that you gave to me so unselfishly.
For all of these things I am grateful and thankful.
I ask that you grieve not for the loss but rejoice in the fact that we lived, loved and touched each other's lives.
My life was fuller because you were there, not as owner, but as my friend. Today, I am as I was in my youth. The grass is always green, butterflies flit among the flowers and the sun shines gently down upon all of God's creatures. I can run, jump and play and do all of the things that I did in my youth. There is no sickness, no aching joints and no regrets and no aging. We await the arrival of our lifelong companions and know that togetherness is forever. You live in our hearts as we do in yours. Companions such as you are very rare and unique. Don't hold the love that you have within yourself.
Give it to another like me and then I will live forever. For love never really dies,
and you are loved and missed as surely as we are." (author unknown)

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For Rusty, so that he may always have grass at his feet, trees to climb, meadows to run in, sun on his back, and rainbows overhead.
 
OM not Rusty. So so sorry. I don't have words. I'm sure he is cooking up some tasty fuds for all his friends that are with him. We will see you at the next full moon party, friend. Be ever so free!
 
Dear Ella and Edward,

I am at a lost for words to offer to lessen any sadness and pain. I can offer prayers of peace and comfort to you both and send Reiki to Rusty for his journey. His presence will be so missed here and I can only imagine the huge void his absence will be in your world.

Fly high, land softly Rusty. Your were the best Lagoon Meister ever and the lagoon will never be the same with out you. cat_wings>o
 
{{{Ella and Edward}}} Mere words don't do justice to how sorry I am that it was time for Rusty to earn his wings. :bighug::bighug: He (and you) were there for me (and Neko) when I started here. Rusty has been an example for many a kitty on FDMB, indeed a Legend. A very handsome and loving cat to his beans, and much loved by many a person on this board. I shall also try to remember him as the strong and healthy cat he was, and will be once again.

So many of our GAs will be there to greet him tonight. The skies will be ringing with the sounds of his friends anticipating his arrival. We are mid way between the Full Moons, the sky should be bright with stars tonight to light his way to the Bridge. cat_wings>o

Watch out Chip Chip, Sir Rusty is once again whole and ready to begin the chase again.
 
((((Ella & Edward))))
I am so saddened to hear that sweet dear Rusty has gone to join too many of his old pals at the Rainbow Bridge. I know he will be welcomed by all, sadly too many to even name.
My heart breaks with you. The sky will shine brighter tonight having a new angel to look down upon us.
 
Dear ((((Ella and Edward))))
I can't tell you how very very sad I was to see your post.
My heart hurts for the pain you are feeling at the moment with the loss of your beautiful Rusty.
You and Rusty have been here for so long and been such a big part of so many of our lives here on FDMB.
Rusty will be very much missed by so many of us.
God speed Rusty and a safe journey to the rainbow bridge where so many of our kitties are waiting for you.:rb_icon:cat_wings>o
Love and hugs to you and Edward :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Oh no, I am so very, very sorry, (((Ella and Edward))). My heart is breaking for you. I can't seem to stop crying, and I don't know what to say. You and Rusty have been such a huge part of our lives here at FDMB, and those of us who got to know him will never forget him. Please know that you were the best beans Rusty could ever have had, and that he always knew how much he was loved and cared for.

Sending peace, strength, and love. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:

Lucy

ALL CATS GO TO HEAVEN

Dear Rusty, our beloved LagoonMeister, Deputy Squallie and I wish you safe travels on your journey to your new life at the Rainbow Bridge, where there are so many other beloved kitties anxiously awaiting you with loving welcome. I know we will see you at the next Circle of Remembrance. :bighug::cat::bighug:
Fly free, sweet boy, soar high on your new wings and land softly at the Bridge. cat_wings>o

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(((((((((Ella & Edward)))))))))))) I am so sorry to read this, my heart breaks for both of you. Rusty touched so many lives......I'm not sure who was the luckier, you and Edward for having such a fine boy, or Rusty for being able to live with the best beans a cat could ever hope for, or all of LL Land, for being fortunate enough to make your acquaintance on this forum. You set the highest example of what being a cat mom and dad should be. I will never ever forget my first months on this forum, your comforting words of encouragement and wisdom shared made all the difference.

I know that Rusty's legend will live on forever. The only solace for me is that he is now free of the pain and on his journey toward living the good life on the Rainbow Bridge. That's how I will always remember him and I know that my Tiger as well as the other GA's will be looking for him. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Ella, I'm so sorry. There's nothing like the love of a cat to being so many old-timers out of the woodwork.

I remembers when you adopted Rusty. What a wonderful thing you did stepping up for him. And what a joy it has been to follow along quietly over the ensuing years.

My thoughts are with you. These furry little guys really do take a chunk of our hearts with them...
 
I'm so very sorry to read this sad news. I've been reading your SS...so we knew last week or so that the time was almost near. It's never the right time or a good time to let go of our precious one's. My heart aches for you. Be well Ella and Edward - rest and play peacefully on the other side of the rainbow bridge with the other GA's...mine are there too... :( So sad for you to carry this pain in your heart for him. Wish I could help...but know we are all here sending love and care for you and LagoonMeister Rusty...cat_wings>o
 
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It is testament to your care, that Rusty was with you for so long. He knew a good home and was loved. What a great journey you had with Rusty. And inspiration to FDMB with 8 years of spreadsheets, and 8 years of diabetes treatment.

Rest in Peace dear Rusty. May you fly freely and land softly at the Bridge. You were loved.cat_wings>o
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We are so incredibly sad to hear that our dear friend, Rusty of Legend, has made his way to the Bridge. When FD brought Willie and I to this wonderful place in 2010, Ella and Edward were so gracious and kind with their advice, wisdom and unfailing support. Rusty was one of those special, special souls that touches all, as witnessed by all the tributes here.

Herbie, Niblet and I will be lighting our special candle tonight, used only for lighting the final journey of our special friends. I'm sure the gang has Rusty's apron at the ready, the grill is fired up, the meat stacked high, the niptinis flowing and the kitty croquet course ready to go.

We'll be keeping you close in our hearts over the coming days and weeks as you grieve the loss of your sweet boy. It's always too soon. Take solace in the fact that you gave him the most amazing of lives.

Fly free and land softly, sweet Rusty. You were loved by many.
 
(((((Ella and Edward))))
Last night when I read yours that Rusty had gone ahead to meet his now fellow GA’s, all loved by each and all both here in this realm and in the next, in the deep sorrow was reflection of the joy found in a long life well honored, lived and loved.

That Rusty found you so many years ago is no accident and that your lives together touched so many with your kindness and steadfast companionship and care has been a blessing that lights the way for us all, in this world and the next.

May the billowing clouds carry Rusty, of the ancient Nordic forests, to the fellowship of friends welcoming him in Chorus and joy. A feast beyond the veil by the entire kitchen krew is surely ongoing (including an extra special surprise dessert by Sootie and with thanks for your kindness to her and us) to celebrate Rusty’s arrival and to thank and honor you, his Beans, for sharing and giving him the gift of a good and loving life.

Fly high, gallant Rusty, land softly and let your family know you are well....whether in dreams, in earthly seasons of flora and fauna, the breezes of summer air or winter blasts, the fluttering of bees and hummingbirds, all is one and of the universes of being. :rb_icon:

❤️Thank you, Ella, Edward and Rusty,

Sina and Sootie’s Tribe, of the here and now and of the Spirit.❤️

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(((Ella and Edward)))
My heart is with you, and so are my tears. I remember Rusty being a legend here already when Billie was diagnosed in 2014. We learned a lot from you and Rusty. I always enjoyed reading about his adventures like road trips and deer-watching. And, I always admired your love for him. The kind of cat parent who holds their kitty's bowl while he eats because he likes to eat that way...that's the kind of cat parent I try to be. What a wonderful life he had.
:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Dear Friends,
Edward and I are overcome by the outpouring of love and sympathy in this, Rusty's GA condo. We can never thank you all enough for being on this journey with us. Rusty is so blessed to have so many friends here in L&LL--kitty friends and bean friends. He was, indeed, for us a miracle--an incredibly wise soul, so loving, so graceful, so fun-loving.

Last night we went out to look at the stars, which were bright, and picked one that we "knew" to be Rusty's. Today we are somewhat lost. The day seemed so much longer! When you care for feline diabetics for so many years, your life is very much regulated by their insulin and test schedules (Stu became diabetic in 2006; Rusty was already diabetic when he was found wandering the streets of Plymouth MA in 2008; he came to us in November 2010). Although he is at the Bridge with all of his old pals, Rusty's presence is very much here in his home. We see him in all of his favorite places, and last night I found a penny on the floor of my study, just a little way from the bed he sleeps in when he is in my study. The date was 1998. Both Edward and I think this was Rusty's way of telling us the year of his birth. We never knew how old he was, but now we can think of him as 20!

One of my favorite things about this L&LL Forum is that for all of the time we have been here, it has concentrated not only on diabetes care and other health problems, but on the whole cat and his/her beans. We have had FUN here! The parties, the cookouts, the trips to exotic places on the L&LL Kitty Bus, the Green Lagoon, etc. etc. I know that this wonderful tradition of fun will continue to inspire us all.

We beans will be away this coming week at Canoe Outing. We were worried about Rusty having to spend long days by himself in his frail condition, but he took this worry away when he made it plain that the time had come for him to journey to the Bridge. I know that his welcome party there was fantastic. Chef Rusty is reunited with his Mentor, Chef Mannie, Chef Mannie's Mentor, Chef Stu, and all the Specialty chefs in the Bridge Kitchen: Head Pastry Chef Tess, Sushi Chef Neko, Bartender Gracie, Dessert Chef Sootie, Cheesecake creator Maggie, Salad Specialists Butthead and Donny, and all the kitties who make up the Bridge Kitchen Krew.

I think that sometime soon GA Rusty will send a communication to his L&LL kitty friends. And I think I know what that message will be: "Party On!"

In closing I would like to enclose one of my favorite pictures of Rusty. Soon I will put together a photo gallery of more pictures. Here he is lounging in his favorite porch chair:
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I feel like I found one of my tribes here, that's for sure. And it is an adjustment when a sugar kitty goes ahead, after so much focus every day on their care, to suddenly not have that. It took me several months before I could just leave the house without having a little panic attack that I hadn't checked on Zener. Still miss him terribly, along with all the other kitties from our era. Hugs to you and Edward. We all loved Rusty and know how sad you are.
Liz
 
What a wonderful photo. It really captures the depth of his personality. Thank you for posting it and your addendum. I think that the penny is a sign that he is at the Bridge, telling you not to worry about him. I can imagine not only the hole that his leaving has left in your daily routine and your lives, but also a Rusty sized hole in your hearts.

I have been remembering all of my happy visits with him. He was a cat that filled a room with his personality. He will be so sadly missed. The world is at the same time emptier without him, yet so filled with memories of him.

I hope that being busy at Canoe Outing will help you both next week, and that all of your many happy memories bring you comfort in the days ahead. You and Edward are in my constant thoughts, as are my memories of your very fine cat.

Linda
 
:bighug::bighug::bighug:Fly free and land softly Rusty:bighug::bighug::bighug:..I know Gussie was there with the LL GA crew to welcome him as he crossed.must have been a heck of a welcome party over there that night:bighug:
My heart is hurting for the pain I know yours is feeling. Your condo and photo are beautiful Ella. I hope that you are able to find some smiles at the canoe races. When the world upends when one of our kits goes on ahead, nothing seems normal. It’s especially true when you have such a close bond born of the trust and relationship that dancing the sugar dance requires of both kit and caregiver. I loved the penny story you shared:bighug:, being a firm believer that they do stay nearby to make sure we are ok, that made me smile. I still at times feel Gussie nearby, not as often these days but now and then. I still miss him terribly, that new normal is still a bit foreign feeling. So I know that adjusting to Rusty going on ahead will not be easy. I hope that your memories of him will help bring more smiles than tears with time.
(Why do words always seem so inadequate to express what the heart would like to say at a time like this??:()
:bighug:Sending love and gentle hugs to you and Edward:bighug:
Land softly Rusty..
 
What a beautiful pic:bighug: and a beautiful beautiful tribute to Rusty, my heart breaks for you guys
I often wonder what will I do with my time when the bridge time comes, we all spend so much time looking after our babies, I think it makes it thst much worse, our days and nights are consumed with the welfare our beloved cat.
Know he is a peace and with all his friends:bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Oh my, my heart is breaking for you and Edward. We grieve for each kitty that leaves us as if they are our very own. And here in LL, it sure seems that we are each other's own. I am so sorry to just be reading this. I am in Germany right now and now on line much. I feel so very privileged that Liz and I got to meet him (and you both) in NYC a few years ago. I know our beloved Zener is among all the GA kitties who greeted him. Sending you love as you make the grief journey.

Love,
anne

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""Ella"" I am so very sorry.... You are such a wonderful caretaker of your sweet boy.

Rusty will surely be watching over you. My shop kitty passed a few months ago and I am sure she will be running to greet him at the bridge. My heart aches for you... sending you loads of love and peace:rb_icon:
 
Anne & Zener GA said:
Oh my, my heart is breaking for you and Edward. We grieve for each kitty that leaves us as if they are our very own. And here in LL, it sure seems that we are each other's own. I am so sorry to just be reading this. I am in Germany right now and now on line much. I feel so very privileged that Liz and I got to meet him (and you both) in NYC a few years ago. I know our beloved Zener is among all the GA kitties who greeted him. Sending you love as you make the grief journey.

Love,
anne

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this is beautiful...
 
I LOVE that photo of Rusty, it captures so much of what made him Rusty. One fine cat indeed. :cat:

Thank you for posting the addendum. I think so too on the penny. I like the thought that it was the year of his birth. Love it that you are seeing him everywhere, another sign. It was the same here when Mannie crossed. I can remember finding test strips, a syringe, a script I thought I had lost was on my desk one morning, and a few other odd items unique to him. Keep those signs coming Rusty!

I hope canoe week will get you through the upcoming week. I know how lost one feels after all the time spent with caring for a diabetic. We all make it work, yet once it is over, the adjustment can be hard. I found I still hurried home at a certain times as that was shot time. To this day i still feed the new tribe here on what was Mannie's schedule. Funny how certain things stay with us. The memories associated with it are wonderful. I will hope it is the same for you. Rusty was such a great kitty!

I too remember all the fun! The LL&L kitty bus!! I can so remember the day it was created. What an awesome memory. And the green lagoon too. I too hope that tradition will continue. It was such a vital part of caring for the whole cat.

Rusty, one last final thought for you, and all your pals at the Bridge: PARTY ON!
 
Oh Ella! I am so sorry to hear that it was Rusty's time to go to the Bridge. I'm sorry to be so late, I haven't been on FDMB much and not even Facebook for a few weeks. When I have stopped in here it has always been to check up on Rusty. He was one brave and amazing kitteh!

I know how lost you must feel and I am glad that you have Canoe Week coming up. When Tess left us we too had a big event to occupy out waking hours. Our furbabies are so deeply entwined in our daily routines, a break helps so much to reorient.

All the old gang are together again at the Bridge and I can imagine the reunion! With all Three Chefs and all the specialty Chefs there now the party may never end!

Fly Free and Land Softly, Laird Rusty! cat_wings>o:rb_icon: Your whole clan is there to greet you!

We still have Stu's rosemary bush!
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So very sad it was Rusty's time to cross Ella. I wish it wasn't so .

Cheery bye from this world Super Senior Lagoon Meister & Chef Extraordinaire Rusty.

Keep an eye on your bean Ella for she is brave , straight & true. The best bean a handsome talented Rusty pusscat could ever have wished for.

Party On.

Tyler&M
 
I am among those who remember Stu and then Rusty's journey from Canada (thank you Linda and Bear Man) to join you. The chronicle of that trip still makes me smile. You met Rusty with an excitement that hasn't changed since he became a part of your family -- and the family here. There is no doubt that Rusty will be missed by many of us -- those who remember his travels from his former home, to your cabin, and to NYC and those who have gotten to know him more recently. He is an intrepid cat with all of the sweetness of an NFC.

You have been a member of the "best place you never wanted to be" family for a long time. I sincerely hope you will come to visit when you can.
 
Ella, I am so saddened to hear of this.. I have been away from the board and to come back to learn of Rusty.. :( I have not know you or Rusty as long as some, but the two of you have captured my heart in the short time I have been here. There are never any words to make it right or to take that emptiness away, but Rusty is with you and will always be. These kitties leave marks upon our souls that will never be forgotten and cannot be erased. Rusty was always such a character and brought happiness and smiles to kitties and beans miles away. That is the mark of a special soul. Big hugs and thoughts for you and yours... :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug: Your family is in our thoughts... :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
I hope these :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug: help you in some small way to cope with the overwhelming sadness that visits us when we have to say goodbye to our furry loved ones. May you find comfort in the memories of your sweet boy that will always be in your heart.
 
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