Rest In Peace Rusty

[Schnauzer]

Rusty was Pepper's younger brother. He was 6 years old and mistreated. When my grandmother passed away, my mum asked my uncle if I could have him and he agreed. Mum didn't bring him back from her last trip because my uncle wouldn't let her on the property, and 3 days later (September 15) he died when a Copperhead bit him on the jugular. I only found out today and my heart is broken. I knew him when he was a puppy through 2 years of age. He didn't act like a Schnauzer. He was shy, fearful and would cower and tuck his tail when I tried to pet him as if he thought he was going to get hit. He had mats in his hair that made scabs and sores on his skin. He lacked tick prevention medicine, and as a result, had large ticks on him all of the time. He had over 300 acres of ranch to run free, but he wasn't really free living in fear. I wanted to give him a life. That little guy knew nothing of love, praise, correct discipline, pain free skin, or a cozy bed indoors. All he knew was a world of loneliness and violence. I related to his sad lifelong situation and really felt that by helping him, he would help me. We needed each other. I remember that I was one of the only people who could sit and pet him for a while after a week of coaxing. When he was a puppy he followed me everywhere during my visits to the ranch. These two photos are of him running after me and they're the only two I have. I'm glad he's in a better place where there is no fear.