Rusty's Story

3.5 years ago, we rescued a senior dog named Buddy from an animal shelter. It's heartbreaking to think of any dog at a shelter but even more so when it's a senior one. Buddy's hair was overgrown and matted. After we had it shaved off, we found he was covered in ticks and lumps, which the vet felt were not a threat thankfully.

Buddy was one of the sweetest dogs ever. Calm, gentle, friendly with children, strangers, dogs, and cats alike. I couldn't imagine any dog person not wanting him for a dog. And to think, he was going to be euthanized. (I try not to think about all the other wonderful dogs that can't be saved.)

After a few months, when he was in good health, we found a home for him with a therapist that took him to her office every day, where he met and hung out with her patients. We thought it was a great match since he loved people.

But 2 years later (last year), his mom unexpectedly passed away from cancer. Rusty, as he was then called, came back to us because that was what his mom had wanted.

We searched again for a new home for him. We screened several interested families/individuals but wanted to wait until we found the most perfect home we could imagine for this ever sweet dog who had already been in and out of so many different homes. And finally we found one. Rusty was adopted again last Halloween. Earlier this week, we received this email from his mom:

"It was a year ago today that I brought Rusty home. Hard to believe! To celebrate, we did his favorite things all day (beach day + a few deli slices of roast beef!). He's tuckered out now, sleeping on the couch next to me. I have attached a few pics from the day. He doesn't usually "smile" in pictures, but I think you can tell he is happy in a couple of them.

I don't think I can really put into words what it means to have Rusty in my life. We do everything together, almost 24/7. He is like another limb. You have probably seen from Facebook how he comes to work at the office daily. He is very beloved there, and made the official company Facebook page for his Halloween costume.

I just cannot imagine my life without Rusty in it.

He has gotten a little slower and stiffer (now taking MSM/glucosamine and using a step stool to get in the car)...lately he seems to be losing some hearing, too. He is in very good health though, and just a champ for enthusiasm every day. With lots of naps mixed in.

I can't thank you both again for the wonderful gift that is Rusty. He is a treasure, and I try very hard to keep him happy and healthy and beloved. We are super bonded to each other, and most people assume he has been my dog since he was a puppy. (I wish that were true.)

I just wanted to give you an update and share my thanks.

-[Rusty's mom]"

You can see the Before & After photos of when he was at the shelter and now, hanging out on the beach!

This was a long story but I wanted to share it because without you, our customers and supporters, we wouldn't be able to do things like this. I hope you can imagine just how much joy it brings us to know we can make a little difference in the lives of these dogs. To guide them through their journey from unwanted to beloved is an amazing experience and because of you all, it's something we have been lucky enough to do time and time again. The words are simple but we mean them deeply: Thank You.