"Rustie"
Posted: 12-17-10
Now I had dogs all my life, from the time I was 5 years old.
I can still see the frustration on my mom's face when she would say, "why do you have to bring home every dog you find on the street?" I just loved them all I guess.
The dogs would have a mostly good life, living inside or out, this was the old days you understand. Well fed, and well cared for, like I say, they were all loved.
Then there was this period in my life about 10 years ago where strangely, I hadn't had a dog for some time. I was all grown up and had been busy you see. But this strange void kept hitting me in the back of my mind, and it refused to be ignored. After much thought I decided it might be for the lack of a dog. "Silly", I thought. "I'm too old for a dog. I don't have the time. He'll be too much trouble etc, etc."
Well after some discussion and much coaxing from my wife, I went to the pound. I have to say my expectations were low.
I went from pen to pen eyeing each one. Wow, they were all great, how was I going to decide? Only a few more to look at... and then there he was!!! To those of you who have been lucky enough to experience that welling up in your heart, I won't bore you with the details. To all the others, you don't know what you are missing.
Anyway, to make a long story short (ha ha), I won't even try to describe what that little guy gave me back for the few creature comforts I gave to him. Yes, he was spoiled rotten and I was proud of it!
Sadly, on Nov 10, 2010, Rustie had to be put to sleep. I will carry him warmly and fondly in my memory for the rest of my life.
To those of you thinking about getting a dog... just do it! Get him for your health, get him for your peace, get him for your children. That animal knows you are the one who saved him, and he will never forget it... I know.
Spend time with him and love him, your children will love him.
And remember, in your life, he is only the pet... but to him, you are his whole world.
J Rivers