Rusty Aka "Butters" was a gentle spirited, big hearted, loving little fellow.  He was special from the moment we took him in and changed our lives for the better.  He and our other dog Beau became buds instantly. Rusty followed his new brother everywhere.  Rusty felt that if it was good enough for Beau, then it was good for him.



Rusty came into our lives unexpectedly. It all began when a co-worker contacted me asking if I wanted to take a stray off her hands that she had found on the streets.  He was nothing but bones and hair. I of course said yes because I wanted a friend for Beau.  I had to run it by my husband to see if it was o.k. to bring another dog home.  Sean said that I needed to really think about bringing another dog into our small condo.  He left the decision up to me though.  So, you can imagine the expression on his face when I opened our front door and in came a orange and white fluffy haired dog with a face you couldn't say no to.  Sean's heart melted and Rusty became instant family.



Rusty was a handful at first by chasing our cat around the house and terrorizing other dogs on our walks.  We loved 

Rusty a lot and we took the time and energy to spend with him in obedience class getting him socialized and learning basic commands to help him overcome his fears and to be a confident happy carefree dog like his brother.  Over the next few months with training, his brothers love and calming personality, and lots of walks, love and patience, Rusty made it to that happy calming place within himself. He was able to approach other dogs and say their hello's and move on without chaos.  He enjoyed the same freedom as Beau by running around off leash and enjoying all the scents and interacting with other pets. It was the greatest turning point for Rusty and his happiness. He and our cat Angel became close buds to.  She would rub up on him and sniff his face while he slept.  Rusty was the happiest little guy.  Always giving kisses and wanting to be near you.



Sean somehow nicknamed Rusty "Butters" one day and the name stuck with us.  Rusty seemed confused when we called him at times. Every night Beau and Rusty would lay on their pillows at night while we watched t.v..  Rusty like clockwork would get up and make his rounds through the house and come back and lick our faces and then lay down and go to sleep.  It was as if he was checking to make sure everything was the way it was suppose to be and he gave his goodnight kisses and it was o.k. for him to go to bed. Every now and then we would give Beau and Rusty a frosty paw ice cream treat while they were laying on their pillow.  Rusty would hold the container in his paws and lick the ice cream slowly until it was done.  He would then look up at us and have an ice cream beard on his chin. It was so cute and so Rusty.



Rusty knew he was loved and had a great life.  He waited patiently for us to come home by looking out through the back door when we drove up and got all excited when we came in. He was spoiled from the day he arrived.  We will miss his clicking of his nails on the floor all around the house when we were trying to relax.  His sweet natured personality is what I will miss most and never forget. He left a lasting impression on our hearts with his love.  



Rusty passed away during the night and I couldn't have asked God for a better way for him to go.  As much as I cry and miss him every time I come home and don't see his fluffy smiley face, I know that he is happy and healthy and in a better place and with us in spirit.  I wouldn't want it any other way.  We love you and miss you terribly Rusty aka "Butters". Love, mommy,daddy, Beau & Angel