This is the love story between Idgie, a dog, and Ruth a paralyzed cat, who formed a very special bond after being rescued together back in October.
Here’s a two minute video of Idgie and Ruth together.
At the end of a driveway next to a busy road in Seminole County, Florida, Idgie, a 2-year-old Dachshund was found standing guard over 7-month-old Ruth, who is a paraplegic.
They were in good shape when they were rescued, not malnourished or dirty as typical strays would be. Diane Gagliano, program director for Seminole County Animal Services believes Ruth is suffering from a birth defect. She also believes the two had a good home at some point in their lives, despite the fact no one ever came to the shelter to claim them.
Idgie and Ruth, who were named after the Idgie Threadgoode and Ruth Jamison characters from the movie Fried Green Tomatoes, now have a permanent home at Hollywood Houndz, a doggy Boutique & Spa, located in Lake Mary. The boutique owner has adopted both of them, and a pen is set up for the two near the front of the boutique, where people stop by to visit the loving pair and to bring them gifts.
The shelter did their best to help Ruth and were assisted by nonprofit Together Every Animal Receives Support (TEARS), who paid for a series of steroid injections, as well as acupuncture. Although the shots and needles were unsuccessful, Idgie and Ruth don’t have a problem with Ruth having to get around by dragging herself by her front legs. Idgie plans to always be there to protect Ruth, and makes this fact clear by barking and growling if another dog approaches his cat friend.
At the moment, no one knows how long Ruth will live. It’s unclear whether her condition is degenerative, or whether she still has a long life ahead of her. Regardless of what the future holds, Idgie has made the decision to protect Ruth for life.
Hollywood Houndz employees provide excellent care to Idgie, who is moved and fed daily. The rest of Ruth’s time is spent hugged up with the best friend a disabled cat could ever have-a wiener dog. The two are very unhappy when separated from each other.
The story of Idgie and Ruth just goes to show how friendship should be based on love, and these two have enough love to last a lifetime. Idgie just cautions other dogs to leave his cat alone or they’ll have to deal with him.
There are a lot of dog-cat love stories being told on the internet. This is the first I’ve seen where the cat suffers from partial paralysis. Idgie and Ruth share a true love of each other, as well as a forever friendship. Good dog, Idgie!
Elisa
Ref: abc-7.com.
I hadn’t thought about muscle weakness, rather than just being uncoordinated, Dee. Perhaps because I didn’t want to think of it. Degenerative diseases of muscles are often very bad, whereas a neurological issue probably would not shorten her life. If it’s something like polymyositis in humans (literally, inflammation of many muscles)that would be fatal eventually. Are the muscles of breathing and the heart muscle affected? That’s the scary part. That little cat may have a very short life ahead of her. But at least she is loved– by humans and by a dog.
Such a lovely story, I hope Idgie and Ruth have a long and happy life together.
I think you’re right, Elisa. I think the clientel went went nuts over these two and the word spread.
It’s hard not to live in Central Florida and not hear about Hollywood Houndz. They have a decent reputation and perform a number of services.
I noticed that too, Ruth, especially her right rear leg. She does struggle, but it looks like she succeeds in getting where she wants to be for the most part. Her vet says that there are more tests to be run on Ruth, but she believes that she has a degenerative muscle condition that may progress. I hope not.
Such a sweet pair.
Yep…win-win whatever the reason. At least these two are safe and well.
Sure, just playing devil’s advocate. I think it has worked out both ways too. The end result is good, win-win.