Dogtor Russtie

Russtie came to us at the Animal Hospital eight years ago. He was hanging around the dumpster at the nearby Dollar General and was scooped up by a good Samaritan, when he tried to run into the store. Our goal was to find him a home, and that we certainly did! Russtie had been in our foster care just eleven days, when our much-loved Dr. Russ Edwards took his own life. The pain and emotions of life as a veterinarian had become too much for Dr. Russ to bear. He had loved and accepted the stray puppy, so our technician who adopted the pup, Carla, named him Russtie in honor of Dr. Russ. For the last eight years, Dogtor Russtie has wandered our Animal Hospital halls during the day and gone home with Carla at night. He often hangs out at the door coming from the waiting room to the exam rooms, so he can monitor the goings and comings and greet our clients with their pets. Sometimes, he stretches out to take a nap, and we joke that he is holding up the walls. He makes his rounds from the exam rooms to the surgery and dental rooms, then checks on all those that are hospitalized and assures them all is well. He knows the sound of a treat bag and will head to the source in the exam rooms to get his fair due. If a dog on the exam table has refused their treat, Russtie is quick to oblige them by helping them finish it. Needless to say, all our clients love him, and he has become a big part of our extended family. But Russtie was hit with bad news. He has been diagnosed with a nasal carcinoma (cancer in his nose). It is inoperable, and Russtie will need radiation therapy to shrink the tumor and extend his life. He means so much to so many people, and we need your help. Thank you!