Both are safe, having moved away from the forest fire.
For those of you who are new to my blog, Rusty and Timber made national news last year when Timber was lost in the mountains of central Utah. Rusty was heartbroken, of course, and had to return to Arizona to get away from the smoke of forest fires.
Fortunately Timber was found by a man who lives in Colorado. His daughter posted information about Timber online. A lady in New York State who reads my blog saw the lost dog information and notified me. I checked it and, sure enough, it looked like Timber!
Excitedly I contacted Rusty with the news. A phone call confirmed the dog was Timber. Rusty took off in his 1975 Ford truck with camper body, driving from his camp in Arizona to Colorado where he reunited with his pal and brought him home.
As all this unfolded on this blog, in the newspaper, and in a video on television, readers developed an affection for Rusty and Timber. Our hearts were broken when we heard of Rusty’s loss and we were jubilant when the reunion occurred about two months later. Tears were shed and friends were made. That was last fall.
Early this year Rusty applied for housing through the VA. He realized the time had come to leave the life of a vagabond.
Rusty’s excited about a new chapter opening in the life he shares with his beloved Timber. He looks forward to cooking in a full-size kitchen, sleeping in a big bed where he can stretch out (Rusty’s a tall guy!), and harvesting fresh vegetables from his own garden.
Rusty and Timber are still living in the camper as they await news of their new home.
Here’s an excerpt of an email Rusty sent me (Tuesday evening, June 18, 2013):
Hi Sue,
We had to move back to Kaibab NF, east of Williams. They closed Prescott NF. The fire is heading towards Chino Valley. The state Forester and the NF is bringing in more fire fighters, airplanes to combat this fire, the winds have died down. . . 5000 Acres with no homes touched yet. The smoke is covering the whole north state of AZ.
We are waiting for all that needs to be done with HUD. Timber might get a different trainer after we are in. My Doctor wants to send me to Phoenix for a thyroid test . . . that means Timber will stay home. I asked him to wait till we’re settled in before he sends me. I really think that when I start getting good food in me, my blood pressure will go down, but I need a home for that to happen.
Rusty and Timber
Thanks, Rusty, for giving me permission to share your email.
rvsue
