I adopted Rusty from the Des Moines County Humane Society on May 5, 1996. He was about one year old then. I had been looking for a yellow Lab or Golden Retriever, and I found Rusty in the want ads. He was very scared, and crawled out of his cage and laid in my arms. I knew he was the dog for me. How lucky I was, that this magnificent animal picked me! We had many good years together, taking many trips and just hanging out. He did pet therapy work at a nursing home. People called him the Gentle Giant. I called him "the Russmeister". He was such a sweetheart and a lover. On Feb. 5, 2007 he had to be put down, suffering from gastric bloat. It was so unexpected and such a shock. My other dogs miss him, especially my black Lab Annie, who looks for him and cries. She doesn't like to go outside without him. Rusty had very bad hips and had been in a lot of pain. Now he is in a better place and at peace, with no more pain and suffering. We will all miss you, Russmeister! Missed by Diane ,Annie, Joseph J., Bruno, Madonna, Chloe, and Prudence.

2-5-08
Russ,
It's the one year anniversary of your passing and it's a sad day here. You are still missed very much by your family. Bruno is a certified therapy dog now, following in your footsteps. You were a very special dog, one in a million. You didn't have any faults and I never had any complaints. Everybody liked you and people still ask about you. There will never be another dog like you. Annie still misses you. When I say "Where's Rusty?", she still looks out the window for you.

2-5-09
Russ,
Thinking of you today, the second anniversary of your death. Your death left a void that will never be filled. Bruno is doing well as a therapy dog. You were such a big, sweet lover, and a great therapy dog. Annie still perks up when I say your name. You were such a friend and mentor for her. Love and kisses from all of us.

2-5-10
Russ,
Hard to believe it's been 3 years since your passing. We still miss you a lot I have a new dog named Harley who looks just like you. But there will only be one of you. You were a unique treasure. I always said the person who dumped you lost a great dog. Their trash was my treasure. Love and kisses from Mommy.

2-5-11
Russ,
Remembering you on the anniversary of your passing. You are badly missed. What a sweet boy you were!
Love you always, from your Mommy.

2-5-12
Russ,
Remembering you on the anniversary of your passing. I think of you often and miss your sweet personality. Miss you, big boy! Love from your Mommy.

2-5-13
Russ,
Thinking of you today. Miss you and love you always. Love, your mommy.

1-31-23
Russ,
Just renewed your residency. You will always be missed and never forgotten. You were such a nice boy!

2-5-24
Rusty,
Missing and remembering you on the 17th anniversary of your passing. Mama still loves and misses her sweet boy!