R.I.P., Rusty: 8/21/97 to 11/8/11
(Here's one of the last pictures I took of Rusty, taken the day before his death, plowing the trail for Eddie and Jillie.)
Rusty died yesterday, and I have a huge hole in my heart today. The amazing dog with the improbable story had complications from a heart ailment. He hobbled over to me for one last hug and literally died in my arms as I laid him down on his bed for the final time. He was 14.
Rusty was a YT dog from the beginning, and pretty much his whole life has been chronicled here in one form or another. He was rescued as a 2-year-old by a family in New Jersey, better known around here as MeganS, Teri88, Dad Ken and brother Kevin.
Megan and Teri were very active when I joined YT in 2005, and they quickly joined my inner circle of virtual friends. Megan was 12, but her spunk and maturity impressed everyone who read one of her posts. Teri, the doting Mom, came to YT to make sure her pride and joy wasn't hanging out with the wrong crowd online. I'm glad she never caught on to me!
Our virtual friendship turned very real on Oct. 28, 2007, when Megan made this post: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/off...-sad-news.html. Her family had come on some hard times, and this little girl was having to do something that no little girl should ever have to do: rehome her best friend, Rusty, along with all the other animals in their pack.
I cried when I read that post then, and I cry today when I read it. It was a turning point in all of our lives.
To make a long story short, my wife and I adopted Rusty, and eight days after Megan posted that thread this 10-year-old New Jersey Lab mix made a grueling flight to Alaska to be in his forever home. It was all very public here on YT, and dozens and dozens of people tracked the flight and wished us all the best.
Kelly and I adopted Rusty for all the wrong reasons. We made a sentimental decision, which is not always a good idea when adopting a dog. But for reasons beyond my comprehension, we were rewarded with the perfect addition to our family, one whose experience around other Yorkies would bring balance to my sometimes schizophrenic pack.
Rusty instantly became Jack's best friend. Jack was a geriatric rescue who had been treated poorly by Eddie, my young buck. Rusty was Jack's protector, and Jack was his shadow. Rusty completed Jack, and they had three incredible years together before Jack passed.
Jack was Rusty's shadow.
But Rusty's work wasn't done here yet. Two years ago, I brought home Jillie, a precocious pup who started out on Eddie's bad side. But once again, there was Rusty, an instant best friend and protector. If Jack was Rusty's shadow, Jillie was a barnacle! Rusty couldn't rotate on his bed to get comfortable without Jillie following his every move and repositioning herself as close as possible.
Jillie always looked up to her big brother.
Eddie wasn't nice to Rusty, either. He was threatened and jealous, and more than once I had to pull him off poor Rusty, who didn't give a hoot about pack leadership and just wanted everyone to be friends.
As the years passed, even Eddie softened to his big brother. The fighting stopped and we achieved balance again. I attribute much of that to Rusty's steady and calming influence.
I could go on and on about Rusty's adventures in Alaska, but most of them are preserved here in YT's massive database. As with Jack, it's comforting to know the pictures, videos and tales of his exploits are here to revisit any time I want. I really love that about YT.
So, farewell, Rusty, and thank you. I've been telling you for months just what you've meant to me and Megan's family, and you allowed me to tell you that one more time as we were saying goodbye yesterday. Kelly and I and Megan's family will miss you terribly, but you've more than earned some peace. When the grief subsides, I know I'll find mine in the wonderful memories I'll have for a lifetime.
Video: Rusty's arrival in Alaska
http://youtu.be/6xQ1ON1OubQ
Comments 26
Total Comments 26
Comments
Oh Mike, I am sorry to only be seeing this today. I often looked at Rusty's pictures with Eddie & Jillie and thought them such an adorably odd trio...like the three pets in Homeward Bound/Incredible Journey. Please accept my sympathies at your sweet old boy's passing. I'm off to read his story for the first time. I had no idea he wasn't a native Alaskan. You sure couldn't tell by looking at him! What a lead dog! Bless you all. You are in my prayers. Rusty will be greatly missed and never forgotten, even by those of us who didn't have that long to get to know him. What a marvelous dog and friend and how kind of you to bring him into your home. Tears coming fast now... Run free at the Bridge, Rusty...watch out for some of my brood there. They like plowing through snow too! | |
Posted 11-13-2011 at 04:05 AM by Jenna AK |
Love you RustyThis was heart breaking and beautiful and I bawled and bawled and am crying still. I love Rusty though i never knew him personally i feel like i've known him for two full years now. the gentle one who loved the yorkies he lived with. this hurts us all so much and we cry with you guys Mike and Kelly, praying for healing and strength. i've never known this much sadness and tears over anyone's dog but my own before. Rest In Peace Rusty over the rainbow bridge to wait with Jack for all of us someday. | |
Posted 11-13-2011 at 05:51 PM by RachelandSadie |
Dang-it Mike! Balling like a baby here. Love this blog. *hugs* | |
Posted 11-13-2011 at 10:14 PM by JMuedog |
Awww, Mike, I should know better than to read something like this before I have to go to work. What an incredible tribute to such an important part of one's life - actually, many lives. To Rusty: Point your nose into the wind, spread your wings and fly with the freedom you've earned to watch over both of your families, and remember, you are now Jack's wingman, so keep a close eye on him, too. Every once in awhile, buzz them so they can feel that little breeze that comes out of nowhere and know you are there. To All, I'm so sorry for your loss. Rusty and Jack were very lucky to have experienced so much love in their lives. Sandy | |
Posted 11-17-2011 at 09:16 AM by RoxyJosMom |
I'm so sorry to hear about Rusty's passing. He was a great dog and family member to both you and Kelly, and Megan's family. He was the epitome of what a good lab should be. He was also a great friend to his people and his yorkie family. RIP Rusty. You were a good dog. | |
Posted 11-18-2011 at 01:15 PM by kalina82 |
I remember following the story of Rusty and his trip to Alaska.....you gave him a wonderful home in his golden years! RIP Rusty! | |
Posted 11-26-2011 at 10:49 PM by spr377 |