Cats lose a friend
By Kim Campbell Thornton
April 25, 2007
I had planned to blog about something else today, but life interrupted–in a bad way. A very special colleague, Dr. James Richards, was involved in a motorcycle accident on Sunday and died Monday. He was director of Cornell’s Feline Health Center and author of the ASPCA Complete Guide to Cats.
I didn’t meet Jim until November 2005, at the annual Cat Writers Association conference. I interviewed him a couple of times after that, and his love for cats–the kitties, as he always called them–just blazed through the phone lines. One of his most recent quests was a campaign to encourage people to pay closer attention to their cats so they could recognize health problems before they became too advanced.
Jim died as he lived: trying to save a cat. One ran out in front of his motorcycle. He swerved to avoid it but was unsuccessful and lost control of his bike. Jim, the cats will miss you and so will we.
We all need to realize that certain people can be very important in our lives. I did not know of Dr. Richards, but he sounds like he had his priorities straight. He loved all his kittie friends and he died doing something he loved. I can only hope that is what God has planned for me. Doing something I love. Rest in peace, Dr. Richards.
Comment by Sharon Gilbert — April 25, 2007 @ 6:22 am
OH NO!!! Died trying to save a cat - how ironic!
I’m so soorry to hear this.
Comment by Mary Smith — April 25, 2007 @ 6:24 am
My heart is heavy upon learning of the passing of Dr. Richards. I have his books and I have also been a faithful subscriber to CatWatch My cats and I owe a lot to Dr. Richards for his brilliance and his willingness to share his knowledge.
There is a very special place in heaven for the Doctor. Rest in Peace.
Comment by Peg — April 25, 2007 @ 9:09 am
How sad. Dr. Richards talked to me many years ago when one of my cats had cancer and was very helpful. I am very sorry to hear of this. Thank you for letting us know.
Comment by Debbie Johnson — April 25, 2007 @ 9:42 am
This is the first time that I have heard of Dr. Richards, and a terrible way to hear of him at that. With all the negative things happening in the pet world at this time, it would seem that one of the great ambassadors has been lost. My condolenscences to his family and all those people (and kitties) he touched.
Comment by Eric — April 25, 2007 @ 10:37 am
Dr. Richards,
Thank you for all the love, caring and help you have given to kitties and their owners.
Comment by Mike — April 26, 2007 @ 9:45 am