Buster

Hope Prairie Farmer doesn't mind, I'm copying something from page 4 of their June 2009 issue. Why is it relevant to me? Bill's wife mentioned in the article is Dad's cousin. See the entire article along with Buster's photo at http://magissues.farmprogress.com/PRA/PF06Jun09/pra004.pdf

THIS is the story of how a little city dog became a big part of our farm over the course of the last year. It’s also a great story of how two lonely souls found a wonderful friendship together. The first lonely soul is my grandpa, who after almost 60 years of living with my grandma could no longer give the level of care she needed and had to move her to an assisted living community a little over a year ago.
Being of exceptional health for his age, Grandpa focused on helping us on the farm. One day last spring, we sent him after a gas cylinder for the torch, and he brought home someone else. He was a young collie-sheltie mix pup named Buster who also suddenly found himself alone after his family had to move away. After Buster’s family moved, he began staying temporarily at the neighboring welding shop until Grandpa saw him and decided to bring him home.
During this past year, Buster has become an outstanding farm dog. He quickly made friends with our longtime farm dog, Sosha. They both do an excellent job keeping the rodents and strangers in check around the farm. Buster is Grandpa’s dedicated tagalong, riding to town or out to the fi elds. He goes no matter whether they are taking one of the trucks, the semi, a tractor or even the motorcycle. Whenever Grandpa cannot take Buster with him, he waits at the south place with Sosha until he sees the vehicle Grandpa took to town coming up the road. Then, like a shot, he runs back up to the other farmhouse to eagerly greet his master.
Buster has shown me what a positive difference a good little dog can make. I am very glad Grandpa has such a good friend to run around with and come home to instead of being alone.
Owner: Bill Furry, Charleston
Writer: Todd Easton, Charleston