Rusty McMillan – friend, son, and brother passed into eternal rest on Monday, September 22nd 2003. He was 17 years of age…
We adopted Rusty in June at an age of only 12 weeks old. I remember his first few nights, I begged my parents to keep him in my room with me at night. Rusty wouldn’t sleep unless I had my hand in the box we kept him in as a puppy. He of course then wouldn’t stop crying unless you were petting him…such a spoiled dog!!
When adolescence came, we knew he was a “McMillan”. Little Rusty, better known as “The Terminator” as the “Big Doggie” called him began his chewing frenzy on everything – the linoleum floor, the kitchen chairs, socks (his personal favorite), grass, Mommy’s slippers and let’s not forget Mary’s “Herself the Elf” doll which he completely mangled.
Although a bit mischievous at times, no one could be mad at him for very long. Whether you were sad or angry, all you had to do was look at that adorable face and wagging tail and your heart would melt. I don’t know, however, if our hearts were melting when Rusty would start humping the legs of anyone who came to the house. I guess everyone has his or her own way of showing affection. (Most of you reading this can speak from experience on that one).
Dinnertime was always interesting. There was always a little head bobbing up and down around the kitchen table and a huge pair of brown eyes staring at you until you gave in. (The secret was not to make eye contact…but he drew you in and you just couldn’t resist).
“Mommy” was convinced Rusty could talk – I suppose we were convinced as well. He would yelp or howl or mimicked the noise you made at him; especially when Chris was playing piano – was he singing or crying for help? Or maybe was it because Chris gave him his own ‘pet name of “Pooperdoggy” to him.
But he was just as adorable even when he was growling at you…
The “Big Doggie” and Rusty would have this little stand off where they would both be lying on the floor growling inches away from one another …each growl getting louder then the last. (I think Rusty would let Dad win so he wouldn’t hurt his feelings.)
Even at 12-14 years, Rusty was still running around the coffee table at full speed when he got excited, jumping 3-4 feet in the air for treats or sneaking his little nose into the dirty laundry bag for a new chew-toy. It wasn’t until this past year that we noticed complications.
He was having trouble with his heart becoming so enlarged. He has been a strong dog getting through many medical obstacles. We are so sorry to lose such a wonderful companion that we had the honor of being with for over 17 glorious and fulfilling years.
His memory will live on within us always. He brought so much happiness to our family and to our friends and now his spirit will continue to draw smiles on our hearts when we think of him. Anyone who knew him was incredibly lucky.
“Rusty-puppy”, we love you so much and miss you dearly, sweetie. You’re a good boy. You will always be with us and someday we will all be together once again.
Now you “go get the world” baby.