Rusty Celebrated his 2nd Birthday!

[Chuck Holliman]

Rusty celebrated his 2nd birthday yesterday! Twelve of his dog park friend’s parents celebrated his birthday with him; he was very appreciative to see them, as he misses them as much as their dogs. Rusty was the perfect host and they all marveled over how well he is doing. He even gave them a demonstration of his surfin’ ability, although with some hesitation as he has never surfed in front of a live audience before. Rusty’s actual birthday was yesterday and we took him to In-n- Out Burger for his favorite fast food, two meat patties. We decorated the house with doggy balloons, fire hydrant and a replica of his favorite Sun City dog park.

His six month Ampuversary was last Sunday the 25th; we are still amazed at how well he has coped with everything that has been thrown at him during that time period. All of his guests commented that his personality has not been affected with all of the things he has been through; he greeted everyone with love and kisses! We can’t believe that six months have elapsed since Rusty began his fight against cancer. We are hoping for another six months, but will take each day that he is with us as a blessing. He will see Dr. Macy on the 11th at which time we will find out what his new Chemo treatment program will be.

Not much has changed since my July 5th update; Rusty is still on the anti-diarrhea medication along with his Fibercon & a probiotic tablet He has not had an episode for the past month and we are hoping he can come off the medication with the new Chemo regimen. He has gained another pound and his appetite continues to be robust; his swimming is developing good muscle tone, especially on the remaining leg. We have started limiting Rusty to a shorter time in the pool as we noticed that he shows fatigue in his remaining leg if he is in the pool more than 30 minutes; he would swim until he drops if we let him. He still prefers to avoid the heat and his endurance still suffers from the combination of the Chemo and hot weather. We take our morning walks before 6AM, when it is cool and the ducks & rabbits are out which he enjoys watching. After the walk we take a two mile ride through the green belt area in our golf cart which does 26 MPH; he enjoys the air blowing in his face while cooling him down.

[Kathie and the gang]

Happy Birthday Rusty, hoping for more. Chuck were is your hat???

[Rose]

Happy Birthday, Rusty!

[Christine & Shelby]

Happy Birthday Rusty.... I love the visual of Rusty cruising with you on the golf cart! So cute!!! What an amazing Doodle!!!

[Donna K & Quincy]

Happy Birthday Rusty. Quincy and I wish you many, many more.

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Happy Birthday Rusty! Looks like you had a great celebration.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Happy birthday Rusty! You are one incredible doodle!!!!!!!!!

[Leslie and Halas]

Happy Birthday, Rusty!

[cheryl & oliver]

Happy Birthday Rusty, so glad that you had such a nice birthday party. I have been following your progress, and I loved the videos of you in the pool and surfing...Keep up the great work, and keep feeling better....You are so loved,

[TrevorDoodle]

Happy Birthday RUSTY! I always read your updates and I'm so glad to hear you are doing well. We are rooting for you dood !

[Leigh & Allie]

Looks like you had a great day!! Keep feeling better!!