Rusty has been neutered and microchipped and is enjoying his days as a “new yawker.” He is a very mellow dog in the house but does get excited when its time to go for a walk, and sometimes zooms around the apartment when his foster mom comes home. His foster mom told us,

Rusty’s personality has changed. He has opened up more emotionally. Now he is very bonded to me and follows me around. He sleeps at the end of my bed and lets me cuddle with him, while before he was sleeping in the living room. Rusty has become much more warm and loving.

He still doesn’t like passing other dogs on the street that often and will act like a bully but our Animal Welfare Director came and helped our foster mom Liz with a few tips and techniques. From what we’ve heard it’s helping lessen Rusty’s acting out.

Rusty is learning basic commands like sit and come, he’s very friendly when meeting new people, and gets along with some dogs. He doesn’t seem to understand the body language of children, so it may be best he goes to a house with older children. He also loves to play and run around outside, so an active family or household would be perfect for him.

Rusty’s foster mom shared this pic with us, he’s looking so happy and healthy in his foster home. She also told us that he’s just so cute, I think he’s won her heart!

Rusty is out of the vet and in his new foster home. So far, so good. Rusty is getting along well with his foster family. He has some aggression toward other dogs on walks and tends to lunge and bark at them, but his foster mom is working with him on this. Otherwise, Rusty is very affectionate with adults and children. He has a normal energy level and likes to go on walks 3 or 4 times a day. He prefers his stuffed toys over other toys. Although Rusty doesn’t know many commands, he does come when called – sometimes. Rusty is crate trained and likes to sleep in his crate or on the couch. Rusty would be good in a home where he is the only dog and with an owner who is willing to work with him on his dog aggression. Overall, Rusty is a great boy, and is giving his foster mom lots of joy.

A few days ago one of our NYCSR volunteers headed out to see Rusty and gave us this update:

Last Sunday I went to West Hills to visit Bea & Rusty. Rusty came out first. He ran over to me with a huge Shiba smile and a happily wagging tail. He showered me with a million kisses. His fur looked brighter and so soft.

He really is quite puffy since his coat is so thick and healthy. Rusty was in full happy play mode. He promptly went into a play bow and we were off! He was running around and giving belly and having a great time. I gave him a good scratch behind the ears and he put his paw on my hand as to say ‘no, don’t stop!’

The staff at West Hills say that he’s just so well behaved. He’s been incredibly affectionate and loves to play in their kennel’s outdoor run. He’s also been great on a leash. His kennel cough has cleared up and is very playful with other dogs. He would do best, they think, with other dogs that would enjoy his playfulness and energy. He has a great appetite and is well behaved at meal times. He’s just a happy boy that wants nothing else but lots of play time and attention!

This is Rusty when he first arrived at West Hills		This is Rusty now
click to enlarge images

Zennia who transported Rusty had this to say:

I had the pleasure of transporting Rusty and Bea from Trenton, NJ to Huntington, LI, where they are being vetted and boarded at West Hills. Rusty was the sweetest and most friendly boy. He was smiling non stop and being so very cute. There were several times that he would lean over to me and give me kisses while I was driving. Rusty was very responsive and happy to be near people and get attention. He’s also very treat driven and loved lamb snacks!
His kennel cough has greatly improved- he’s certainly responded well to medication. He is heartworm negative; his bloodwork looks perfect and so will be neutered once his kennel cough is gone. At West Hills, the staff has fallen in love with him! They say he’s such a great guest- they said ‘Rusty is such a love’!

Stayed tuned for new photos of Rusty.

Rusty came to us from a high-kill shelter in Kentucky. Rusty is a runner and should be placed in a home that is familiar with the breed. He is slow to warm to strangers but is great with people once he knows them. He gets along with other dogs and with cats, although not with small children. Rusty is VERY friendly to people, he’s sweet and loves to give kisses.

Stay tuned for more.