March, 2009

The Story of Rusty

No one knows how he got there or where he came from but there he was lying in the sand outside of the "Z" market.
 
Lyn was going shopping when she first saw him. She tried not to look as there are so many street dogs that it tears at your heart. But there was something special about this guy. He was sick but there he was wagging his tail and looking at her. As she approached she noticed he had a green discharge coming from his nose and was having trouble breathing. She gave him a cookie and left. Upon returning to her home contacted volunteers from the San Felipe Animal Rescue.

The two volunteers, Ruth and Stephanie, set out in search of Rusty and there he was still lying in the dirt. As they approached him, as sick as he was, he was still wagging his tail. He tried to stand but was having difficulty due to a leg injury and difficulty breathing. A kind gentleman helped lift Rusty into the truck and he was taken to the SFAR shelter. Due to lack of funds the shelter is not able to take any adult dogs at this time so a group of volunteers offered to pay for his care. As I said, there is something special about this guy, he just tugs at your heart.
 
With the help and care of Francisco and Irma, the shelter managers, Rusty has been seen by two local vets. He has pneumonia and as feared, tick fever. The good news is that he is now on medication for both and is on the mend.
 
The next thing to do was to deal with the leg. Thanks to San Felipe Hospital we were able to get him in for x rays. There seems to be a dislocation of the left front elbow but this must be confirmed by a veterinarian. We are hoping that the condition can be corrected. A very kind gentleman has paid for Rusty's films and all of his vet care. There is a possibility that he may adopt him. If that does not work out, several of the volunteers have promised Ronda that they will pay for his care so he can become a permanent resident of the SFAR shelter. No more living on the street for this guy.

After reviewing Rusty's x rays Dr. Kris Bell, Ronda's vet determined that his leg would have to be amputated. This could not be done until his respiratory infection was cleared so Ronda decided to take him to her home in Arizona where he could receive the care he needed. Every one at Ronda's ranch fell in love with this brave boy. He had a great spirit and will to live.

After three weeks of medication, he was well enough to have is leg amputated. He recouped at Ronda's for several more weeks.

The gentleman that had thought of adopting Rusty had decided to go ahead and take this guy home to Monterey, Ca.

With the help of Ronda and volunteers Rusty was delivered to San Diego and then north to Monterey where he met his new dad again. Danny was thrilled to finally have him home after such a long wait.

Rusty seemed to be on the mend and then took a turn for the worse. He was taken to a local vet where a CT scan was ordered. The news came back, Rusty had cancer in his sinuses and this could not be fixed.

This was very sad news for all who had grown to love Rusty. Our brave boy was put down while being held in Danny's arms.

Our consolation is in knowing that Rusty did finally have a home and knew he was loved. He did not die alone on the streets.

Rusty has crossed the Rainbow Bridge and is running free with his friends now. He will always be with us as we recall his will to live and brave spirit.