Rusty Stories

Herman is a tree, a pine tree to be exact.  Herman lives in a nice forest on Farmer Jones land.  Before Farmer Jones owned the property his father and then his grandfather and so forth.  Herman didn’t remember any of the Jones before, but Herman’s father did.  Herman’s father stood tall and majestic, the tallest Pine in the forest.  Herman’s mother was stouter and Herman thought daintier and just beautiful.  They all stood together and enjoyed the seasons and just being a part of life in the forest.

One day Herman saw Farmer Jones approaching in his blue truck.  Herman hadn’t had much contact with humans beyond Farmer Jones and his family members.  However, today Farmer Jones had some men with him that Herman had never seen before.

“Here they are.” Farmer Jones told the men.  “These trees have been here for a long stretch.”  The men looked up at Herman’s father and looked awe struck.  Herman felt the same way, his father was majestic all right. 

“Honestly it would be the perfect tree for the Capitol and it would get Statewide coverage of the tree lighting and all the celebrations of the Holidays.” One of the Men said.

Farmer Jones replied, “I don’t really give a fig about all that stuff, but my daughter is the Mayor and she asked me as a favor to consider donating one of my trees.  I’ve always said no in the past, just because I like to keep things as they are.”

“Well, we appreciate it! And I don’t think we’ll find a better tree anywhere else.  Would you consider donating the one next to it for inside the Governor’s mansion?”

Farmer Jones hesitated, but then replied, “I will. However, I would like you to provide me with four new saplings to replace the two you take.”

The men agreed and said they’d come tomorrow with the truck and get the trees.  The truck drove away. 

Herman looked with pride on his father and mother, the men sure thought they were something.  Herman didn’t understand all of what they meant in their conversation and he didn’t realize this was the last night he would spend in the forest with his parents.

The next morning a large truck approached bigger than Herman had ever seen before! Farmer Jones’ truck followed behind it.  They all got out and then walked up to Herman’s father and put ropes around him.  Then shortly afterwards, Herman’s dad was falling! And someone shouted, “Timberrr!” Herman will never forget that or the sound of his father hitting the forest floor.

They roped his father tightly with ropes and loaded him on the truck.  Then, if that wasn’t bad enough, they took his mother too in the same way.  They left just two stumps where the great trees had stood.  Herman was devastated and hearbroken.  His limbs drooped and he was lost.

Farmer Jones stayed out in the forest after the men had left and looked at Herman standing there alone.  “I know its tough little tree.  But, I will be planting new trees as soon as the ground is no longer frozen and it won’t be long before they are half your size.”   Herman didn’t really understand what he was saying, but he sounded kind.

Meanwhile at Rusty and Sam’s house it was busy.  Who are Rusty and Sam? Rusty is a dog with redish orange fur.  Rusty lived with Mrs. Wilson until she had to go into a Nursing Home and then Sam, the local veterinarian adopted Rusty.  Sam is single and has a house on Smith Lake.  Rusty comes to work at the Veterinary clinic every week day and almost goes everywhere else too in their small town as everyone knows Sam and Rusty.

The reason their house was so busy is they were getting ready for a visit from Sam’s sister, Sarah and her son, Timmy.  Sarah’s husband, John, was in the Marines and is currently stationed in Afghanistan.  Sarah decided to come and see Sam and Rusty during her winter break as a teacher and stay over for Christmas.  Timmy was seven and Rusty loved having him come to visit.  Timmy loved to run and play and so does Rusty.

“We need to get the house in shape for their arrival” Sam told Rusty, Sam always talked to Rusty like another person instead of a dog.  Rusty always listens. “Sarah told me Timmy is used to having a real tree, so I called Farmer Jones to see if he had one on his farm we can have.  I don’t like those commercial lots, I want somewhere that I know will plant other trees to replace the ones cut down.”  Rusty thought that was sensible, Rusty loved sniffing trees.

It was a Saturday and Sam only had two appointments, so he went in and handled them and came back to the house to clean.  They had a housekeeper, Dana, Dot, the receptionist at the clinic’s sister.  But, Sam had specific things he wanted to do to get things set up for the visit.

A few minutes later, Farmer Jones truck drove up to the house.  Sam went out to meet him.  Farmer Jones told Sam when he approached the truck, “Hello! You are in luck, when they took the two large trees for the Governor’s mansion, they left a smaller one.  I decided that tree looked a little lost by itself and would make a fine Christmas tree for you.”

Speaking of lost, poor Herman was in the back of Farmer Jones’ truck and he was very lost.  He had no idea where he was, he’d never been out of the forest.  He had no roots anymore so how will he get water? What will happen to him?

He felt himself being lifted out of the truck and brought inside a building! Then a few minutes later he was standing up and it was warm, not cold and snowy like the forest.  There was an animal looking at him, furry with redish hair.  Herman hadn’t seen an animal like that before. 

Rusty looked at the tree, it was a nice one, but Rusty thought trees belonged outside.  Sam looked too and said, “We’ll get the lights and garland on the tree before they arrive, Timmy likes the ornaments best.”

Farmer Jones had left already after being thanked for the great tree.  He wouldn’t take payment due to Sam and Rusty’s help with his Turkey around Thanksgiving time. 

Sam went up to the attic and got the boxes of ornaments and decorations.  Then he (and Rusty) untangled the lights and got them on the tree and the pretty blue garland. 

Herman now had a strange object wrapped around him, are they taking him somewhere else? But no, they just stood and looked at him.  “It looks nice, wait till Sarah and Timmy see it.” Rusty agreed, but still thought trees belong outside.  He laid down on the tree skirt after Sam put it around the tree. 

In what seemed like no time, Sarah and Timmy pulled up in Donna’s taxi, Donna was another of Dot’s sisters.  Dot had 12 sisters and they all worked in town or had businesses in town.  It seemed like the whole town was populated by Dot’s sisters.

Sarah, Timmy and Donna came up to the door.  Donna carrying most of the luggage.  Timmy had a backpack and Sarah a small carry on bag.  “Donna, I could have gotten that!” Sarah told her. “Nonsense!” Donna said, “I’ll not hear of it. You are Sam’s sister, a celebrity don’t you know.” Sarah smiled.

“Welcome!” Sam told them.  “I have a surprise for you!” Timmy looked excited, “Presents??” he asked.  Sam laughed, “Not yet, still a week until Christmas.  Something else.”

They walked into the house and saw the tree.  “A real tree!?” Sarah said, “I’m shocked.” Sam smiled, “I know how Timmy likes them and Farmer Jones gave it to us as a gift.”

Timmy looked at the tree, “Its beautiful!” he proclaimed, “When do we put the ornaments on?”

“Right now!” Said Sam and they got to work.

The tree looked amazing when they got all the ornaments on it and then they all got changed and went to Saturday night mass.  Rusty didn’t come along, although Father Ben allowed Rusty to sleep in his office during mass if he did come. “You stay home with the tree.” Sam told Rusty, “We will get take out from Dollie’s café and I know she will have a doggy bag just for you.” You guessed it! Dollie is another of Dot’s sisters. 

Sam left the TV on for Rusty tuned to the channel with the governor’s tree lighting ceremony on it.  “We will watch the replay on Youtube when we get home, but you can see it live!” Sam told Sarah and Timmy, “It’s Farmer Jones tree this year! The mayor is his daughter and she asked him.” Sarah answered, “Yes I heard Helen was elected Mayor when Mayor Jameson retired.” Sarah and Sam had gone to school with Helen Jones.

The house got quiet when they shut the door and headed out.  Herman had all kinds of things hanging from his branches.  He had water now which was good, he was soaking it up.  On the box in the room with them there was a tree, Herman was shocked! It was his father, he was sure of it! His father had things hanging from his branches too but he was still outside. 

There was a large crowd of humans around him.  The human in the box was saying. “In just two minutes we will light the official State tree. This year’s tree was donated by Jonas Johnson, the father of the Mayor of Vallyville.”

Farmer Jones did have a first name Rusty thought!  Herman was mesmerized by the image on the box.  Pretty soon the announcer was talking again and then his father lit up! He was magnificent! So incredible, Rusty was amazed.  Herman too was surprised at how different and also spectacular his dad looked. 

Then, the camera went into the Governor’s mansion and showed the tree in the front foyer.  It was his mother, Herman was sure. She looked amazing! Already lighted and decorated.  “Another tree from the Jones farm” Said the announcer, “Farmer Jones was reluctant to donate, but I’m sure glad he did. His trees are some of the most beautiful I’ve seen in years”

Herman agreed his mom and dad look amazing, but he missed them and the forest a lot.  It felt strange to be inside and not out in the nature that he loved. He wondered if they’d get him back outside after they were done?

They came back from mass in high spirits with Dollie’s take out food.  “I’m going to be a shepherd in the manger scene!” Timmy told Rusty.  Rusty barked in response.  Rusty was in the manager scene too, he plays the camel that comes with the wise men.  He is obviously shorter than a camel, but people think its fun to have a dog/camel.  The other animals come from local farms.

Herman was not in high spirits, his water was running low and he felt dried out and was losing needles.  He missed the forest and his parents and the seasons.  Rusty could tell something was off about the tree.  Rusty went over to Sam after they’d eaten and looked at him and whined.  “What’s wrong buddy?? Sam asked.  Rusty walked over to the tree and sat down.  Sam followed and checked the water underneath.  “Thanks for reminding me, I’ll get more.”

Herman felt better with more water but he still was losing needles and it wasn’t the same as having constant water through his roots.

They all went to bed early as Timmy and Sarah were tired from travelling and Sam and Rusty had a busy day.  Rusty normally sleeps in a bed in Sam’s room, but tonight he slept on the foot of Timmy’s bed.  Timmy liked to have Rusty nearby and Sam didn’t mind.

About 3 am, Timmy got out of bed.  Rusty looked up and Timmy said, “I can’t sleep, I am going to sit by the tree.” Rusty followed him. 

“I had a dream.” Timmy told Rusty when they were settled out by the tree. “I was in a forest and this tree was there with two other trees.  It was a sunny day and it seemed just beautiful.  My dad was there too he was walking with me through the forest.”

Rusty thought it sounded like a nice dream and knew Timmy missed his dad.  “I wish my dad would hurry up and come home.” Timmy said, “I’d like him to see me dressed up as a shepherd.”

Herman listened to them talking and thought the dream sounded amazing.  He’d love to be out in the forest on a sunny day with his folks.  He wondered again what would happen to him after Christmas.

It was as if Timmy heard his thoughts.  “Rusty, I’m sad for this tree. It won’t get to be in the forest anymore.  I wish it wasn’t like that.” Rusty didn’t know a lot about trees but he listened.

The next day they spent the day at the Christmas fair Rusty went along.  It seemed every booth proprietor had a treat for him.  After about 3, Sam started collecting them instead of allowing Rusty to eat them all.  “You won’t fit into your camel costume!” Sam told him.

When they got back they had roast beef Sam had put in the crock pot and pie from Dollie’s. Next week there were only 4 days until Christmas! Christmas was on Friday.  The Manger scene is on Thursday evening and Friday morning.  Rusty and Timmy were excited.

“I wish dad could come.” Timmy told everyone at dinner. “I know, honey.” His mom told him, but his tour isn’t up until February. 

“I can still wish.” Timmy said. 

“Pray about it.” Sam told him.  “Prayer works better than wishes.”

“I will.” Timmy told him.

Timmy came with Sam and Rusty to the vet clinic on Monday and he and Rusty had a great day playing with each other and some of the dogs who came in for appointments. Timmy also cuddled with Fluffy.  Fluffy loved Timmy.

Rusty took a nap when Timmy was with Fluffy.  He felt they needed space and so did Rusty.

The day passed normally and they went out for Spaghetti at Luigi’s that night.  Luigi always sent a meatball home for Rusty.  Rusty stayed home by himself that night when they went out.  He decided to spend time by the tree.  He thought the tree looked a little rough and was losing more needles.

Herman noticed all the humans left and only Rusty was left.  Herman had heard him called that by the others.  Rusty seemed sympathetic toward Herman.  Herman appreciated that but he still was feeling really dry and losing needles quickly.  Herman didn’t think he’d make it much longer unless someone did something.

Rusty wished he could help the tree.  It seemed so strange to Rusty to bring a tree indoors and this particular tree really seemed to want to be out in nature.  Dogs are sensitive to these things, at least Rusty was.

The group returned from Luigi’s and Rusty had his meatball.  Then they went to bed because the next day was Christmas Eve and they were going to visit “Sunny Rest.” Then, Timmy and Rusty had to be at the manger scene.

Rusty slept by Timmy again and he woke up at about 3 am and went out by the tree again. Rusty followed.  Timmy told him, he had another dream. “This time, the tree was by itself, but outside and my dad was there and he was decorating it.  They both seemed pretty happy.  I wish the dream could come true.” Rusty wished it could come true too.  Both the tree and having Timmy’s dad back. 

Timmy fell asleep on the sofa and in the morning they all got up and had pancakes.  Rusty got a small pancake of his own.  Then, they all headed to Sunny Rest.  Rusty loved going to the Nursing Home.  He got to see Mrs. Wilson and the other Residents.

They had brought candy and presents for everyone.  Sam’s patients donate items and other people in town help too.  Plus, Dollie had donated a few plates of cookies.

The residents loved their gifts.  Mrs. Wilson got some yarn and new knitting needles. “I’ll make you a sweater.” She told Rusty.  “The Inspector” who was a former Police Detective got a deer stalker cap.  He was a big Sherlock Holmes fan and loved it.  “I picked it out myself.” Sam told him. 

The other residents all enjoyed the cookies, presents and attention.  They stayed 3 hours and then told everyone they had to go because Timmy and Rusty were due at the manger scene.  “Bring us pictures!” Mrs. Wilson told them. 

“We sure will!” Sam answered.  “Merry Christmas everyone!”

Rusty and Timmy got to the manger scene just in time and got into their costumes.  There was a Narrator who read from Luke and they just were supposed to stand still.  They were at the outside scene for a while and then during Mass they’d stand inside.  The announcer said: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  (Timmy only had the one sheep, but he was watching.)  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord showed around them and they were terrified.  But, the Angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

He also read from Matthew 2 1-2, “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” The announcer explained that wise men and Magi are the same thing and that the wise men brought their camels with them.  Rusty stood up a little taller when he said that.

After mass was over, they went back to Sam’s house and opened a few presents.  Timmy got a Lego Flower he had been wanting from Sam.  Some kids thought it was odd that Timmy didn’t want to get the space ships and popular Characters, but he really liked nature.  Rusty got a new chew toy and a bone that is safe to chew from Sam and a Santa Claus squeaky toy from Timmy.  They had fun playing tug of war and fetch with it.

Sam got a new pair of Leather slippers from Sarah.  “I noticed your slippers are barely holding together.  Sam agreed, “Yes I’ve had them since college. But I can’t throw the old ones out yet, I need to get used to these.” Sarah laughed, “If you are still using them next time I come they are going. 

Sarah got a hat and mittens in a pretty color of purple made by Daisy (you guessed it! One of Dot’s sisters.) “These are lovely.” Sarah said, “Thank you Sam and Rusty.” Sam always puts Rustys name on the tags.  “I really liked the color.” Sam told her. 

They all got ready for bed after that and Timmy was excited to see what Santa would bring.  Rusty slept by Timmy again that night.  “I wonder if I’ll have a dream again about my dad and the tree. I seem to have one every night.”

Rusty didn’t know, he mainly dreamed about chasing sticks or running around finding things to sniff.  Sam told him his legs move sometimes when he dreams.  Sam thinks its funny. 

Later that night, Rusty heard Timmy getting up again. “Rusty, I think I heard something, maybe its Santa!” Timmy went out the door and down the hallway toward the living room.  It was very dark and there was no light from the tree which was unusual. 

They got out into the living room and Timmy said, “That’s weird, its so dark, where is the tree?” That was odd, thought Rusty, who would steal a tree? Rusty had to get Sam.  He went down the hallway to Sam’s room and woke him up.  Rusty whined to get his attention and Sam followed Rusty. 

“What on Earth?” Sam said, “Who would steal our tree and leave the presents?” Just then there was a knock on the door.  “Maybe it’s the thief bringing back the tree.” Sam said.

He answered the door and they heard him say, “Hey! What are you doing here?” And then the door opened further and Timmy’s dad came in! “Dad!!” Timmy said and ran into his arms.  “I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too buddy! It is odd that I got leave right now.  My commander called me in and said he couldn’t explain it, but they gave me 2 weeks leave. I was going to call and then I thought I’d like to surprise you.”

“Well you certainly did!’ Sam said, “Wait till Sarah sees you.”

“Sarah sees you now.” Sarah said from the doorway of the living room. “I heard all the commotion. Ryan! I’m so happy to see you!” She ran to him and they embraced and kissed much to Timmy’s dismay.

Ryan sat down after all the greetings and Sam got him a cup of hot chocolate and some of Sarah’s cookies.  “Hey I was going to ask you, why do you have your Christmas tree outside?”

“What?” Sam said

“When I approached the house, there is a Christmas tree out there with all of your ornaments and garland and everything on it.  And I noticed you don’t have one in here.”

They all got dressed in coats and boots and went out to look.  Sure enough the tree was out there, all decked out and in the ground again. 

“This makes no sense,” Sam said “How can the tree be alive again?”

Timmy told them all about his dreams lately.  “It’s still a mystery as to how the tree is now alive.” Sam said. 

“Couldn’t we just call it a Christmas miracle?” Timmy asked. 

Herman was delighted to be outside with his roots in the ground.  He did not know how it happened.  One minute he felt dry and horrible, the next he was outside and had roots again.  He had no idea how it happened. 

“I guess we’ll have to call it a miracle.” Sam said, when nothing else makes sense.  Rusty was thrilled the tree gets to live and looked forward to laying under it in the nicer weather.  They all had to go to back to bed then because because Rusty and Timmy had one more performance at the nativity scene for morning mass. 

Timmy said to Rusty when they got back in bed, “Maybe its all a dream and we’ll wake up and my dad won’t be here and the tree will be back in the house.”

Maybe Rusty thought, but it seemed pretty real to him.

The End