Pet Tributes

Rudy, also known as Mister Rudy, Mr. Rudy Head, Rudy Kazootie, or as the Rudy Meister Meister Rudy during the Christmas Season, passed away in the arms of his person on January 16 th , 2025. Little Rudy had an infectious way of getting into your heart and staying there. He was the literal definition of the “Goodest Boy” and loved nothing more than being in the company of his family. As a puppy Rudy was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect and we were told he might not live a long life, so be sure to cherish him every day, which we certainly did. Rudy thankfully defied the odds and lived to be 17 years old and was only two months shy of his 18 th birthday when he passed. Rudy reminded everyone never to let a circumstance hold you back or define what you are capable of as he was rambunctious and energetic the majority of his long life. In the last year of his life, he did require help getting on and off the bed and in the last few months he needed help getting up and down the stairs. But Rudy knew to come to us when he needed help because he knew he would always receive it; he knew how greatly he was loved. There is immense sadness in seeing your playful puppy grow old and dependent, but there is also great beauty in recognizing how they know you are there for them. While it was at times difficult getting woken up multiple times a night to get him off the bed for a drink of water or potty break, it was never burdensome and how gladly I’d continue to do so to have him back. What a blessing it was to have Rudy for as long as we did, however, it still didn’t seem long enough. It seems like an impossible task to sum up just how special and important Rudy is. I wish I was a better wordsmith so I can do his memory justice. In all honesty the home feels less like home without him: he made my life better, and he was there to comfort me during the hardest days of my life. He was unconditionally loving, and his presence truly was a blessing that will wholeheartedly be missed. Pope Paul VI once said that “One day, we will see our animals in the eternity of Christ. Paradise is open to all of God’s creatures.” The inspiring quote gives me hope that Rudy is in the carful love and protection of my beloved mother Kathleen in Heaven where they wait for me. Until we all meet again in paradise I will cling as tightly to the many wonderful memories as I will cling to them when we are reunited.