This is the story of Milkwood The Enforcer "Rusty" - named after Russell Ingall, the Champion V8 Supercar driver reknown for his never-say-die attitude and determination. Just how prophetic that was we were to find out...

 Rusty had an accident with his new owners when he was only five months old. His hindquarters were run over. Nothing got broken, but squashed and his distraught owners were advised that he could recover.  After spending a week at the vets, then another week with a dog physio whom he didn't get along with,(he would cover his head with his paws and sulk!) it was decided Rusty would return home and see if he would be better motivated amongst his family. They are funny dogs, these saints, very clannish.

Rusty did indeed perk up and so began an intense 5 month rehabilitation. Allen made a support for Rusty's hips so he could be upright without pressure and he was massaged at least 4 times a day, every day. Allen also developed a set of splints as one leg was worse than the other and needed more support. The splint kept his leg in the proper position and enabled him to stand and walk - rather like the Forrest Gump calipers! Although a little wobbly at first Rusty was determined he would try to keep up with his sister Phoebe. At that time we had six saints at home! He didn't lack for company.

We sought the advice of a dog homeopath expert Paul Hellings, who treated Rusty's back to put it back in alignment after the accident and we tried homeopathic remedies, also finding deer velvet to be beneficial along with hemp oil - you name it we tried it but it got results.  Swimming was also on his programme with Allen taking a dip with Rusty three times a week in the vet's private pool at her residence. It was early spring when this happened so the water was indeed chilly at times! His paw needed bandaging when an abscess broke out on his pad - he was in the wars over something, more often than not. 

Throughout it all, Rusty never lost his sense of humour and would always patiently wait until his splints were on of a morning before getting up and joining the others. He was an awesome example of courage and determination and always seem to know we were trying our best to help him.

Eventually it got to the point where he could walk and trot, even break into a canter for a short while without his splints. His hindquarters were muscling up again and although to look at he wasn't exactly what you would expect a Saint to be - this accident happened when he was growing like a mushroom and continued to do so throughout all this, consequently his front had left his rear behind a little but he was happy.

At this time he returned to his other family.  We knew it would come again that we would have to say "so long" to him, but oh, how hard it was!

Tragically, Rusty died suddenly when he was 2 1/2 years old, leaving behind his heartbroken owners, Richard & Cath and his breeders.

We will always treasure his memory in our hearts as an incredible dog of such courage, determination, heart and spirit.

Rest in Peace, dear Rusty.

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