I was saddened to hear that a senior canine patient of mine who, like Cardiff, overcame cancer and led a high quality of life until his final weeks was recently put to sleep. I got to know Rusty as my patient through Veterinary Cancer Group and strove to provide a holistic complement to the surgery that helped keep Rusty’s cancer in check.
Here’s Rocky’s memorial as written by his human parents.
I always say we recused Rusty but he rescued us! Anyone whoever met him knew he was a very special dog. He welcomed everyone into his life. He was the type of dog you could take anywhere and would just be fine. He was very confident and very giving! It never mattered to him what we were doing as long as we were doing it together. He loved long hikes and swimming!He was very gracious when we brought another dog into the family, sharing his toys, and never being jealous of his younger brother. I was always proud he was ours!
I’ll miss seeing Rusty as my patient, but I look forward to caring for his canine companion Wally for years to come.
Have you lost an animal companion who was like a four-legged family member? Feel free to share your perspective in the Comments section.
Rusty oversees his canine companion Wally's toy disembowelment