Rusty

We were contacted by a local shelter about a SUPER emaciated pittie. He was essentially a dog shaped skeleton wrapped under a thin coat of fur. He landed on the urgent list at a local shelter thin, hungry, and alone and was near the end of his time. As luck would have it, his sad face caught the eye and heart of his foster, and he was given a lifeline as a result of his foster opening up her home to him.

His foster gave him a new name to start his new life with, Rusty. At his core, he is a bundle of love and a total people dog. All 75 pounds of him exists to be near his humans. Whether you are on the couch watching television, sitting at the kitchen table, or just passing through the hallway, Rusty will find you, position himself as close as physically possible, and let out a long, satisfied sigh that says he is exactly where he belongs. He does not ask for much only that you be nearby. Cuddles are not optional in Rusty's world. If you settle onto the couch without making room for him, he will let you know through gentle, persistent whining that an adjustment is needed. Once you make space, he melts right in, and all is well.

Rusty is about 3-4 years old and he is wonderful in SO many ways. His one kryptonite is food. Given his past, he has a complicated relationship with food and water. It makes sense as when you have gone without for so long, it becomes something you crave. Rusty has deemed the toilet as a known water source. He will drink from it with gusto, tail wagging the entire time. The solution is simple and non-negotiable: keep your bathroom doors closed. A simple closed lid will not do. He will help himself to lifting the lid and you will hear the slurping and see the tail in no time. Rusty patrols kitchens and monitors countertops with the dedication of a seasoned professional. He will watch every bite you take with wide, hopeful eyes and appoint himself your permanent food quality inspector. Rusty wakes up thinking about food. His internal alarm is impeccable, and he will make absolutely certain that his breakfast does not slip your mind. The moment that bowl is filled and emptied, he is more than happy to climb back into bed and spend the next hour cuddled up beside you, warm and perfectly content.

Walks are an adventure. Rusty is strong, enthusiastic, and has very clear opinions about where he would like to go (aka wherever he smells food!). Leash manners are a work in progress, and he will need a patient, committed adopter who is willing to put in the training time. He is smart, and he wants to please. He just needs someone who believes in him enough to show him the way.

Ideal Home

Rusty's ideal home is one where someone is around most of the day, someone who loves to cuddle, and someone who has the patience to work through training with him. He needs humans with a good sense of humor who will laugh rather than despair the first time they hear suspicious sounds coming from the bathroom.

Ongoing Health

No specific health concerns mentioned.

Training & Support

Rusty has a complicated relationship with food and water and has been known to drink from the toilet. Keep bathroom doors closed. Leash manners are a work in progress and he will need patient and committed adopters for training.

Application Details:

• Applications start by contacting us through Wags.

Transporation

Rusty is located in Northern Indiana. Transportation may be available for the right adopter.