Rusty Akamu

Rusty was a special boy. He helped heal our hearts from the loss of our Golden Boys Buddy and Sammy only 7 months apart. Rusty was a Hero and a warrior. He battled Cancer twice. Malignant Melanoma at age 4 which he was now in remission but still continued treatment to keep it away. Then Hemangiosarcoma of the Spine. Having lost both Buddy and Sammy to Cardiac Hemangiosarcoma I thought I was an expert on this demon of a Cancer. Every 3 months Rusty had chest radiographs and an abdominal ultrasound to make sure there was no sign of Hemangiosarcoma in his body. Yet, as much as we did this monster hid in the bones of his spine until it was too late. He fought so hard. He loved life. He loved being outside feeling the air and sun on him. The water was his happy place. He loved the beach and the pool. He could relax on a float for 45 minutes. He loved his family, his mommy, Teddy and especially daddy. Rusty was in the YAPS Program. Youth and Pet Survivors. He was a Pen Pal to children who have Cancer. We exchanged letters and photos and he formed a Human Animal Bond. Children could write to him expressing their feelings knowing he has been through much of the same treatments and experiences. Rusty touched many lives and it comforts me to know that he will be remembered as both a Hero and inspiration. We’re praying that Rusty’s contribution to the Morris Foundation Golden Retriever Lifetime Study for the past 10 years will make a difference in the lives of other dogs. Run free my beautiful Red boy, Rusty Akamu (Red Earth). You made a difference and the world is a better place because you.