Hello and greetings from me, Rusty, the head of Homeland Security for the state of….well, for this household. Mom is feeling a bit under the weather today so she asked me to do a blog post for her. (Ok, you’re right, she has no idea I’m doing this.) Typing on a computer with paws is no easy feat, let me tell you!

I have to say I am looking pretty dapper in my handkerchief, don’t you think? So as I was saying, I’m in charge of all the security here and I must say I do an amazing job. All visitors to the property must first pass my inspection or I sound the red alert. Mom says I sound the alert before I know what’s there, but she doesn’t have my keen sense of hearing. I don’t want you to think we security folks don’t have a soft side too and this brings me to my post today. I had a rather rough day…it all started when Mom found my friend, Piggy, and decided that piggy was very dirty and stinky. (I thought he smelled lovely.)

“Ewww! It’s time we wash this toy, Rusty!”, she said. Toy?? That is my dear friend and…where are you taking him??! 😦

And just like that poor Piggy was getting scrubbed.

Do you know how hard it is to be without your best friend?! I did my best to keep a close eye on the proceedings and offer Piggy some moral support.

Finally the washing was done and I thought I would soon have my friend back when Mom said Piggy also needed surgery.

SURGERY??? Oh, my word, this is getting serious! I was at least allowed in the operating room, I’m thankful to say.

I was able to offer a few licks and words of encouragement. I am so proud of Piggy for the way he went through the entire surgery and never cried at all. I will confess to a few whimpers myself, but it’s always harder on the one waiting, isn’t it?

The surgery was successful, but then Piggy had to go to the recovery room for a while. Piggy reported that the sunshine was lovely, but it was very hard for me to let him rest without me. (Yes, if you really must know, I got myself banned from the recovery room…)

After many, many hours…ok, maybe not many, but it was a looooong time…Piggy was released from the hospital! I was so relieved to be back with my buddy! He did smell a bit weird, but I gave him some licks and I’m sure he will be back in good smelling order soon.

So as you can see, even we brave security guys, who aren’t afraid of anything, have soft hearts for those we love.

Wait, what was that?! Sound the alarm! ARRROOOOO! Hold on there…was that thunder? Gotta run folks! There’s a place under the desk in the back bedroom that needs me to check it out urgently….