RIP Rusty

Rusty, my sweet companion for the past 11 years and my only RV companion since Jett’s passing, crossed that “rainbow bridge” on May 30. He had been slowly declining for years. He was unable to hop onto the bed and exhibited little interest in the stuffed toys that he would have ripped apart in 5 minutes in his youth. But he seemed relatively healthy. Until my return from the overnight trip to Mount Dora.

He seemed a bit lethargic when I got him into the car for the trip back from Marlene’s house (where her friend cared for him overnight). But I wasn’t alarmed until we got to the RV and, for the first time in his life, he was unable to climb the steps. I carried him into the RV then left to do some shopping. When I returned I couldn’t find him. I searched everywhere (which doesn’t take long in an RV) and found him curled up behind the recliner. He had NEVER slept there before. Dogs, when sick, find places to hide, so that was a big red flag.

I was unable to get him to eat. He even turned up his nose at his favorite treat. And he seemed to be unable to see much (and had been mostly deaf for years). I decided to let him rest overnight and see how he was doing in the morning.

Morning came and he was the same. Disoriented, trying to find corners to hide in. I called his local vet who was unable to take him. But he referred me to another animal hospital. The vet examined him, found nothing seriously wrong (but did find a contusion on his spine, probably the result of a fall, but who knows when?). He said he could administer some palliative care but no promise that it would help. He looked at me knowingly and said “he is 15.” So I made the decision – always difficult – that it was time to say goodbye.

Sleep well, gentle boy. I will miss you. I hope you are with Jett.