RUSTY'S STORY

Rusty joined our family in March of 2004.  His
brother,
Tucker, had already been living with us
since 2002.

As of this writing, Rusty has only been with us a
few weeks.  He was very thin when he joined us, so
much so that his ribs were showing.  He was
returned to Shelly after living in deplorable
conditions just as his brother Tucker.  As a young
puppy, he had been tied outside with very little
human companionship.  Considering this fact, I am
truly surprised that he hasn't suffered any
permanent behavioral damage.

He seems to be a very happy little dog with a lot of
energy, unlike my other Jack Russells, Sarah and
Holly, who are couch potatoes.  Rusty is suffering
from the same skin condition that Tucker had in his
early days with us.  He will also need to go for
months of treatments to get into top shape.  I know
he'll make it.  His appetite has improved, and he has
actually gained 1 pound during his first two weeks
with us.

Tucker and Rusty were separated for 18 months
before finally being reunited at my house.  After
the first day or two, they started spending a lot of
time playing together just as I'm sure they played
when they were young puppies.  Tucker has never
interacted with any of the other dogs the way he
does with Rusty.  I really wonder if there isn't
something present that is triggering memories of
their younger days together, and that they actually
realize that they are brothers.  Time will tell.

In the meantime, I will give them both all the love
and attention that they so desperately crave.  They
certainly deserve the best life that we can give
them.
RUSTY -- MARCH 2004 -- AFTER
HE CAME TO LIVE WITH US.  HE
ALSO HAD THINNING HAIR AND
INJURIES
RUSTY VISITING OUR CEMETERY
AND THOSE WHO HAVE GONE TO
RAINBOW BRIDGE
BROTHERS REUNITED AFTER 18
MONTHS
RUSTY FOUND THE
"BUSTER CUBE" AND
IMMEDIATELY LEARNED
HOW IT WORKED.  UP
UNTIL NOW, TIFFANY
WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO
KNEW THE SECRET OF THE
"BUSTER CUBE".  
RUSTY WALKING OFF WITH BABY
AMBER'S TOY
BROTHERLY LOVE AS AMBER &
MAX OBSERVE FROM A SAFE
DISTANCE
RUSTY AND SARAH
Oh, Rusty….today marks the fifth day without you here letting me know that it’s feeding time.  You were
our little pack alarm clock when it came to food.  You were always the first to come and paw my leg
saying…”Feed Us”.  

Our swimming pool is quiet now.  You would have stayed in that pool 24/7 if we had let you.  But at least
you got a good 30 minutes of swimming time every day, just doing laps around the pool.  Now the pool
probably won’t be used nearly as much.

Rusty, why did you have to get an infection after the surgery that removed that two-pound tumor, your
spleen, and six inches of your intestines?  The day after the surgery you were doing so well and the vet
even said maybe you could come home the next day.  But you never came home again.  The infection set in
and you quietly slipped away in your sleep the following morning.  At least you didn’t force me to make any
painful decisions for you and I thank you for that.

You had such a hard start in life but when we rescued you, you left all the painful memories of your
puppyhood behind you and moved forward to your new, happy life.  Reuniting you with your brother,
Tucker, was an added bonus.  You loved Tucker so much and I know you remembered him when the two of
you met once again.  I also know that Tucker was there waiting for you when you arrived at the Bridge.  

You were so very special to me, my little man in a fur coat.  I will never ever forget the fun times we had
together.  There were so many of them.  And I will never forget you and the love you gave me.  I hope you
and Tucker are having fun together once again.  And I hope there is a big swimming pool for you there at
Rainbow Bridge.  I Love You!

Rusty’s original story continues below.
CLICK BELOW FOR BAILEY'S STORY

THE REUNION