RUSTY (aka rustbucket)
IN LOVING MEMORY
1994 - 2009
Today was a day that in every pet owners life you know will come. But you never want it to be today... or ever for that matter.
Last night I spent the night at the vet with my four footed friend "Rusty". He has been with me for over 15 years.. we've been through a lot together. I rescued him from a breeder who wanted to drown him because he wasn't of show quality. His tail was not the right color, and his stance was not perfect. There was NO WAY I was going to let that happen. The aid that brought him to me, said we were his 4th home in 3 months. He was too hyper for any of the other families. I told her that I've had Cairn Terriers before, and this is part of their personality. The sad thing was that at 9 months of age, he had never done stairs. He was in a kennel all his life. Which is why he was hyper when he was out, and in the yard.
As a puppy he was full of life and firey red.. hence the name Rusty. We traveled everywhere together, he has been to North Carolina, South Carolina, all the way to Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts... and every state in between.
As you can imagine he had a full life, even with loosing his eyesight at the age of 8. In the last year he lost his earring and was getting arthritis... which I can even relate to.
Last night he had a stroke, and the vet didn't know if he would come out of it or not. After 15 hours, no change, labored breathing... and he didn't even know I was there. I came to the realization, that it was his time. I wanted him to live, but it would be for me, and my selfishness... which I couldn't do.
It was one of the hardest things I had to do... I know he is in a better place now and not suffering... I am the one suffering.
I'm taking the rest of the day off to mourn....
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Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR
(Accredited Buyers Representative)
Is a Full Time Realtor® with with Johnson Real Estate, in Cromwell, CT who specializes in Homes and Condos For Sale in the Middlesex and Hartford Counties in CT.
Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR ~Johnson Real Estate, Inc.
cell: 860.883.8889
email: Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR
website: www.CTrealtorMLS.com
Keep your chin up Valerie, he's much happier now.
Valerie...My heart is with you....heartfelt warmth to you....Just try to celebrate Rusty's life and the love he gave and your family gave to each other...try not to focus on the mourning--but the celebration of Rusty's live and love to you!
My thoughts are with you.
Hi Valerie;
I am pet lover too so I could understand you sadness and lost, pck yourself up and be strong for Rusty. Good Luck!!
Oh, Valerie - I am so sorry! Rusty had a great life with you, and he knew that you loved him. That knowledge helped me when I had to put my cat to sleep...
Valerie ~ I'm sorry for the loss of your friend Rusty. When we lost our first dog 10 years ago, I was devastated. As the one who had the love/hate relationship with this dog I couldn't stop crying and probably grieved the hardest. We got her before we even had kids and I was a stay-at-home for most of her lifetime so of course she was the sounding board, the gardening companion, and sometimes just a head on my knee in sympathy for a rough day. You did the right, unselfish thing. As you mourn her loss, remember (and celebrate) her life!
My condolences Valerie. It is so difficult to do what you know is the right thing. I feel sorry for you.
I'm sorry to read this and I understand what you are going through, since I gone through a similar process when we had to put our pet down 5 years ago - from one pet lover to another. I'm sure he will love doggy heaven as much as he loved you. Rest in peace - Rusty!
It is very sad when we lose our pets. They touch our lives in such a profound way. Rusty let you know when the time had come and may the memory of the joyous times spent together bring you warm feelings.
Like the others who have commented, I have gone through it and shed a few tears. It is not an easy thing.
Valerie,
I understand the pain and loss you are experiencing. It is truely an unselfish and loving decision. We learned the hard way with our first dog. I hope this story will bring you a smile.
Renee' had been on her job for several years, we still had our 3 boys (all mutts who found us), while one day in the conference room eating lunch with some of her co-workers when one of them mentioned it might rain today. Renee' made the comment "O geezz, I hope it doesn't, I left the boys outside today". Another one of her co-workers said "I can't believe you would leave your children outside". Renee' laughed and said "children, no they are my dogs" the co-worker laughed also and said "OMG, all these years the way you talked about them I just thought they were your children".
And you know, we treated them like they were it was hard not to.
It is very sad when days like this come. When I was 14, my mom took my dog to the vet early on a Saturday morning before I woke up so I wouldn't have to go through the goodbyes. Still not sure if that was the best thing. Now, we're almost having to go through it again with her 13 year old, and I'm moving next week and it kills me that I won't be here when she does die. Though, over the past two weeks, she's had more life in her than this entire past year, but it's almost that time...
oh Valerie - I'm so so sorry to hear of your loss. It is never easy --- and words are never enough, but please know that you are in my thoughts.
Valewrie, I am so saddened by Rusty's passing. I know he was a very special friend who you will miss dearly. He had a wonderful life with you, and he always appreciated that you had rescued him as a puppy. He will always live with you in your heart and your memories of him.
I am very sorry for your loss, I know how hard it is to lose something very dear to you like a pet. But remember that "All Dogs go to heaven" Have a wonderful weekend.
Kim White
Hi Valerie...I'm so sorry for your loss. Rusty was very fortunate to have spent a great life with you. I know the pain of losing those dear furry friends. Stay strong!
Hi Valerie. I am very sad for your loss of Rusty. I have been there too. You gave a great tribute. I guess the fact that he lived that many years for you is really the blessing you had all along. It is a deep pain though, so take care of yourself. Crying is very good here at this point.
Valerie, sorry that you had to go through that, but what you need to remember are all the great times you had with him in the 15 years you had him.
How are your two boys taking it?
Hi Valerie:
OHHHHH...so sorry to hear about Rusty.
Yes, I can definitely relate.
Remember all the wonderful times with him for these 15 years together!
Hi Valerie, Oh my heart aches for what you are going through. How are your son's taking this?? They have never been without Rusty.... Please take care and keep me informed....this is a HUGE adjustment for you and your boys.
Valerie, I am so sorry for your loss. You were lucky to have Rusty for all those years, as he was you. I completely empathize and have been through it myself. ANimals mean so much to us, and you take all the time you need. I am thinking of you my friend...
Marc... I know Rusty is in a better place.. I just haven't gotten there yet myself.
Amanda... It is a double edged sword. I remember and enjoy the memories.. and at the same time I'd like more memories. I know, I'm being selfish.
Mike... Thank you. I appreciate it.
Anthony.. I'll pick myself up.. it just is taking time. It is hard when you've had a routine.. and now it just isn't there anymore...
Debi.. Thanks for your concern, I appreciate it. I know he had a full life, and touched a lot of hearts. I'm sure in time, I'll feel better, it is just a void at the moment.
Kathy... Thank you for your comment. You know exactly what I am going through. As I read your comment, tears just started to flow again. I remember all the times he would just come over and be near me on bad days. He had an instinct for that. I feel animals are a lot smarter than we give them credit for sometimes.
Jack.. Thanks. No it wasn't easy, but at the same time I knew it had to be done. Rusty is in a better place now, and is no longer in pain... I hope.
Petra.. I'm hoping that my first dog, Meghan (also a Cairn Terrier) was there to greet Rusty. I'm envisioning that Meghan finally has a playmate... and Rusty is no longer in pain.
Joan.. You are so right, our pets do touch our lives and also let us know when it is time to go.
My sons are with their father for the week, so they weren't around when I had to go to the vet. I'd like them to remember Rusty the way he was. My sister who also loved Rusty was up from North Carolina visiting... so she too, had a chance to say good-bye. There is never a good time to a pet (who is a member of the family) to pass. But also, it couldn't have happened at a better time.
Gary.. I sorry to hear you've gone through this too. It is not an easy decision. I'm sorry for your loss too.
Ross.. Thanks for sharing your *wonderful* story. I brought a smile to my face... for I fully understand how you and Renee felt/feel about your "boys". They ARE a member of your family.. no question about that one. Here is a story a small story about Rusty.... if you don't mind.
About 10 years ago after going through my divorce, I was thinking of renting for a while. I found the ideal place that would work for my sons and myself. When I found out they did NOT take pets, I obviously didn't take the place. I opted to buy a condo instead. This way Rusty would have a home too.
Donna.. The best bet, I would think, is to spend time with her now, and say your goodbyes just in case you aren't around. This way you were able to do so.
I just told my youngest son that Rusty died in his sleep. I didn't have the heart (nor did I think it was wise) to tell him the truth. He was so heart broken that he didn't get a chance to say good bye.
So, say goodbye while you can.
Kara.. Thanks for having me in your thoughts. That *truly* does help me feel better.
Michael.. Thank you for your thoughtful comment. Yes, he will always be in my memories, but it hurts (for now) knowing that no more memories are going to be made.
Kim.. I like that "All dogs go to Heaven". I'm just hoping my first dog, Meghan is there waiting for him, and they are now playing together... and neither one is in pain.
Jennifer... Thanks. Pets give you unconditional love... and all they want is that returned. I will always have the memories of Rusty, and I hope he carries the love with him in "Dog Heaven".
Gary, I've been doing so much crying lately, I think I've run out of tears. Then for some reason it all starts again. What gets me through is knowing that he had 15 years of life.. not 9 months, which would have happened if he stayed with the breeder.
George.. My sons were not around yesterday, being spring break they were with their dad. I told them today, and Jakob just fell apart. "I didn't get a chance to say goodbye". I told them that Rusty died in his sleep, I didn't have the heart to tell them that we had to put him down. I think that would have made it worse. If Jakob was older, I think he could handle the truth better... Kyle did, but Jakob wears his heart on his sleeve.
Toula.. I am remembering all the good times. For example. At Christmas I would put dog treats in the gifts that were for Rusty. Since he (obviously) couldn't read, this helped him find *his* gifts. It was a hoot to see him tear them open.
Teresa... My son Jakob took it the hardest. He cried and ran out the door. His biggest hurdle was that he didn't have a chance to say goodbye. He wanted to go for a walk and wanted me to come with him. It was a good time, we bonded a little more. The tough part was when we saw another dog... he just broke down again.
My other son Kyle, knew this day was coming... he is sad, but not surprised.
I'm taking every day, one step at a time. It is a double edged sword. I have great memories, and at the same time it causes pain. Hopefully in time I'll just have the memories, and feel happy he was in my our lives.
Kristin.. Thanks for your kind words. I got chills reading your comment. I appreciate you mentioning I should take my time. Alot of other people (not the members here) think I should just shake it off and move on. How can one do that with a family member? As I said to Teresa, I plan on taking one day at a time.
Valerie, sorry that the boys had to experience this, but it is one of life's experiences that we can not avoid, losing someone close to us.
George, You are right, with life, there is always death... it is just NEVER the right time for it. Jake just wished he had the opportunity to say good bye.
Sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to lose a member of the family like that. He will live in your hearts and memories forever.
Dave.. You are right, Rusty was a part of the family... and I know I did the humane thing of putting him to rest. It just is NEVER easy.
I am very sorry for your loss of your dog Rusty our hearts are with you and your family.
-Peg