In Memory Of Rusty

Something different for today's blog is definitely in order as a result of an eventthat occurred four years ago. A greyhound called Rusty was found barely alive in the Welsh mountains after being tourtured and shot after sustaining a toe injury that meant his greyhound racing career was over. Rusty is one of many, but he touched the hearts of all greyhound lovers that knew him or heard his story.

As such, he deserves a fitting memorial. This poem that was sent through to me by Trudy at Greytexploitations fits the bill perfectly. It is by Sue Stoddart and tells you everything you need, but probably don't want, to know:

His owners paid ten pounds to end poor Rusty's life,
His killer took the money, he didn't think twice.
He was raced three times that week with an injured toe,
Because of the injury, his racing times were slow.
His owners said, "get rid of him we can't do with this",
The trainer said "just leave him here, I will do the biz".
Poor trusting Rusty went along with this man,
He thought he was going home, and jumped into the van.
Little did he know this was to be his last day,
And that his poor mutilated body was to be dumped so far away.
With both his ears hacked off, a crude bolt gun to his head,
His killer turned his back, and left poor Rusty for dead.
A lonely walker found him lying in the grass,
It was poor Rusty's whimpering that stopped him walking past.
In spite of his misery and injuries he still continued to wag his tail,
Not once did he show aggression, or even admit a wail.
Even now he still showed trust in the human race,
The vet shook his head sadly, as he looked at Rusty's gentle face.
So the vet inserted the needle, that would end Rusty's suffering at last,
He knew his abuse was over, he would not have to remember his past.
But your death will not be in vain dear Rusty; we will keep your memory alive,
And your murderer has been caught and punished, and brought to the public eye.
So rest well dear Rusty, free from suffering and pain,
No more will you know abuse, or ever race again.

*Dedicated to Rusty, who was mutilated by Andrew Gough and left to die on a lonely welsh mountain on the 4th April 2004

You can find the full story at Stop The Greyhound Slaughter, but be warned that it does make for extremely gruesome reading in places.