Rusty

Updated 3/20/12

Rusty, age 5

AVAILABLE 

“Rusty is not a dog-park dog, a doggie-play-date dog, or a doggie-day-care dog, but he is the BEST people dog we've ever fostered. He even gives play bows when I go into the kitchen or den where he is relaxing! Rusty is especially a guy's dog—but likes the ladies too, so gals, you will not be left feeling like a potted plant while he pays attention only to your partner!  One of the sweetest dogs we have fostered and such an easy dog to live with.”

Rusty came to GRR because he doesn’t always get along with other dogs—and his owner wanted to take him out and about to dog parks, friends’ houses, and lots of other places where there were other dogs galore. When he arrived at his foster home, his very experienced foster mom quizzed the owner thoroughly and commented, “Guess you have to own a lot of dogs to realize, although it looks and sounds like they are killing each other, usually, it's all sound and fury. Rusty has always ‘pulled his punches’ – never has injured anyone. But I’d still say he needs to be an only dog, because I think he’s functionally illiterate when it comes to reading other dogs’ signals! He zigs, they zag and a squabble breaks out. That said, he did fine with a friend’s Chihuahua at his former home, so I think if he were a first dog, then eventually another smaller, non-confrontational dog could be added to the family.” 

But the right home will be more than delighted with this guy. For starters, he’s gorgeous, with melt-your-heart dark brown eyes, a blocky build without an ounce of fat, soft & lush strawberry blonde fur, a jet black nose and a distinguished dusting of premature white on his muzzle. Foster mom says, “You might say he’s the George Clooney of the dog world.”

Rusty is totally housebroken, and he is crate-trained too. When he first moved in with his foster folks, he liked to hang out in his crate; but as he’s adjusted to his new home, he’s decided he prefers the gated den off the kitchen. He doesn’t jump on you – but he will bounce around if excited. On the whole he’s super indoors, with lovely house manners. “He shows interest in what’s on the counter but has never taken one thing. Takes treats more gently than ANY dog we've ever had. A baby could give him a treat without feeling teeth!”

He loves balls and is an enormous tease. He will duck his head when you reach for the ball but if you can get your hand on it, it's not hard to pry it out. Did we say he loves balls?? Big or small! Also antler chews. “He also loved an unstuffed squirrel plushy, but within a day I could only find the barest mortal remains, namely the  head and 2 squeakers. We were on poop watch for more than a week so no doubt the whole thing was ‘processed’ without incident, but lesson learned – no fabric toys.”

Rusty is still high energy, but as a mature dog, he is able to be well-behaved and entertain himself for long periods of time.

Based on some fears he had of the washing machine when it was running, and the way he initially startles at anything new, we’d say Rusty is a very cautious dog. He does rebound within seconds, but he needs a low-key environment & a devoted owner who will give him attention and build his self-confidence. “He needs age-appropriate exercise, but there are lots of ways to do that,” says his foster mom. “It’s NOT ‘all about The Walk’ with this guy. Rusty is as sweet as they come and the best People Dog anyone could want!” 

Adoption Procedures