Rusty's Mini-Vacation & Good News from the Vet

[Chuck Holliman]

September 12, 2010

On Wednesday, August 25th (which was Rusty’s seven month Ampuversary) we headed to the Central California Coast to celebrate Rusty’s Grandmothers’ 89th birthday. We gave Rusty his oral Chemo treatment on Tuesday which was a day early, but we wanted him ready for the trip on Wednesday. It is 350 miles from the desert to my mother’s which is a long ride for him. We stopped in Ventura which is the half-way point for an In-N-Out burger, including a patty for Rusty, and a chance to stretch all of our legs in a park area before getting back on the road. He was a little nauseous for a couple of days from both the Chemo and ride, but quickly recovered.

My mother appreciated that we were there for her birthday and really enjoyed having Rusty there with her. On Sunday we asked her to keep Rusty for several hours while we did some shopping and enjoyed a nice lunch. She was pleased that we left Rusty in her care and had some of her friends come by to visit with Rusty. We showed her the video of Rusty Surfin’ and left a DVD that she can loan to her friends; she was amazed at how well he is doing. It is going to be very difficult for her when we lose Rusty; she said tonight that she misses him and when he was there it gave her a reason for getting up and dressed rather than staying in her pajamas.

We also decided to make it a mini-vacation for all of us to get away from the heat of the desert; the last two weeks of August are usually the worst as the Arizona monsoons elevate our humidity which along with the high temps makes things very sticky. We chose Cambria, which is about 30 miles north of my mother, for its dog friendly places and better facilities for a longer stay. It was 117 on Tuesday in the desert and the temps on the coast ranged from the upper 50’s to low 60’s. Rusty enjoyed the cooler weather and that we able to walk anytime of the day; one evening around dusk on the main trail we encountered five deer. Rusty had never seen deer before and was in awe at their size and the way that they ran down the trail (jumping).

We stayed at the Cambria Pines Inn, which has a lot of trails for walking on and is close to the center of town. They have a covered outdoor dining area with fireplaces and heaters that allowed us to have breakfast with Rusty. We had planned on having a dinner there but with so many other choices in the area we never made it; we will do so next trip. Cambria has one restaurant that was just featured on The Food Network (Linn’s) which was our favorite and we took one of their famous Olallieberry pies to mom for her birthday. Rusty did very well for the first couple of days, and we were careful not to let him walk too far, but on the third day we were walking and he looked up at us and turned around to go home. We let him take it easy for the rest of the trip; at my mother’s he could explore her yard and then could come in with us to rest. Surprisingly all of us were ready to come home after a week; Rusty enjoyed the trip but missed his brother & swimming and we missed our adjustable beds.

We visited Rusty’s breeder who is in Atascadero, CA (which is about 20 miles from my mother) for her to see Rusty and for us to see Rusty’s brother who is one of her studs. Rusty was the first born, and Becky had planned on keeping him but gave us our choice and we took Rusty. Rusty is about 2” inches taller than his brother which she attributed to his being neutered; Becky was pleased to see Rusty but also very sad to see him missing a leg. She said that if she had kept him, she would have been unable to provide treatment for him and would have put him down.

Again, we have the feeling that Rusty is with us for a special purpose, both for him and us; we are not sure why or how it is all going to play out. Maybe he is just a “dog” or a messenger or possibly an “Angel”? He has been a real blessing for my mother, whose health is failing.

Becky has offered us a replacement puppy when the time comes, which is very generous of her; we also discussed the possibility of taking one of her retired breeders. We are not sure that we want to go through puppy hood again when we are in our mid seventies.

To help Rusty deal with our high temps we lowered the thermostat in a spare room off our family room and set a fan that blows at his level. When he comes in from outside we tell him to go to his “cool room” and he heads in there until he has cooled off. The pool is still the best place for him to cool down as the water temps are usually 86 or 87 degrees. With summer ending our morning temps are cooling down and it is a great time in the desert to walk; it took us twice as long as normal on our first day back as everyone had to say “hello” to Rusty after being away for a week.

We met with Dr. Macy today for Rusty’s monthly checkup; the timing was good as Rusty had started coughing and wheezing the last couple of days and we were concerned that the cancer may have spread into his lungs. Great news; the X-Rays showed no sign of cancer in his lungs or abdomen! Dr. Macy identified the problem as Bronchitis, most likely from swallowing too much pool water or the cooler weather from our recent trip. Rusty is on antibiotics and no swimming for the next week (ouch!).

Rusty’s blood work was pretty much the same as last month, a few readings were a little lower but still within acceptable limits. Rusty has lost a quarter pound the past month; however, his appetite was less than normal when we were on our trip which probably accounted for the weight loss. After the results from the X-Rays and blood work, Dr. Macy was very pleased (he was also alarmed at the coughing and wheezing) that the cancer has not returned and will keep Rusty on the twice monthly oral Chemo treatments as planned. The cost of today’s X-Rays put our year to date expenses over the annual plan limit of Rusty’s insurance coverage; fortunately, we start a new policy year on October 1st and will again have 70% reimbursement coverage for his future expenses. Our next appointment is October 6th.

[Christine & Shelby]

Thanks for the update on Rusty! Hope he gets better so he can go swimming/surfing again really soon. ~ Shelby

[Kathy Spyker]

Thanks so much for keeping us updated on Rusty, I think of him often. He feels like a part of "our" family and we love him too. I hope his bronchitis clears up soon and he can get back to swimming and doing the things that make him happy. God Bless!

[ej]

Thanks for sharing Rusty's update. I always look forward to reading about his adventures and trips. I am so happy for you, that the vet has confirmed that his lungs and abdomen are clear!

[cheryl & oliver]

Rusty is with you because a higher power knew that he would get the care and love that he needed thru all this. He has helped your Mom, and I am sure that he is a blessing to you too. So I would say he is an angel, just here to be with you and do whatever he can to make your world and the world of those around you a better place. He loves you and you him, thats all that counts. I am so happy to hear that it was only bronchitis(weird saying that), not the cancer, Hugs to you and Rusty, and thanks for keeping his story going for all of us...

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Rusty is with you because it was meant to be. Give him a huge hug from us. I think it is great news that the cancer has still not returned. I know there is still a big possibility, but who says you can't beat the odds?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm sure that Rusty is with you for a special purpose, both for him and for you. And for all of us, too, who are so moved and inspired by Rusty's story and his spirit. May he continue to do well and bring joy to everyone whose life he touches.

[Yvonne N]

Rusty we are so proud of you.

[Leslie and Halas]

That's great news that the cancer hasn't spread. I hope he gets over his cough soon. That's so wonderful that he's helped your mother. I think he's all of the things you mentioned: a dog (which is a great thing to be), a messenger, and an angel.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Rusty is absolutely a little soul with a very special mission! Bless you for giving him the freedom and opportunity to express it!!

[Sally]

Thank god for your post. I really needed a "perspective" post. i've been having a pity party over my ailing computer and my pup with totally self-resolving kennel cough. I am totally inspired by Rusty and his devoted caregivers. God bless you for taking such control over a situation that leaves most people powerless. Rusty is living! and you are creating memories as well as allowing your mom to have some well needed "pet therapy". All around pure light!