Here's something that I don't usually do: a reference sheet. But when I made the decision to make Rusty Raggs come to life last month, I decided to add some extra features to Marshall's secret friend.

When Mz. Curl brought Rusty to life on Marshall's birthday last month, she gave Marshall and his parents some information on how to activate Rusty's features. And Rusty has been set in three different modes.

Mode 1). Plushy Rusty.
How to set Rusty in Plushy Mode: Hold Rusty's paws and say "Rusty, plush mode!"

This is Rusty's normal mode. When in Plush Mode, he is set as a regular plush fox, just as he was before Mz. Curl brought him to life. His fur is soft fluffy plush, his eyes are pink buttons, his nose is plastic, and his mouth is sewn closed, he doesn't talk or think in Plush Mode. His cowboy hat, bandana, and boots are removable. He wears a disposable diaper, but doesn't use it. This is the mode Marshall sets Rusty whenever he goes to sleep, takes a nap, or when out in public.

Mode 2). Alive Rusty
How to set Rusty in Alive Mode: Hold Rusty's paws and say "Rusty, come alive!"

This is the mode Rusty's always in whenever Marshall's ready for playtime. When in Alive Mode, his fur becomes real fox fur, his eyes open up to be real fox eyes, his nose becomes real, and has a living heartbeat. Rusty also talks, walks, eats and drinks like a real life cub. He can remove his clothing by himself, and he uses his diaper like a regular baby cub. And he also likes warm baths, so bath time's not an issue. This is the mode Marshall sets Rusty whenever he and his friends wants to have some playtime or have an outdoor adventure.

Mode 3). Baby Alive Rusty.
How to set Rusty in Baby Alive Mode: "Hold Rusty's paws and say "Rusty, Baby Time!"

This is by far Marshall's favorite mode. When in Baby Alive mode, Rusty is the same as Alive mode, but acts more babyish. Instead of wearing his cowboy clothing, Rusty wears a baby bonnet, bib, booties, and carries a baby blue blanket. He only speaks in baby talk, but Marshall can easily understands Rusty's baby babble. He also crawls like a toddler, chews on a pacifier, eats only baby food, takes naps, plays with baby toys, and drinks from a baby bottle. And just like a true lifelike drink and wet doll, this is the mode that Rusty uses his diapers the most. So whenever Rusty's in Baby Alive mode, always have plenty of baby diapers in stock because Baby Alive Rusty will fill them up very quickly!

And just like a real baby, Baby Alive Rusty can cry whenever he feel lonely and wants attention. Also, do NOT take his blanket away from him, or he'll go into full rage tantrum mode! But thankfully, Marshall (and only Marshall) can stop Rusty's tearful tantrums by giving him a gentle hug. This is the mode Marshall sets Rusty whenever he in the mood for some baby time. This mode's also perfect whenever Amber comes over to play and needs a baby whenever they play house together.

But as much fun as it is having a plushie coming to life, Mz. Curl has warned Marshall that with a great friend comes with great responsibility. And she has instructed Marshall and his family and friends not to let the outside world know about Rusty's secrets. And even though Marshall allows his friends to play with Rusty in any mode, they must keep Rusty's abilities a secret. For if word of mouth should ever be discovered that plushies come to life, Rusty, along with Mz. Curl's magic could wind up in the wrong hands, which could be devastating to the whole world. So after Mz. Curl gave out her friendly warning, Marshall vowed to keep Rusty's magical life a deep secret.

Mz. Curl copyrighted by
Rusty Raggs, Marshall, Amber, art and story copyrighted by .