Just last week Chris and Mark were lamenting about how much they miss Dusty. This post is for them. Dusty got cancer (even our sweet little dog didn't escape this disease) and we had to put him asleep 3 years ago today.Mark desperately wanted a dog so right before his eighth birthday Chris and I went to all the pet shops in the valley looking for the perfect puppy. Dusty was the last of his brothers and sisters to find a family. Chris and I felt like he was waiting for us. The store clerk took him out of the kennel and he ran right to Chris. I called Tim to make sure he was still on board and he said, "Has Chris held him." I said, "Yes" and Tim said, "Well, then it is a done deal." He was right. We fell in love with his fun, energetic personality ... not too mention he was so adorable. Chris and I put him in a box and we had Mark's birthday party. Dusty did not make a sound while he opened his gifts. Mark was totally surprised when he looked in the box and saw him. Needless to say, he was one happy 8 year old! I love a good surprise!
Our friend Luke saw him the next day and nicknamed him "Hooter" because the white around his eyes reminded him of an owl. We called him Dusty Hooter from then on!
Dusty loved Chris and Mark and always wanted to be where they were. He waited patiently all day while they were at school and came alive when he saw them get off the school bus.
Chris and Mark taught him lots of tricks and games. His favorite game was Hide and Go Seek.
Dusty always had a gift under the tree at Christmastime. It was a tradition after we had opened all our gifts to let him have a turn. He seemed to know exactly what it was all about and loved getting a new toy and doggy treats.There just has to be a doggy heaven!
