When this cat and dog were both abandoned at the end of a driveway, there was no chance of survival for them. The kitty was paralyzed and the dog was covered in a ton of ants. However, this created a special bond between them that ultimately saved both of them. Thankfully, their new mommy saved their lives, just look at how happy they are now!
20. Abandoned
Ruth, a 7-month-old kitten, and Idgie, a 2-year-old dog, were both abandoned outside of a gated community in Geneva, Florida. While in most cases these two animals might have had a chance at survival, in this instance it didn’t seem plausible.
19. Problems
You see, little Ruth was paralyzed in both of her back legs. The tiny kitten could barely make her way around. Idgie, on the other hand, was absolutely covered in ants. They were in desperate need of help! But things were about to change for these unlikely friends…
18. Standing Guard
The ants on Idgie had managed to cover her because she refused to leave Ruth’s side. She stood by the kitten and remained her trusty companion. They were a duo that wouldn’t separate! When they were rescued…
17. Unsure
No one is quite sure what exactly happened to Ruth’s back legs that caused her to be paralyzed. “We think it may have been something she was born with,” Diane Gagliano, program coordinator for the Seminole County Animal Services, told NBC2.
16. Animal Services
Seminole County Animal Services were soon alerted to the pair and headed over to them. The duo was brought back to the shelter to be looked over and taken care of for the time being. However, the shelter immediately noticed that the situation was odd…
15. Odd Situation
“It was a really strange situation— both of them were found in fairly good shape, not filthy or malnourished, so it seems as though they probably had a home at some point. But on the flip side, no one came and claimed them, and how could the cat get very far without the owner knowing?”.
As it was clear the two of them couldn’t be separated, the shelter had to find a family that would adopt them both. It was a challenge but after a while, something amazing happened!
14. Adopted
Soon, after spending some time at the shelter together, the dynamic duo caught the eye of one woman. Jacqueline Borum, who runs the Hollywood Houndz Boutique and Spa, immediately fell in love with them! What happened next will fill your heart with joy…
13. New Home
Borum decided that she would adopt the two of them. When she saw how close their bond was it resonated with her. She even came up with the names Idgie and Ruth and you won’t believe why she chose to name them this way. It’s adorable!
12. The Names
Borum named the cat and dog after the characters in Fried Green Tomatoes. She was amazed at the bond that the two shared and felt like it was something out of a movie! “Their story from the beginning to end is something right out of a Disney movie,” she said.
After they were moved to their new forever home, the pooch and his best friend were bursting with joy! Check them out in the following photos…
11. Local Celebrities
Ruth and Idgie began to spend a lot of time at Borum’s shop and soon everybody around the area began to recognize them. They became true local celebrities when the Orlando Sentinel decided to do a story on their wonderful friendship.
10. Special Friendship
It’s quite obvious that the friendship shared between these two is special. Idgie especially looks after Ruth and makes sure that she is doing well at all times. “When Idgie gets a new toy, she always takes it over to the cat, Ruth, and they pretty much share everything,” Borum stated.
9. Growing Stronger
“Their admiration for each other has only grown stronger over these last few years. There’s no doubt Idgie would have laid down her life to protect her BFF. Thank God she will never have to!” The pooch also acts like a bodyguard…
8. Bodyguard
Even though the two of them have a wonderful and loving home now, Idgie has refused to let go of her ‘bodyguard position’ to Ruth. “Ruth has a handicap and so Idgie senses Ruth’s vulnerability,” Borum explained. “I think Idgie would give her own life for this cat., and we totally agree after seeing these photos.
7. Project Paws
After she adopted Idgie and Ruth, Borum began to feel a calling to help out more animals. That’s when she started her new project: Project Paws. She has been dedicating a lot of time to this new venture.
6. New Venture
Project Paws is a nonprofit organization that helps shelters cover veterinary costs. Borum has, of course, made Ruth and Idgie the mascots of the organization. “They are and will continue to crusade for the other animals in desperate need of help,” Borum told The Dodo.
5. Health Problems
Unfortunately, little Ruth soon was diagnosed with an auto-immune disorder that attacked her red blood cells. Borum did everything she could to help out Ruth during the process. Even Idgie helped as much as she could.
4. Passing Away
Sadly, Ruth soon passed away after being diagnosed with the auto-immune disorder. However, she was not alone as Borum and Idgie both stayed by her side the entire time.
3. Announcement
Soon Borum had to make the announcement of Ruth’s passing on her Facebook page. She shared the following sweet message: “Thank you world, for embracing this dynamic dup that not only beat the odds but conquered by being a beacon of light for other animals in desperate need through Project Paws.”
2. Teaching Us
“Their friendship has so much to teach us as humans about love, selflessness, loyalty and the ability to look beyond our differences.” Ruth’s message resonated with everyone that had known the pair and had grown to love them.
1. Enduring
Borum hopes that the strength of the bond shared between these two will continue to endure and inspire many others. It is a beautiful friendship that Ruth and Idgie shared that gives us much hope.