In 2012, Kristina Rucker’s life changed forever when she adopted Patches, a 7-year-old shelter dog in need of a second chance.
“She came to me in a sad state,” Rucker recalled. “I had to put in the work to train and teach and love her back to being a regular, lovable dog. It took years, but she became my best friend.”
Over time, Patches blossomed into a cherished member of the family. When she developed arthritis at 13, Rucker did everything she could to keep her comfortable — from physical therapy and medication to buying her the softest, largest dog bed she could find.
That bed quickly became Patches’ sanctuary. For five years, it was where she found comfort and relief, curled up in warmth and love.
But in 2022, at the age of 17, Patches passed away. Her absence left a heavy silence in the home — and her favorite bed sat untouched in the corner.
“I didn’t have the heart to part with it,” Rucker said.
For years, the bed stayed just where Patches had left it, a quiet reminder of her presence. Then, recently, Rucker had an idea: instead of letting it sit empty, she placed it outside her bedroom window, hoping it might bring comfort to another creature in need.
Not long after, her hope was fulfilled.
Two neighborhood feral cats discovered the cozy bed and began curling up in it — just as Patches once had.
“When I first saw them, I called over my husband and daughter, and we all kind of squealed because it was so cute,” Rucker said.
In a touching coincidence, the cats’ fur colors resembled the very patches that had inspired Patches’ name.
“That made it a bit more special,” she added.
Now, the once-empty bed has become a neighborhood haven. Cats come by daily to nap there, and Rucker has started leaving out food for them.
She even plans to build a small enclosed shelter nearby and eventually get the cats vetted once they trust her.
Though nothing could ever replace Patches, her legacy lives on through the bed that once brought her comfort — now extending that same kindness to others.
“She was my best friend, and losing her was the hardest thing I have ever had to do,” Rucker said. “I love that her things can be reused instead of discarded, especially to help give the local kitties a place to sleep.”
