When he was younger, and before the arthritis set in, Rusty was a fetch monster. I had to cut back our sessions a few years ago, and since Ricky's been around, well, let's just say Rusty doesn't have the speed to get to the ball before Ricky does so he hasn't played for quite some time.
The other week when I was cleaning out the laundry cupboard I found a Chuck-It stick that takes small size tennis balls. Rox gave it to me when she came over and stayed for the Nationals in 2007. Figured it was time to drag it out and see what Ricky made of it. Once again, the boy is an absolute freak. I had to move it out of the laundry cupboard because he's worked out how to open the door and can get to it. When I bring it out he goes CRAZY. He spins, talks and dances on his back legs.
During one of our sessions last week, I had both boys in the front yard with me. Rusty was standing there patiently, and I could see that he was just itching to play. So, after I thought Ricky had had enough (does he ever have enough?) I took him back inside and got Rusty's favourite little ball and had a game with just him. Ricky was not happy about being left inside and practically screamed the neighbourhood down! Rusty, on the other hand, was oblivious to the noise and had a wonderful time!
I have since come up with a solution that keeps both boys happy and they can play together. I chuck Ricky's ball in one direction, then while he's off scampering I throw Rusty's ball a short distance in another direction. They both come back at the same time despite Ricky having more than twice as much ground to cover. That's youth for you.
The games of fetch have also had a flow on effect for Rusty - he's lost a little bit of weight and is able to cover a little more ground on our walks. I still have to be careful not to overdo things, but the look of joy on his little face now that he's playing fetch again is just priceless.
