Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

I found this today

“Susan, Though I do not tell you often, I am glad that you are part of my life. Some or most of my best memories are times that we have shared together. I will love you always and I hope the day (my birthday) was special for you truly are. I do not make birthdays a big deal for being special for every day I share with you is. Take some today and pamper yourself. Love – always. John.

I found this card in the attic. No envelope, no date. Just a card long forgotten tucked in with other mementos.

On this day in 2007, John died. Almost 20 years ago.

This is the first year that I don’t feel that deep ache of loss. Naming our pet food pantry after John (The Dr. John P. Ruffing VMD Pet Food Pantry) keep his name on my lips and his memory alive every single day. To be fair, he would hate it as he didn’t like to make a fuss and would feel he didn’t deserve it. e

But it has been a little over one year since we formally started. Nearly 80 caretakers and households are registered, not all active. We distribute about 700 pounds of dry food and 600 cans of wet. Mostly to cats, but more and more dogs.

That’s about 8400 pound of dry pet food total. I hope he would like that, find some pleasure that his legacy is helping so many animals and their humans.

In the past two weeks, 13 caretakers have registered – increasing our monthly distribution by 16%. This weekend we sourced and allocated a dozen winter shelters with funds raised in his name. We contribute to crowdfunds when we can.

John was the very best friend anyone could have. After his death, I simply did not want another best friend. I have good friends, many of whom help me with the pantry and other projects. I don’t compare them to John, but I hope the friendship we shared has helped me appreciate all of these other wonderful people.

Each year, I pay tribute to him on birthday in April and on this sad anniversary of his death in November.

Finding that birthday card threw me for a loop in regard to this post. I feel his love right now. I know he would be helping me deal with these terrible circumstances. And maybe he is from wherever he is.

I do believe John was the first person who saw me. You know?

Anyway, the role of Sue’s best friend has been permanently filled regardless of dimensional differences.

If you would like to honor John’s life and legacy, the food pantry has the blessing of his family. I would very much like to find more of his former clients and coworkers who I know also adored him. If you know a veterinarian or vet tech or other veterinary staff, would you share this with them to see if they might know some of his colleagues?

You can also donate in his name

• GoFundMe bit.ly/GivePghCatFolx
• Venmo @PittsburghLGBTQ
• Paypal.me/PittsburghLGBTQ
• Facebook/Instagram – go to Pittsburgh LGBTQ Charities and click on donate
• We have two wishlists
  • Amazon bit.ly/TheRuffList
  • Chewy bit.ly/The Chewy List

Yes, I am trying to make “The Ruff” happen as the name of the food pantry, but so far – I’m more Gretchen than Regina.

I’m happy that my posts about the pet food pantry invoking his name far outnumber my sad memorials.

I will love John, always.