Rudy came to our family as a kitten on Sept. 10, 2001. He was named for the mascot of Dad's favorite sports team, Rudy Flyer. He came to us with his sister, Elizabeth "Izzy" while Madeline was 7 and Nolan was just 16 months old. Once Nolan moved into a bunk bed at five years old, Rudy began climbing the ladder every night to sleep with his favorite boy. He was the perfect family cat and an all-around good sport. He didn't mind (too much) when he was dressed up and photographed in doll clothes or Halloween costumes that were way too small.

Rudy was always surprising us. When Rudy was most certainly an adult, if not a middle aged cat, he seemed to have heard Dad express regret that he wasn't much of a lap cat. Rudy leaped into his lap and was a lap cat ever since--watching Sunday afternoon football games and late night TV before climbing the ladder to sleep with Nolan. Even more surprising, Rudy discovered a late life knack for mousing. He was a master hunter, taking down his prey with grace and finesse. Rudy loved his garden. At the first breath of Spring, he would go outside to smell the flowers and feel the breeze. Although he was twice the size of his sister, Rudy was devoted to her. In spite of his deep love for kibble, treats, cat milk and pilfered scraps of food, he always let Izzy eat first and have her choice of bowl. He always groomed her thanklessly, without the expectation that the chore might be reciprocated because it never was.

Rudy surprised us again with his sudden passing, but we are comforted in the knowledge that he had a great last few days with his family--especially a reunion with Madeline who hadn't been home in six months. He didn't suffer, and he was in his favorite place with the family who loved him. He will be missed. His is survived by his humans Scott, Wendy, Madeline, and Nolan and his pet family Izzy, Hedwig, and Ron.