Chuck Holliman's Blog (28)

After a very courageous three year battle with cancer, kidney and liver issues, Rusty is in a better place tonight.  Because of his unfailing determination to overcome everything that life dealt him, we had a lot more time with him than we could have possibly hoped for.

Throughout all of his battles, he never lost his zest for life and was always the happiest, friendliest and most loving companion anyone could hope for.

Words cannot express the love that we have for him…

The last time I was online was about two months ago; my Mom (who was 91) had been in and out of the hospital and I was going over to see her (six hours each way). Unfortunately, she continued to have serious health issues and passed away at the end of October. The end came so quickly, which was good for her, that I was unable to make it back over when she passed. My Cousin was with her and we were talking on the phone when Mom closed her eyes and slipped away.

Rusty had a checkup two…

I have not had time to keep up to date with this site the past few months. My Mom, who is 91, has been in and out of the hospital since May; she lives six hours away. I received a call Tuesday morning that she had fallen again and was transported to the hospital. I rushed over on Wednesday, fortunately she did not suffer any broken bones and I was able to take her home on Thursday and return home on Friday.

We had another Birthday party for Rusty, his 4th, his friends and supporters;…

We have had a lot of non-Rusty issues this spring/summer and I have not been updating Rusty's progress. He has had a very good spring/summer until the last couple of weeks. We are hoping that he will fight this off like everything else he has had to deal with.

Rusty celebrated a milestone on July 25th, it has been thirty months since his amputation and his battle with cancer began! He is an amazing dog, having battled cancer for over half of his life and now dealing with “Fanconi…

I have waited until we had more information on Rusty's Fanconi Syndrome before posting.   Rusty’s last check up, on March 9^th , was all good news; no sign of the cancer returning and his lab results showed that all of his kidney readings are finally at “normal” levels.  April 25^th will be the 27^th month anniversary of his amputation.

January 25th was Rusty’s 2nd anniversary of his amputation! Every day that we have with him is a blessing. Two years ago we had almost no hope that he would still be with us; that he is, is a testament to the fight that he has put up against this terrible disease, two outstanding Dr.’s and the love and support from dozens of his supporters. He thrives on the love of his human friends as much as seeing his doggie friends. He has maintained a great attitude throughout his ordeal; even on the…

Rusty had his November monthly follow-up visit with Dr. Macy on Wednesday; Dr. Macy had decided last month to do more extensive tests on his liver this visit, as the test results have continued to decline over the past several months. Rusty has also continued to lose weight, even with the increase in his meals, which was a concern to Dr. Macy. Rusty had to fast before we took him in for the first round of tests; after his blood was drawn we took Rusty home and fed him double rations to get…

To all of Rusty's supporters:



I have uploaded a new video of Rusty to Youtube: http://youtu.be/t4ol2gn1czk



He is doing more swimming & jumping this year which I focused on; I think two surfin' videos are enough.  Jan spotted a small video camera (1/2 the size of a pack of cigarettes) on QVC that will go underwater and shoot 720 HD videos, for less than $60.  I am still…

We celebrated Rusty's 3rd birthday last Friday the 5th; Dr. Macy was not in town on Rusty's actual date, July 30th, and he wanted to attend the party.  Dr. Huber and Dr. Yee were also attended the party; Dr. Huber performed Rusty's amputation. Several of Rusty's dog owner parents also helped him celebrate his special day.  Jan decorated the dining tables in a doggy theme and made cupcakes with dog picks & liners.  We ordered a new bandanna for his party and he received…

This week was a double header for Rusty: his 18th month ampuversary was on the 25th and his 3rd birthday was the 30th!  We took him to In N Out burger for his celebration and when I told them that is was his 3rd birthday, they gave him a double patty, which he enjoyed immensely!  We will have a birthday party for him next Friday the 5th, as Dr. Macy, his Oncologist, wanted to be invited and was not in town until then.  Rusty's entire medical team will be present along with 15 parents of his…