Meet Rusty!
Rusty is living proof that you're never too old to find your forever home-and at almost 8 years old, this sweet guy still has plenty of life, love, and personality to share!
Rusty has actually been part of our shelter family **four different times**, first arriving here as a puppy. We'd really love for his next chapter to finally be the one where he gets to stay home for good.
Rusty is a pretty laid-back guy most of the time. He LOVES a good dog bed, enjoys plenty of naps, and is happiest when he can stretch out in a sunny spot and soak up some rays. He even knows to sit by the door when he needs to go potty! But don't let his age fool you-Rusty doesn't seem to realize he's supposed to be an old man. When he's feeling good, he's ready to go and doesn't always remember that his hips don't quite agree with his enthusiasm.
Rusty has **hip dysplasia**, which causes him pain and will require lifelong pain management. His future family will need to be committed to keeping him comfortable and working with their veterinarian to manage his condition. Because his back end can be painful, Rusty would do best in a home without young children who may accidentally bump, climb on, or startle him. He also enjoys other dogs, but he isn't looking for a canine wrestling partner. A calm, older, lower-energy dog who is happy to coexist rather than constantly play would be the best match for him.
There is one very important thing to know about Rusty: **he cannot live with cats or other small animals.** He has a strong prey drive and will kill small critters, so he needs a home where he can safely be the only type of pet-or live with an appropriately matched dog.
Rusty is also a **serious leash puller**, and with his hip issues, long walks aren't really his thing anyway. A securely fenced yard would be ideal so he can enjoy some safe outdoor time without having to navigate the world at the end of a leash. Give him a comfy bed, a patch of sunshine, a little outdoor time, and a person who understands that sometimes "adventure" means walking out to the backyard and then coming back in for a nap-and Rusty will be pretty happy.
Rusty doesn't need someone looking for a young, endlessly active dog. He needs someone who will appreciate the **sweet, goofy, sun-loving older gentleman underneath it all** and give him the comfort, patience, and stability he's been missing.
After four trips through our doors, we're really hoping Rusty's next trip is **the one that takes him home.**
All the dogs at Northwoods Humane Society have had a basic exam by a tech. They have been microchipped, tested for Heartworm (if over 6 months of age), had at least their first distemper combo vaccination (2nd if here longer), dewormed with a general dewormer, and had a flea and tick treatment applied if applicable. All the dogs will be spayed or neutered before they are adopted to their new permanent homes. Visual breed identification in dogs is unreliable, so for most of the dogs we are only guessing at predominant breed or breed mix.
