The Rusty Chronicles: Rusty and the Ostrich

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Rusty and the Ostrich

When Rusty and I met at the hotel in Weston Super Mare, his generous foster family who had been looking after him sent along not only his bed and a spare cover but also his favourite toys. Among other playthings, he has a floppy green frog which he loves. He has a ragging rope (one of those short pieces of thick cord with a knot at either end for pulling games), we have lots of fun with that.

When we did a short round of visiting some of the Millbrook glitterati at their palatial abodes, Auntie Margaret (AKA The Village Vamp) got first visiting rights and we duly invaded her living room with a large Labrador-Retriever cross.

Auntie Margaret had got a new toy for Rusty - the spoilt boy that he is - and, at first, it seemed that perhaps it wasn't quite his cup of tea. He sniffed it and largely ignored it whilst trying to avoid the attentions of Princess and Dylan, two of the VIllage Vamp's cats.

You'll have noticed that it's a soft toy ostrich. Or is it an emu? Truth be told none of us was quite certain, but we've settled on ostrich because, frankly, Rusty couldn't care less what it's supposed to represent. The simple fact of the matter is that it's become his "go to" toy of choice for almost every occasion that might call for dropping a slobbered-upon floppy fluffy thing on an unsuspecting sofa occupant. Or Mrs the Millbrooker. Or me.

Rusty definitely loves his ostrich. Thank you Auntie Margaret.

2 comments:

JudithMarch 01, 2014
:) O lordy there's nothing like the melting brown eyes of a lab to make me smile...he is a very handsome chap.
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The MillbrookerMarch 02, 2014
We call the look his "RSPCA eyes", and oh boy, does he know how to use them!
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Some Useful(ish) Tips About Guide Dogs

I gave these "rules" to some of my friends - perhaps they're helpful. I hope so.

Rusty is a working guide dog and not an ordinary pet so there are a few simple rules to follow, some of them might seem odd or difficult - but it's all to keep Rusty working well at his job.

1) If Rusty has his harness on, then he is working - please don't talk to him, catch his eye or have any interaction with him at all - even if he approaches you.

2) Once the harness is off - he's a simply a well trained dog and should behave like one. Most of the time he'll just lie down close to me, but he might decide to say "hello". It's absolutely fine to pet him, tickle behind his ears (he likes that) or anything else you might do with any other dog.

3) EXCEPT! He is not allowed to lick people or do the "shaking paws" or "putting paws up to you". He only knows one negative command which is "NO". If he does try to lick or paw you, please just gently say "no" and replace his paw on the ground or move away from the licking.

4) AND - he is not allowed any food treats of any kind - at all, ever. No matter how much he gives you the "RSPCA eyes" look. He's on a strict diet and gets low fat rewards occasionally from me to encourage or reinforce correct behaviour.

5) I am absolutely aware that I'm just the bloke who hangs around with Rusty and that's he's the star of the show, BUT - he mustn't think that. So please, even if all you say is "rhubarb rhubarb" for two minutes, talk to me without looking at Rusty first. After we've ignored him for a minute or two, providing he's off the harness, fuss him all you like.

6) Last rule! If you're going to leave the room/tent/bar or wherever we find ourselves, please don't make a fuss of Rusty as you leave. It's far more comfortable for him if you just leave without even acknowledging his presence - a bit like the previous rule, but in reverse!