Marley & Me

Okay I finally mustered up enough courage to watch "Marley & Me". While watching the movie it felt oh so familiar to our little story of "Rusty & Me". After the movie I had wished so badly that we could have just plugged through the hard times and remained together. But unfortunately that wasnt the way our story played out and thats is probably what brought on the flood of tears towards the middle of the movie. Theres a part in the movie where the Mother was just coming completely unglued with all the stress of raising two tiny boys and a crazy wound up puppy. Oh what a flashback. I just wish I hadnt of reached my braking point...I wish I would of had the patience I have today. I wish I would have had this movie to help relate to me at the time. Boy is that movie a good dose of reality at its best with a Golden Lab Puppy and a young new family. its almost as if they were looking through our old windows of life. Here's the story of "Rusty & Me" my heart has been reminded of my sweet Rusty Bo Jangles and have never had the chance to tell our story.

We got Rusty In April of 2004. We were just newly pregnant with Tyler our first and couldnt wait for them to grow up together.

Rusty new I was his Mommy and that I Loved him so. I treated him as if he was my baby. I gave him back rubs, snuggled him in a bed for naps, and loved having him sleep by my bedside. When he was a baby I would cradle him in my arms. We were good parents to him. Took him for long walks and wrestled in the grass. Once we had Tyler the two were peas in a pod. Rusty was such a good dog and I was able to manage both baby and dog pretty well. Life was good.



There was a special bond between Tyler and Rusty. Rusty would always be found smack dab in the middle of his play area snuggled up against Tyler and content as could be. They truly were best friends. It was so heart warming and beautiful.

Then our family began to grow and Mommy became very tired and exhausted with the pressures of raising two tiny babies and a young dog. Rusty became very ornery and eager for attention. I was running a day car and trying to take control of my health. It just seemed as if everything came crashing down. I couldnt cope with anything and struggled at Motherhood in the fullest. I think having your second child can be the most trying time as a Mother. I love my children and knew I had to put them first. I had to allow myself some time to adjust to Motherhood and put all my energy into becoming a better Mommy for my kids. This took a lot of focus off of Rusty and it broke my heart. He was so forgiving of me and still found time each night to snuggle his big lovable body on my lap after the kids went to bed. Perry had made a decision thats it was time for Rusty to go to another home. It was the hardest decision I have ever made, but I had to follow my husbands council. I knew it was best for my family but very hard on my heart. A moment in time I regret and cant take back. A very sad day may I say.

During his time away we would still find time for Tyler to visit him and play. Tyler needed these reunions because his heart was just as torn and broken as mine. Rusty went from one home to another and during the transition we were able to keep him for a couple days before he took off to his second home. We weighed out the option of keeping him and having a second chance but at the time we were living in a very small house, had NO money, two tiny little boys and another on the way. It would have been selfish for me to keep him and not give him the best home and love I knew he deserved. We gave him away for the second time out of pure love and hope for his happiness. The most courageous thing Ive done in my life. This is a picture of Tyler snuggled on Rusty's back just before leaving onto his new second home. My eyes fill with tears as I reminisce those days.


As sad as this story may sound, it still has a happy ending. Rusty has found a wonderful family that truly does love him and it shows. His new home is secure, safe, and full of love. We have become really good friends with Rusty's new family and we always enjoy getting together and playing with their kids and Rusty. I never have to worry if Rusty will remember us, because every time we get together he welcomes us with a big slobber kiss and doggy hug. His new Mommy even tells me a times that he acts different around us as if we belong in his heart and he remembers us. I dont doubt that he does. Love doesn't know distance or time. Its forever even in a dogs heart.


P.S. If you listen closely to this song on our "family playlist" it has been my song for Rusty since he was a little puppy. I so badly wanted to believe he could stay with me, but I knew he deserved better. I wished for him to be happy and find a good home and that wish came true, but his home will always be in my heart. This song reminds me that even though I may have been stressed at that vulnerable time in my life as a young Mother sick with cancer....he showed me unconditional love through all my struggles and he continues to do so as I reunite with him often. He is happy with the choice I made and loves his new home. Its shows in his appearance and stride. Thats all I wanted for him and Im glad that wish came true for him.

Love you Ruster Buster!!