Dear Previous Rusty Owners:

Last year on October 24, 2008, guess what Bimmer & I did - we adopted Rusty! I picked off over 40 fleas, fed him cheese, rice, dog food and turkey and cuddled with him on the floor because I didn't want fleas on my couch. So, as a tribute to all the adopted dogs out there, here's a poem that occasionally runs through my email inbox:

I Adopted Your Dog Today

I adopted your dog today
The one you left at the pound
The one you had for seven years
and no longer wanted around.

I adopted your dog today
Do you know he's lost weight?
Do you know he's scared and depressed
and has lost all faith?

I adopted your dog today
He had fleas and a cold
But don't worry none
You've unburdened your load.

I adopted your dog today
Were you having a baby or moving away?
Did you suddenly develop allergies?
Or another reason he couldn't stay?

I adopted your dog today
He doesn't play or eat much
He's very depressed
But he will learn again to trust

I adopted your dog today
And here he will stay
He's found his forever home
And a warm bed on which to lay.

I adopted your dog today
And I will give him all that he could need -

Patience, love, security and understanding.
Hopefully he will forget your selfish deed.

- Author Unknown