RIP Rusty the shed dog

Just had to put down our Rhodesian Ridgeback (creatively named Rusty) after just over 11 years of loyal companionship.

She developed a tumor in her chest we discovered a couple of months back so we know what was coming. It was easy to know when it was time and it was this week. She was too good a mate to allow to linger for ourselves.

My almost 4yo is have some trouble understanding and I find in difficult to remain composed when trying to explain.

The kids loved her and she was the gentlest giant ever. In the old days when just setting up the shed, she'd love to lie under the Triton WC and get covered in saw dust. As soon as she heard it fire up she'd race into the shed and plonk down. Loved power tools as much as I did I reckon. Crazy beast, always had to be in the thick of it. I remember climbing a ladder to get her down as she was stuck half way as we were doing some repairs on the roof and of course she needed to supervise.

Well, tonight I'll raise a glass and cry like a baby I'm not afraid to admit.

Thank you for 11 years of dedicated companionship. I hope we were deserving guardians. That'll do dog.

Glenn

Sad to read. I was playing Julian Lennon's "Saltwater" when I read it, surreal.

It's terrible to lose a pet I reckon, they never question a dropped tool, missed cut or another high cost piece of firewood. They're just there for the company.

Sorry for your loss Glenn.

Glenn, I know how hard it is to lose a mate. Reading your story has brought tears to my eyes.

Not a good read at all Glenn........bought back memories
I feel for you mate
I to had to put a pet down in Nov last year after 14 years
and I too cried like a youngin...........nothin wrong with that mate, that's love

I to, will raise a glass for you and Rusty tonight
All the best

My last Jack Russel got bitten by a tiger snake ( second bite by a snake) and there was nothing I could do, she died in my arms. Absolutley wrecked me for a long time. Saved my life that dog. It is tough to lose a pet that gives you unconditional love and loyalty. RIPR.

Glenn

I charge my glass to your rusty. May she lay under the eternal work centre in the sky and be covered in dust for eternity.

Unquestionable friendship is hard to find but I think you had it in spades.

In my thoughts.

Pete

Sorry to hear about Rusty. It does take a big piece of your heart when they go.

Vale Rusty

From a dedicated dogist.

Regards,
Noel

Condolences on your loss :rip:

Funny how a hearing of dog passing away upsets me, but not a human. Being involved in dog rescue, having a few pass or even just having to say goodbye when they are rehomed rips my heart out. I still have a bit of a blubber now and again for no reason other than thinking of the dogs that have been in my life. And thats coming from a grown man. Dogs are a very, very special creature in my books.

So sorry for your loss.

I am very sorry for your loss. My 13 year old dog had to have some teeth out yesterday and I wasn't sure that he'd make it through the operation. I'm grateful now for every day I get to spend with him and dread the day he dies.

G'day Glenn M,

A dog becomes a family member and an unquestioning loyal mate. Their death is always a hard thing to come to terms with and accept. And like a death of someone in the family, it doesn't seem real because the world keeps on going and no-one knows your loss.

As someone who loves dogs I feel you you and your family. :C

G'day Glenn,

Sorry to hear of your loss, but thank you for telling us about it.

As a result of reading your story I am vowing to spend more time with my dogs, who have taken a bit of a back seat in my life since my daughter was born. I know I'll be devastated when it's their time to go, and I don't want to regret not spending enough time with them.

Again - thank you, and commiserations.

:(

Sorry to hear this. Our big grey cat Jose Antonio (also 11) went missing for a week+ and we were soooo upset. Pam found him hiding in the trees... but it reminded us what they mean and how we take them for granted.

Big thanks to you fine forum folk.

I'm doing better than I thought. Just remember the funny things she did. She really was a strange dog. But she was well loved and looked after and she had a good, long life and died with dignity.

I'm going to make a box for her ashes. One last project in the shed together.

Thanks All

Glenn

Sounds like a good life was led by your mate Glenn, and she had a loyal family.

Glad to hear you're doing ok and great idea to make a box for her ashes. When my last dog died I spent a couple of days digging the hole [in very hard rocky soil] then making a garden around his grave. It was very healing for me.

Glenn, from my family to yours I am sorry to hear about your loss. Its one of the hardest things we go through as pet owners when we lose a valued member of your family. We lost one last December when my red cattle Aussie shephard cross decided to take on a brown snake here at home. it was one of the worst days I have had for a long time and I don't know if I will ever get over her loss. I will toast their memories tonight when i crack a home brew or 2.

They are always in your memory.

its sad to lose a good mate ,thats the trouble with pets you get to love them ,and lose them too soon . although you wont replace them, the local shelter has some that need a chance to charm you too , its worked for me they really run our place . and we love every minute of it . best wishes bob

Glen, I love your though about making a "casket'. I share your loss and know how you feel. My Sebastian (opposite) is my constant companion and loves to lift his leg on the Triton dust bag. But he's 9 and limps now on his "gammy" leg but I'm hoping he sticks around for some years more.

Thinking of you.
David

Glenn

Truly sorry to hear of your mates departure. We've (more accurately my wife) has had dogs forever. They do get to you in funny ways. Most of ours like to be where one of us is - any usually right on top of what your doing.
Such as the roofing your cutting, the leaves your sweeping etc etc.
I'll raise a glass tonight also to a no questions asked member of the family.

Keith S

our local vet got us some glucomasine ,wich was great for a german sheperd we had , got him back up on the trot after a few weeks . even the same thing from the health food shop worked well . hope this is of some use . regards bob