Pets like dogs can surely bring joy to a person. Dogs are even reportedly calming. That is why people find them the perfect job as therapy dogs.
Our protagonist, Rusty, was just like any other therapy dog who painted a smile on the faces of the people he greeted at St. Boniface Hospital. The different thing about this 18-year-old therapy dog is his fondness for wearing eyeglasses.
According to Chris Riordan, an administrative assistant, when she first met Rusty, she felt so welcomed as he made her feel at ease and warm. It was as if she had found a new friend in him. Indeed, Rusty created a strong bond among the staff and patients in the building despite poor eyesight and inoperable mouth cancer.
But the sweet and joyful moments with Rusty he had turned upside down when his owner, George Ames, took him to Arizona one day during the winter season. Unfortunately, at that time, his cancer was already spreading rapidly, and he could no longer eat or stand. Vets in the place also gave their best to treat him, but sadly, it was hopeless after all, as he still died.
Rusty’s death left behind a legacy of all his hard work and dedication as a therapy dog. People would surely not forget all the positivity he had spread at the hospital and all the joy he brought. Before he retired, the therapy dog had logged more than 2,000 volunteer hours for more than ten years of service.
For sure, the red-furred canine would like to share most of his deeds to inspire more humans and dogs to get engaged with volunteering at pet therapy, just like him. And indeed, Rusty has achieved just that. Forever, he is remembered as a consoling, encouraging presence.
Source: Rusty via Facebook
