This is Rusty the dog. For the past six years I have been trying to talk mom and dad into getting a dog. The answer was always no.

So what happened? It all has to do with lizards. My dad has created this Rain Forest kind of back yard. We have lots of Lizards. Lizards are a good thing. Lizards eat the insects that can upset our backyard ecosystem.

Unfortunately our yard is very attractive to cats (lots of cats). Cats eat lizards, with out the lizards the insects began eating plants. Cats also eat the birds and fish that live in our yard.

I think you see where this is going. Anyway Rusty does not hurt the cats but his presence keeps them away.

Rusty is great with my little sister Ally and me. He is very smart. I take care of Rusty and I really enjoy every minute with him. We got Rusty at Adopt-A-Pet in Miami.

Rusty the newest member of our family 2004

Photo taken 1/14/2004. Rusty is your basic "A little of everything breed".