I have been using the RustyJack name as an on-line pseudonym for a good few years now but have never really told anyone why or where it came from. The banner image at the top of the blog is a hint. The two dogs in the picture is where the name originated.
The white dog is Rusty and his big brother is Jack.

Back in April 2006 I had an impulsive moment and decided we should get a dog. This was pre kids and we had recently moved into our first home that had a backyard. So we went off to the local RSPCA animal shelter to take a look at what was on offer. I fancied a Jack Russell and we came across two brothers that were together in the same enclosure, one named Jack and one named Russell. Yes – you can’t make this stuff up.

I was really keen on the one named Jack. He was long haired white & tan and we had fun when we had a play. It seemed unfair to separate the two of them so after my usual super brief consultation with the other half we decided to get both of them. It was done and we all went home.

The first order of business was a change of name for Russell….really no offence to anyone named Russell but not a good dog name. Rusty was christened, animals were registered with council and so the journey began.

Without all the details, suffice to say that the next year or two was a real adventure with our little friends along with the arrival of our first child. The day came that we made the decision that we could no longer keep the dogs. It was a sad day and I had feelings of letting our two little friends down. Over the coming months and subsequent years, the adoption of the RustyJack name became more frequent. Each time I use the name it helps me remember to make good decisions and consider the impact of those decisions on others.

Whilst I still don’t always get it right, it does help me focus on what is important to me and my family.