Rusty

This post is long over due.  It's also a difficult one to write thus I've put it off.  After Bosco passed away Rusty was just not himself.  Of course that is normal and to be expected, he lost his best friend, his brother.  Rusty had been a part of our family since he was a puppy.  All he had ever know was a home and family where he had another dog for a companion.  Everyone I talked to who had two dogs and one had passed away said give him 2-4 weeks.  That's what everyone said!  Well two months later He was still struggling.  Brent said we needed to find a new home for him, one with another dog.  Selfishly I said no.  I was still too heart broken from Bosco to think of facing not  having a dog in our home at all.  Poor Rusty was just falling apart.  He developed severe separation anxiety.  He started trying to dig out of the house when he was home alone.  In the process he tore up the linoleum at our front and back doors.  Still I wasn't ready to do what was best for him.  A bit of pride slipped in as I thought of all I'd been through with Rusty.  I had endured the puppy years.  I had made it through potty training, behavior training, through teething and the subsequent chewing.  After all I had been through I did not want to get rid of my great dog!  So he suffered on.  He would howl when he was left alone.  I made arrangements with our neighbor for their dog to come over when I was gone.  I also brought her over during the days, to help Rusty not be so sad.  It worked!  Rusty was so much happier when their dog was here.  It seemed like a great solution.  Then it almost seemed to back fire.  When she would leave Rusty was even worse. 

Finally my heart had healed enough I could see just how broken Rusty's was.  Even then I struggled with the decision, always thinking, he just needs more time.  Finally three months after Bosco had died we tried to find a home for Rusty.  I was not taking him to the pound, or some rescue, I didn't even really want to give him to a stranger.  I wanted to KNOW he was going to a good home where he would be loved.  It was easier then I thought.  Brent's Aunt said they had a dog that was lonely too.  We made arrangements and Thanksgiving day Rusty left our family and joined theirs.  It took everything in me to not break down and cry, at our family party, as I told them of all the tricks Rusty can do (sit, lay down, roll over, shake, dance, sing), tell them of all his naughtiness, (he runs away, he'll get into the garbage, he snores).  It's been hard.  It's so wierd not having a dog.  I still miss coming how to happy faces and wagging tails.  I miss my boys snuggeling with me.  I miss playing with them.  I just  miss them.  Despite how much we miss Rusty it was the right decision.  He's fit right in as part of the family with Brent's Aunt, Uncle and cousins.  He gets along wonderfully with their dog.  He's happy again.  He just needed to be with another dog.  I'm thankful he's with family so we can see him occasionally and get updates on how he is doing.

We miss you Rusty!  We are glad you are doing well with your new family!