Happy Alaska Anniversary, Rusty

I've had two life-changing events since I joined YT three years ago, and today is the anniversary of one of them.

A year ago today, on Nov. 4, 2007, my wife and I adopted Rusty, our chocolate Lab mix, from YTer MeganS.

Megan has been my bud since I met her here when she was just 12. As those of you who know her can attest, she's mature beyond her years (when she's not being a brat to me). When the Lord was passing out compassion and maturity, he doubled her share.

So when I read her post (http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/off...-sad-news.html) late last October, I was moved to tears. She was forced with having to give up her best friend in the world, Rusty.

But rather than rebel like teenagers are supposed to do, she wrote a simple classified ad here on YT seeking homes for her two Yorkies and Rusty. Naturally, the Yorkies went fast, but who wanted a 9-year-old Lab?

The answer, with hardly a second thought, was me. It was probably one of the most improbable adoptions ever on YT. First, Megan and her parents knew it would be hard for Rusty to adapt to any new home at his age. And, while I was ready for a big dog in my life, I knew how hard it would be to fly a dog his age across country.

We were both breaking the rules that we'd learned here on YT, but, as she stated eloquently in her ad: "I know a lot of people say that they'd rather go homeless than have to give up their dogs, but when you're actually put in the situation your opinion changes."

After some speedy arrangements, Rusty was walking on Alaska soil within a week. He was still in shock when he arrived, refusing treats after about 13 hours in a kennel, something he probably hadn't done before and definitely hasn't done since.

Megan was, and is, understandably sad not to have Rusty in her life, but she never dwelled on that. She showed me only the appreciation and never let me see the tears. Just another example of that maturity I was talking about.

As it turns out, it is I who is appreciative. Rusty fit like a glove within a week. He instantly became Jack's best friend, something that was sorely needed in Jack's life. Eddie can be aloof, so now Jack, whose 2006 adoption was the first life-changing event I had on YT, had someone to hang out with. And Rusty just ignored Eddie's attempts at bullying. He earned his spot in the pack.

It changed my life because it showed me that sometimes doing what feels right, no matter how impractical it seems, is right. I got a great dog. And I think Megan would agree that, as much as she and her parents knew it would be a big change for Rusty, he ended up in a great place for him to spend his senior years.

So here's to Megan and her parents for trusting me to try to give him the same love they did. He's a terrific dog.

Here he was one year ago today followed by a pose that makes me smile at least once a day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xQ1ON1OubQ

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