Rusky, over 100 but still mum’s little boy!

 

Rusky and Louise

Rusky can perform many tricks, but he’s not ready to roll over just yet!

Rusky was adopted by Louise and Philip Bardy from The Lost Dogs' Home in 1991. That’s right, in January next year, the terrier cross will reach the spectacular age of 18-years-old, which in human years is well over 100 and 126 if the adage of 1 dog year equals 7 dog years applies!  

Rusky is very much part of the Bardy family. When he was first adopted, Louise and Phillip’s children were 10 and 14 years old. They are now 27 and 31! Needless to say, Rusky has witnessed his human siblings growing up and flying the coop, but he will always have a firm place in mum’s heart.

“He is my son. I have two daughters so I regard him as my little boy,” said Mrs Bardy.

When he was younger, we’d go walking together, but nowadays, he just likes sleeping and being near my husband and I,” said Mrs Bardy.

Part of Rusky’s longevity is owed to the outstanding treatment he has received from The Lost Dogs' Home Veterinary Clinic over the years. Rusky is currently under the care of Dr Larry Colson, Head Veterinarian at the Home’s Clinic.

Rusky has not been without his health problems, which is to be expected in dogs of his vintage. Rusky is living a quality life but has some old age complaints such as limited eye sight, partial deafness and arthritis.

In addition to his old age complaints, Rusky was diagnosed with Diabetes and Cushings Disease a number of years ago which makes his longevity even more exceptional. Rusky’s Diabetes treatment involves daily insulin injections to regulate his blood glucose which is similar to human treatment for diabetes.

Cushings disease is a condition that causes the body’s adrenal glands to produce too much of a hormone called cortisol. This causes skin and abdominal problems and excessive thirst and urination that further complicate Rusky’s diabetes treatment.  For this problem, Rusky also takes drugs. Periodically, Rusky has a series of blood tests to ensure his medications are still adequate and suitable.

Rusky’s health has been incredibly stable despite these two very complex diseases. Most importantly though, he is still his happy-go-lucky self, enjoying a very good quality of life due to the care of his owners and the team at The Lost Dogs Home Veterinary Clinic.