I met Susannah today in the park when she asked my dad if she could pet me. She said, almost apologetically, she needed a doggie fix, bad.
My dad, who loves this kinda thing, said sure, go ahead…so I trotted over giving her my very best smile. I’m Rusty by the way. I’m part Pit and part Boxer with a little Lab thrown in for good measure. It’s what gives me my charisma, not to mention my tendency to jump in the bathtub while you’re in it.
I noticed the first thing Susannah asked was if I was a rescue or not. That question used to bother me since I thought it was because I was too skinny or not good looking enough, but I know now that’s not the case. She was simply hoping I was adopted and not bought from a breeder. I actually took it as a compliment since I’m such a mutt.
My father told her how I came from a shelter in Kentucky. That’s so far away, she said, do you hail from there? I love this part of my story. No, dad said, I surfed the net till I found the face I was looking for and when I saw Rusty’s, I knew, that’s him, that’s my new best friend.
Yeah, I’m smiling.
By the way, isn’t it nice of Susannah to let me blog today? I like her so much and she’s so pretty too, even with no make-up and her hair standing straight up. She reminds me of a hand puppet right after something scared the hell out of it.
Anyway, she proceeded to tell my father this story about something she wrote concerning adoption over buying that offended a friend of hers. Seems this young lady bought her little Yorkie from a breeder and got upset thinking Susannah was putting him down. She wasn’t you know. I’ve only just met her and already know there’s not a creature on this earth she wouldn’t go to bat for. She told me how she can’t even kill water bugs, instead she relocates them. I mean, I don’t even do that. I play with them, mostly against their will but I’m a dog remember.
Susannah feels bad that this woman hardly speaks to her anymore but told us how upset she gets thinking of all the dogs that don’t have homes that could have them if people would opt to adopt. This made me cry a little. I was one of the lucky ones and to think my dad shipped me in my crate all the way from Kentucky. I was so scared till I saw his big, happy face. The first thing he did was hug me and tell me that I was finally home. The next thing, which was pretty doggoned amazing, we split a roast-beef sandwich to celebrate. It’s what I call doggie champagne only to be had on special occasions.
You know what?
I’m going to make a special plea to the lady who’s mad at Susannah…please don’t be. If you knew what a great under the chin scratcher she was you’d understand she only means to raise awareness concerning our plight.
New York should be a no kill state, and we’re not. So many of my brothers and sisters are put down every day because nobody wants them. Oh shit, I’m crying again. Can’t help it. Like I said, I was one of the lucky ones.
So, if you’re thinking about getting a doggie of your very own, before you contact a breeder or visit that pet shop, could you check out your local shelter? And if there’s a special breed you want, like a Beagle or Poodle (I hate Poodles…they think they’re so damned smart) I promise you, there’s a site for every and any kind of dog there is.
Tell-em I sent you.
Thanks.
Love, Rusty 
Yeah I know, I look different in my computer picture. One word for ya folks…photoshop 
Reblogged this on Rohmanunila and commented:
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
Thanks for reblogging I’m Rusty. The more people who are reminded animals need homes the better. My friends think I write too much about their plight but, I can’t help it. I love them so and they need all the help they can get. Thanks again for opening your heart…many tails are a waggin.
You think Susannah is pretty, Rusty? She can’t be your usual type, surely? I’m thinking wrong number of legs for starters. And I’ll bet she doesn’t sniff your bum or lick your mouth either. Best stick to your own species, matey.
You know Rob, I consider myself somewhat of a ladies man so I don’t think legs, as long as they’re long and go right down to the floor, are an issue…matey
Touché
Arf Arf…matey
Aw Rusty!!!! What a great writer they are. I wish that people only rescued animals and weren’t allowed to buy them.
Aw Rusty, such a fella’ you are! Just so you know, I’ve had wonderful pets…best friends and not once have I gotten one from a breeder or a pet shop! You should see my Ragdoll cat, Gibby. We searched and searched ~ eureka! We adopted her from a rescue center in Oklahoma! Makes me sad to know how many are ‘put away’…thanks for sharing your encounter with Susannah!
Gotta meet you sometime, R. You’re one helluva fella.
Yes, I agree. The people who buy from breeders and pet stores
(which, by the way, buy their dogs by the hundreds from horrifying puppy mills),
are inadvertently adding immeasurably to the stray problem which is at it’s peak right now.
Adopt, adopt, adopt. Please! That’s the mantra.
im·mea·sur·ably
Thanks Jed. Maybe we can get sweaters made that say Adopt Adopt Adopt. I’m sure my dad and Susannah would chip in.
Loved it! You do make me yearn for my own. Dog sitting is okay ………. just wish my budget stretched further!. Been out 2 days is row — I am on a roll. Look to bumping into you soon. JB
Well, I’m sure there’s a Rusty out there waiting for you to come get him
Brilliant!!!!!!
You’re very kind. Rusty thanks you.
This was beautiful, I hope your friend sees it and realizes it was just a misunderstanding.
Love the scared sock puppet image
I think that ship has sailed but it was worth a try. I’m sure she doesn’t read the blog any longer. Yeah, I do resemble a sock puppet, but a chic one. I just need a comb
Rusty, clearly you and Susannah are kindred spirits. Did you know she had a BadAss side? I know you might be surprised by that, but scared sock puppets are known to have their moments. Enjoy those chin scratches Rusty!
You’re very funny. Maybe we should introduce Rusty to Chester.
He would like that as long as Rusty understands that Chester will freely sniff his butt, but he will not be permitted to sniff Chester….no one is permitted…ever.
I see. Chester must be a Virgo. Does he arrange his sweaters and prefer his dishes aren’t moved?
Hahaha! No his birthday was on Monday. He is a Pisces like his mother.
Oh, I missed it…Happy Birthday Chester, hope you had a cake and some of your friends over. I’m sure your mom made it very nice for you. How do I know? I just know
This heart-felt appeal through Rusty’s voice is simply lovely. Thank you.
It was the most popular post of the week which proves hes a better writer than I am. Wonder if he has any advice for a struggling writer like me.