For all those who have followed Dusty's story, I just wanted to let you know that we lost him today. That sweet creature drifted away in our arms, just as quietly and suddenly as he came into our lives.  They believe that he had a brain tumor that has been slow growing for the past couple of years that caused a seizure that left him unable to stand.    After what he went through and all that he had going on, part of me is angry he had to go through this.  But the other part of me  feels truly blessed that he lived to 14.  I could have never imagined that this dog would be with us over 4 years.  Every day was a gift and a blessing.  He had more wrong with him then all the dogs I have had in my life combined, but he was so happy and never complained.  He learned to live with his blindness and mobility issues and the long list of other things that just kept coming up.  His spirit was strong, but in the end, his poor body was just not able to keep up with him.  We feel lucky this came on like it did, instead of gradual and drawn out, and that it waited until he was 14 before showing itself, giving him the chance to live the happy life he deserved but did not get prior to coming to live with us.

Everyone who knew him agreed that Dusty had a spirit that was difficult to describe.  I have never felt it in any other dogs, almost like he was a higher being, something zen like and wise and old.  You could see it in his eyes and feel it in his quiet presence.  It filled the room.  And now that is gone, and I just feel like there is a huge hole in my heart.  We are all mourning the loss more than I can even express.  I can't bare to put away his bed, toys, and food dish.  I keep staring at the empty dog bed next to my bed, thinking I will hear the sound of him making his way in from outside, that familiar sound of his uneven gait echoing through the hall.  All I can do is imagine that he is somewhere wonderful,  young and vibrant and happy where he can see and walk and run and play and that he will be there patiently  waiting for me to come home just as he always did, faithfully.

I am truly grateful to GRFR for being there for dogs like Dusty.  Without their presence and care, he would have never survived his ordeal and come to live with us.  He touched our lives in ways I can't begin to express and I feel honored he chose us and happy to know that we were able to give him a happy life and a peaceful ending.  Thank you to all who have supported him and us through the years.

Here is the video from the show he was featured on for those who haven't seen it and I attached a photo of him and my husband saying goodbye. 
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wY05XLEb4I

Mahalo,
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Daniela Stolfi