Photos and text copyright Romping and Rolling in the Rockies 2009-2017.

All photographs and text within this blog are copyrighted.

You may not copy or repost any photos or text without specific permission from the author of this blog. When in doubt, please ask.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Farewell Rusty

I was writing a "normal" post when I read the news of our friend Rusty from the Thundering Herd. He crossed the Rainbow Bridge today. It broke my heart to read the news, and I can imagine grief that the rest of the Herd is feeling right now.

If any dog was full of life and humor and smiles, it was Rusty. He made me smile every time I read about his exploits. He lived life on his own terms, even on a simple walk. I borrowed this photo from the Thundering Herd's Website. Of course, it's Rusty up on the stone wall during a routine walk.
Wall Walking
We send the Herd our sympathy and strength.

We should all hug our dogs today, for you never know what the future holds. From the pups...

 To our more "wise and mature" dogs...
Rusty's veterinary story from the past few months hits close to home for us. Our R has had problems in his bloodwork for months now. We searched for tumors back in September but found none. Yet, that's the most common cause of the type of problem that our R has in red blood cells.

Like the Herd has done for the past few months, we just watch and hope that, somehow, R's blood cells will return to normal... and he'll live for a long time with the happiness and humor of a Rusty.

Rest in peace, Rusty the Rooster. In your honor, we will try to live life with a zany sense of humor, just as you always did.
Posted by at

23 comments:

  1. DexterDecember 10, 2012 at 7:14 PM

    You are so right that we need to love our dogs every single day. How many times have I forced myself on a walk for just that reason? I will always remember that the night before Mango got sick, I was out in the yard, playing with the boys even though after a long day at work I just wanted to crash.

    Mango Momma

    ReplyDelete
  2. NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog!December 10, 2012 at 7:14 PM

    We had just put Khyra's post for Tuesday in place when I saw the news -

    SO once Rusty's tribute post went up, we made sure to add it to our post for a tribute -

    Of course, we chose the khrossed paws picture!

    He so made us laugh!

    Thanks for a wonderful post for a special friend -

    Please give R and Shyla some hugs for us!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Millie and WalterDecember 10, 2012 at 7:20 PM

    Rusty sure was a unique boy. I hope R's blood cells continue to improve and he is free from problems.

    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  4. Dachshund NolaDecember 10, 2012 at 7:23 PM

    Run free, Rusty.
    I hope R continues to do better.
    Nola

    ReplyDelete
  5. BassetmommaDecember 10, 2012 at 7:28 PM

    We were so sorry to hear about Rusty. Let's hope R just keeps getting better!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Tweedles -- that's meDecember 10, 2012 at 7:30 PM

    Your words are so special for you friend Rusty.
    We will keep the family in our hearts and send thoughts of love.
    I know Rusty will be remembered forever.
    love
    tweedles

    ReplyDelete
  7. GOOSEDecember 10, 2012 at 7:32 PM

    I am so sorry to hear about Rusty. Run fast and free Rusty. Our prayer s go out to his family.
    Blessings,
    Goose

    ReplyDelete
  8. The Daily Pip December 10, 2012 at 7:43 PM

    Thanks for letting us know about Rusty. We didn't know him well, but will keep his family in our thoughts.



    ReplyDelete
  9. ♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥December 10, 2012 at 8:19 PM

    We have to thank you for letting us know about poor Rusty. We knew he had had a bad weekend, but we never expected this. You are so right, live for today, you never know what is around the corner. Rusty always made us smile, guess that's what we loved most about him. Soft woos and gentle hugs to D.K. and The Herd from all of us here.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Lovable LilyDecember 10, 2012 at 8:43 PM

    We too are saddened to hear about your furend Rusty. We will hop over and leave them our condolences.

    We are two lucky little doxie's! Mommy and Daddy love us every day like there is no tomorrow. But thanks for reminding all of us how important that is.

    We are baffled that there is still no 'cause' for R's blood cells. So we'll just keep praying and praying and praying for him.

    Hugs,
    Lily Belle & Muffin

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousDecember 10, 2012 at 8:46 PM

    We just lost Sandy at work today, a wonderful and wise 13 yr old yellow lab. And then a new customer came in with her brand new rescue pup, Rusty! Life is a mysterious and wonderful thing sometimes.

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousDecember 10, 2012 at 9:42 PM

    Ann...from..Outer Banks of NC..said...so sorry KB...I know your heart is breaking too.such love and compassion is coming your way and for your friends...it sure does take a long time for hearts to heal..we all know the feeling "Tears are prayers too-They can travel to God when we can't speak".....Just hoping and praying for R's full recovery...Bless that sweet boy and Shyla sweet face....Hugs to all of you

    ReplyDelete
  13. houndstoothDecember 10, 2012 at 9:45 PM

    Another blog friend told me the news today before I got to the computer to check and my heart just sank. I looked forward to hearing about Rusty's antics every day and it's hard to believe that we won't hear stories about his shenanigans anymore. He was one heck of a dog!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Two French BulldogsDecember 10, 2012 at 10:02 PM

    So sorry to hear about your friend
    Benny & Lily

    ReplyDelete
  15. White Dog BlogDecember 10, 2012 at 11:00 PM

    Our blog family has lost our constant reminder to live life with gusto in everything we do. Your tribute is beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  16. D.K. WallDecember 11, 2012 at 1:55 AM

    KB - Thank you so much for your tribute to Rusty. All dogs show a zest for life, but Rusty was just extreme is his desire to live life with exuberance. Maybe he knew his time was going to be shorter, who knows?

    We continue to think of R - and all of you - daily.

    D.K. and a somewhat quieter Herd

    ReplyDelete
  17. DukeDecember 11, 2012 at 2:51 AM

    We are so sorry to hear about Rusty. Godspeed. His family is in our thoughts and prayers.

    Love ya lots
    Mitch and Molly

    ReplyDelete
  18. bichonpawzDecember 11, 2012 at 3:34 AM

    We were so very sorry to hear about Rusty and we are sending loving thoughts to his family too. Rest in peace Rusty. xo Jeanne, Chloe and LadyBug

    ReplyDelete
  19. Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and MomDecember 11, 2012 at 7:24 AM

    We just went over to visit Rusty. He will be sadly missed.

    ReplyDelete
  20. troutbirderDecember 11, 2012 at 11:44 AM

    Each and every time it's so hard...:(

    ReplyDelete
  21. Lindsjö taxarDecember 11, 2012 at 1:36 PM

    Its always sad to hear when our loved dogs leave us.
    One of my bloggfriend, had to put down his dog this week. She was badly hurt in a leg while hunting. After 2,5 hours operation the vets said, amputation or let her go. The let her go...she was 1 1/2 year and her first hunting season.
    Tyra is doing well , now we dont hunt/train because of lots of snow so shes resting well.
    Hugs from us!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, RyuDecember 11, 2012 at 5:09 PM

    We were saddened to read about Rusty, and we are crossing every paw and hoof that R never develops similar problems.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Boss Mare EventingDecember 11, 2012 at 5:50 PM

    RIP Rusty. You are loved.

    ReplyDelete

If you are a Blogger registered user, you can skip the step asking you to verify that you are not a spammer. For posts older than 5 days, I have comment moderation turned on.

Thanks for your comments!!!!!

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)