Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

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 animals and understood their language. John pushed himself far beyond his job description, relentlessly trying to help. He formed tight bonds with his patient’s humans.

In 2021, John’s family agreed to establish this memorial fund, hosted by Pittsburgh LGBTQ Charities (PLC), a 501c3 nonprofit. We held a food distribution as part of the Manchester Cat Trap TNVR effort. We also work to provide monthly donations to cat colony caretakers, many of whom are on fixed incomes.

In honor of John’s birthday month of April, we are working with Pittsburgh LGBTQ Charities to hold a pet food drive all month long. Our goal is $560 to coordinate with his 56th birthday. We will also accept donations of food and treats. All funds will be administered by PLC.

I know there are many pet owners who were close to John, but I don’t know how to reach them. My readers, I hope, will share this with their own networks to find those people and invite them to get involved.

• Share with your vet, ask them to post the flyer at their office – vet techs are the ones who knew John best. Post on social media groups centering pet ownership.
• Join the Dr. John P Ruffing Facebook group to connect with other friends and former patients of Dr. Ruffing
• Make a financial donation