Rusty: A Motorcyclist's Best Friend

At 11 years old — or 77 in dog years — Rusty the Chihuahua doesn't just lay around the house munching on Milk-Bones all day.

This little guy has a need for speed.

With the wind in his fur and his owner Bob Wilson by his side, Rusty can be spotted cruising the highways of Northern California on his jet black 650 Suzuki Burgman.

"I call him my little GPS system," said Wilson, 75, from San Leandro. He's been riding motorcycles and scooters for the past 45 years.

Equipped with a mini helmet and tiny "doggles" for eye-protection, Rusty is safe and secure in his riding pouch during their road trips.

Though they are sometimes spotted stopping for a coffee break at the , the dynamic duo often travels to Marin or Half Moon Bay to grab lunch or hike along the beach.

One of their biggest adventures was a trip to Oregon in 2009.

"When we're on the road, out come the cameras, and people have to get photos for their kids and grandkids," Wilson said. "He gets a lot of attention."

"How can you not smile when you see him? It really makes your day," Starbucks customer Alicia Inn said.

Wilson said Rusty rescued him a decade ago when he was heartbroken after losing his former dog.

"He was a stray and my friend found him and asked if I wanted to take him in," he said.

Rusty is Wilson's first Chihuahua and has grown to be his best friend.

"For a retired guy, I couldn't ask for anything better," Wilson said. "He's my partner, my cohort, my buddy."