Rusty's Day

For the past month, Rusty has been in and out of the animal hospital, so he has not had a chance to write, today would have been his last. Rusty's back went out on him several weeks ago, thus his last entry and ever since it has been a domino downward spiral. He has had issues with his back foot and now went in to have another toe removed. Since he felt he needed to help the process he would try to take off the bandage and lick it himself, which actually made it worse, but he would never listen to us ƒº. After his toe removal he had gotten through multiple socks, a soft e-collar which made him look like a daisy, a pant leg, vinyl wrap, horse wrap, you name it Rusty was the Houdini! His back leg ended up getting infected so we finally were able to put an e-collar on him (the cone ones) and not cut it. It was so long that there was no way he could reach his paw, however we were too late. Over this time Rusty had begun to stop eating and throwing up his food and water, he went in again. The vet did every test under the book, then for one last ray of hope they opened him up to find out that his esophagus (?) and stomach had been clogged with socks, gaze, tape and every other kind of substance possible. We thought for sure all would go well however he still would vomit and could not hold down food. The doctors went in for another look and found his sutures were coming out but it seemed that nothing was healing and his protein levels were drastically low. Rusty went in for yet another surgery, they came up empty. Rusty had been poked at, prodded, and been in the vet¡¦s kennels far too long. He was not the Rusty we used to know, he began to give up hope. This morning the doctors called to once again give us the bad news that they had no idea why Rusty was not healing properly, his body, sadly, told us he was tired and it was time.

With great reluctance a decision was made however Rusty would have a good day. We brought him home he loved car rides, so he was a little excited, as much as his tired body could show. When we got him home we scrunched up the blanket he was on, like a stretcher, and brought him in and plopped him on the couch, he was happy since they are typically not allowed to lay up there. He spent a little time with Shadow, Amber and the cats while watching his favorite show, Planets Funniest Animals. When Rusty would visit me at school I always had it on for him to watch. After an hour of hanging out with the gang, he went out on the John Deere Gator for a quick ride to the point. We filled the back with blankets and his favorite woobie; it had to be a quick ride since he was so nauseous. After Rusty¡¦s back went out on him I would take him out side with me while I gardened. He would lay in the Gator just as happy as can be, he loved to outside but mostly for the rides and sunning. My dad (and his) and I set up a tent, since it was raining on and off all day, this way he could be outside regardless. For the next three hours I read to Rusty while stroking his very soft fur, right behind his neck where never could quite get. My (and his) mom and I then would just sit and pet, scratch and talk about the funny things he would do while offering him lots of water and treats. He enjoyed the drink but wanted nothing to do with food, not even beef. I wish we could have spent it taking him on a walk or a pontoon ride however, Rusty could barely move, so we still did the things he loved, giving him the attention and company he so longley missed being away from home. Rusty passed away in my arms while we sat in the back of the Gator, as he took his last deep breath, a small sigh of relief came over me that he will no longer be in the pain and emotional frustration he has endured over his lifetime. Instead Rusty is now back playing with Sargent, hopefully getting along with Sheena, and finally meeting Major at the rainbow bridge. Even though the day was raining, God had shed a few tears for our beloved boy, the sun managed to peek out from the storm clouds above about an hour after he resided, telling me he made it to the gates. Even though Rusty is no longer with us here, making us laugh while he bounds, the ¡§tee-pee¡¨ ears he had, yips, and passing some seriously nasty gas, I know he will be waiting for that day when we all can be together again, I know I am.

Rest in Peace Rusty, the moment he took his last breath the world and our hearts were a sadder place.

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