Sired by 7th generation Weatherwax Lassie: Lassie VIII, whose call name was "Howard". Rusty was given to Carl Maier by Bob Weatherwax as a puppy. ( When "Rusty" was grown, Carl Maier bred him and one of the resulting male puppies was named "Lucky", with another named "Stormy" . Carl trick-trained "Lucky" and exhibited him to senior citizens and the general public. ) "The Collie Of Castle Hill" by Christine Reilly Carter is the childhood story of Carl Maier, and how Carl's first collie ' Lucky ' saved young Carl from drowning. Rusty became a Comfort Dog during 9-11 and is the 9-11 Mascot for the American Red Cross, being awarded the Canine Good Citizens Award. Rusty is listed in the Animal Hall Of Fame.