Loyal Readers, this was a shock to us all; our majestic panther Ruska left to join Those Who Have Gone Before. He spent the day in the sunshine on the Catio, and feasted on muikku and treats, but it was clear that he was suffering and ready to move on. None of us wishes to end our lives with a long struggle and Äiti decided the hardest decision was the right one. We will know the results from his bloodwork later today, but ystävämme eläinlääkäri had told us on Friday his blood didn't look right, and that sounded very bad indeed.*
Ruska joined us in 2010 when his beloved human passed away; he was part of the Muhos Gang (with Rilli, Risto-Reipasand Roosa). His human had rised him from being a tiny feral kitten, and he never lost that wildness and would not allow touching for many years but he was always a fair member of the felocracy, especially loving being with Pekka and Mirsku. And indeed he was allowed in to Roosa's room and could share meals with her. He was responsible for many mousewatch successes and Äiti will never forget the way he sucked down a squirrel tail like it was spaghetti. His life was too short, but he lived it fully as a true Finncat, out in the snow and midnight sun alike.
Ruska, we are proud to have had you in
perheemme, and we tip our tails to you as a much respected and love Felocrat. We will see your tail dancing in the stars.
*we've now heard it was his liver that failed.
