In Man of the House: Life with the Lady at the End of My Leash, yellow Labrador Mac calls Mary and all humans “leashers.” Today I talk with Rand Rusher, a registered nurse, founder and owner of RR Aesthetics, and one of the most sought-after injection and skin care consultants in the country. “We don’t get you ready for a portrait. We get you ready for your life,” is the company’s essence as Rand uses his talent to help his patients feel comfortable in their own skin. Before entering the aesthetics field more than 20 years ago, Rand was a surgical nurse at the University of Southern California Norris Cancer Hospital and Research Center. He is an entrepreneur, reality tv star, and frequent beauty expert guest on Extra TV. But for all his titles and accomplishments, Dog Dad is the one he cherishes most.
1. Tell me about your dogs. .
My oldest is Fred Rusher. He’s a silky Terrier and is 15 years old. Next is Jack. We found “Jack Hammer” running down the street when we were at a lumberyard. Not sure what he is, definitely has Terrier in him. He’s got a big mug, a big jaw. With that face, he’s probably part Chow. He’s got buggy eyes like a Boxer. Then there’s Eesa from Antigua. And, the latest addition is our foster child, a red bloodhound puppy. I got a call from a local Basset and Bloodhound rescue one evening during happy hour. I had a couple of tequilas in me, and now there is a fourth dog in the house. Her name is Rose or Rosie. Her full name is Bella Rose. I’ve had three other Bloodhounds with “Belle” in their name…Ruby Belle, Jesse Belle, and Bella Mae.
2. When we met, you had a beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback named Nubie. Then you rescued Hank and have continued to add to your pack. How do you compare this to a single dog?
Having two dogs is not all that different than having one. With three dogs (and now four), it’s a little more of a pack against you. You have to be strong willed because they are going to try to take over.
3. By the way, how did you get a dog from Antigua?
After Hank died, I went on Pet Finder and searched for “Rhodesian Ridgeback.” And up came this “Island Girl.” The lady who had her rescues dogs. She was on vacation and found a litter of puppies in a barn. I found out that Antigua has a lot of feral dogs that are Rhodesian Ridgeback and Shepherd mix. It’s like having a mini- Ridgeback. I think Eesa has Italian Greyhound in her too. She’s so sinewy and fast.
4. What made you decide to keep adding to your pack?
Before I put Nubie down, I was considering spending a lot of money to rebuild her hips. My vet said to me, “Aren’t you a farm kid?” I said yes, and he told me something I never forgot. “Instead of you spending that much money on a dog that’s had a really amazing life for 10 years, why not rescue a dog that will be put down because he has no home?” He was right, and I’ve rescued dogs ever since. Of course, I’m always sad when I lose a dog, but rescuing a dog that needs a home helps.
5. Did you have dogs growing up?
Always. There’s a thing about your drag name being the name of your first dog and your mother’s maiden name. I would be Tinkerbell McKay. Tinker Bell was a Jack Russel terrier.
6. If your dogs could talk to you, what would they say?
If you look on Instagram, (@randrusher) I make my dogs talk all the time. I don’t think Jack thinks about much other than “Please pet me; please touch me; let me lay beside you.” Eesa is a pleaser “Uh uh uh, I’ll do whatever you like.” They’re not exactly in love with their foster sister, so they’re both screaming, “Why the hell did you bring this home? Why did you do this to me?” Fred’s pretty much blind and deaf and doesn’t have a lot to say.
7. We all lost a dear friend not too long ago, but he was your best friend. How have your dogs helped with the grieving process?
Wow, you are really trying to make a grown man cry. You know Tom loved all dogs, but Eesa had just come into our lives. We both had a special attachment to her because she reminded us of Hank. Hank had been with us a long time. He was eighteen when he died. Anyone who knew me, knew who Hank was. Our connection to Eesa was significant. I felt it. Tom felt it. Eesa keeps Tom close to me.
8. Okay, time for an easier question. Where do the dogs sleep?
Jack sleeps on his bed. Eesa’s trainer said specifically, “Don’t let her sleep with you.” But she pretty much sleeps beside me every night. Jack knows he’s not supposed to sleep in the bed, but he sees Eesa and sneaks in there too. Rose sleeps in her crate.
9. Do you have any nicknames for your dogs?
Jack is Mr. Hammer. We’ve decided Rose is Honey Boo Boo. Fred is Mr. Rusher.
10. What else would you like to say about your dogs?
Well, as you know, they are truly the loves of my life. I’m never alone because my dogs are with me. Before Covid and all the changes, we would have “Dead Dog Wednesday” at the office. I was not to have dinner with a patient, and no scheduled lectures or training. All I wanted to do was come home and have my dogs at my feet. They are very much part of my life. I have this home, a house, because of my dogs. I work hard so I can have them. Some people have children. I have four-legged children.
This interview was very special to me, not only because I’ve been friends with Rand for over 30 years, but because he is the one who introduced me to the love of dogs. I didn’t have dogs growing up, and when I moved to LA, I fell in love with the city and with Nubie. She was regal, stately, and loving. I wanted that love and have experienced it with first Mac, and now Arden. So thank you Rand and Nubie for teaching me how to love and be loved by a pet.
