2006 – 2025
Gold Dust Joseph of Cedarhurst Manor, nicknamed Dusty Joe, Dusty Boy, or plain Dusty, passed away peacefully on 7-2-2025.
Dusty was approximately 4 years old in September 2010 when we rescued him from the Roanoke City pound; he was 10 days overdue for euthanasia due to being “snappy.” Soon after adoption from RVSPCA we quickly taught him to redirect his excess enthusiasm to a bone or squeaky toy. For the rest of his life, he would run and retrieve a toy before welcoming anyone at our door. We also successfully submitted the documentation necessary for him to meet AKC’s Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) as a Shih Tzu.
In 2010, he passed beginning obedience training through Therapets of the Roanoke Valley. In April 2011, he earned his AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate through Therapets, and in June 2011, he earned certification as an assisted therapy animal through Delta Society (Pet Partners). He recertified in June 2013, then met Alliance of Therapy Dogs certification requirements in December 2015. From 2016 until the COVID shutdown in early 2020, Dusty made regular visits to the Salem VA Medical Center under the VA Voluntary Service (VAVS) Program.
Dusty, self-designated alpha, was a sturdy little athlete. He enjoyed long daily walks, searching for cat poop, indoor play sessions with squeaky toys, a backyard “romp,” “play-play” visits to the dog park, meeting people and animals of all stripes (except horses), and therapy “visits.” He never met a stranger. He loved the world.
He’ll be remembered for his sweet expressions, resiliency, entertaining manipulations, persistent nagging and stubbornness (“little stinker”), social directing, and enthusiastic participation in “nappy time.” It was also quite amusing to watch him “swim” on a slick floor against a taught leash while attempting to meet another dog.
When the day’s fun and excitement abruptly and unjustifiably (at least from his perspective) ended, Dusty, overwhelmed by boredom, would collapse into the Shih Tzu plop. And, once he fell asleep, it was truly a wonder of nature how so much snoring could come from such a small package. Dusty Joe, we’ll miss you, but we’re looking forward to catching up on our sleep!
We want to thank Elizabeth Thomson (RIP) and Pam Lucas, both formerly from Therapets; the folks at VCA Valley Animal Hospital; Emergency Veterinarian Services; Mary K at the VA Medical Center; Dona at Pawtastic; and the folks at Petsmart grooming. All these people were instrumental in keeping Dusty healthy, ready, and motivated to pursue his mission of spreading light to the world.
Most of all we thank you Dusty Boy. Our deep feelings of loss and heartache would be too heavy to bear if not for memories of the joy you imparted and the many lives you touched.
Play play forever little guy.