When Kris Northrup pulled into the driveway of her vacation rental two weeks ago, she wasn’t expecting to meet someone who would change her life—and whose life she would change in return.
“Rufus literally came running up to our car when we pulled into the driveway,” Northrup told The Dodo. “I was horrified at his condition … emaciated, covered in painful mats, and with a painful mouth.”
Instead of relaxing, Northrup, an experienced cat rescuer, sprang into action.
A Community Cat in Crisis
After calling the property owner, Northrup learned that Rufus had been a fixture in the area for years. Local neighbors fed him, but no one had ever stepped up to bring him in.
“He was a 24/7 outside community cat,” she said. “A compassionate neighbor, Kendra, really cared for him but couldn’t afford vet care.”
Kendra showed Northrup a photo of Rufus from a year earlier—healthy, alert, and full of life. The contrast was heartbreaking. “That cemented it for me,” Northrup said. “I was going to rescue this severely emaciated, matted cat.”
A Ride Toward Hope
Northrup spent that evening caring for Rufus, feeding him and staying close. Though he slept outside, Rufus stayed nearby. By morning, he had made his decision.
“When we left, Rufus came with us,” Northrup said. “He laid in my lap for most of the ride home.”
Discovering the Joys of Being Loved
Back home, Rufus began to experience love and comfort for the first time. He had regular meals and, most notably, received his first bed.
“He had no idea what it was!” Northrup recalled. “At first, he made biscuits on it slowly, taking his time. Then, after a few minutes, he finally laid down in comfort.”
Fospice Needed, and Fast
A vet visit revealed the harsh truth: Rufus had a grade 4–5 heart murmur, kidney disease, anemia, and borderline hyperthyroidism.
“The vet thinks he can go for another six months to two years,” Northrup said. “We’ll make it his best time.”
Determined to find him a loving fospice (foster + hospice) home, Northrup shared Rufus’ story online. It wasn’t long before it caught the attention of animal lovers, including the group Show Your Soft Side.
Love at First Scroll
“I was scrolling through my feed and saw the post about him needing a fospice,” Emily Luft told The Dodo. “I thought he was such a sweet, cute man … and would be a great fit for my fiancé and me.”
Rufus reminded Luft of her childhood cat, Callie, who had also battled kidney disease. “When I saw Rufus, I knew I wanted to be that person for him,” she said. “I wanted to give him the same kind of love and patience I had for Callie.”
Home at Last
Luft and her fiancé finalized the adoption shortly after, and Rufus is now preparing to settle into the home he’s always deserved.
“I can’t thank you enough for giving him the love and care he deserves,” Kendra texted Northrup. “He’s been looking for a ‘home’ for as long as I’ve known him. What you’ve done is a true blessing.”
