Rusty

My story

Considering adopting? The first step is to do the application at http://forgetmenotshelter.org/Application Rusty is a delightful 14 year old Australian Cattle Dog (aka Red Heeler). He is a bit CHONKY for the breed, at a current weight of 72 pounds, but he is blaming that on the pandemic just like the rest of us. Rusty arrived at the shelter when his person, who has had him since he was a tiny puppy, was no longer able to care for him. We have assured them that we will find Rusty a wonderful retirement home where he will be loved and cared for. Rusty is reported to be good with kids, cats, and other dogs - we have not seen any evidence to the contrary during his time at the shelter. He is housetrained and LOVES to play fetch and tug games. He is a strong boy, but seems to know it and tries not to pull over whomever is playing tug, even though he certainly could if he wanted to, HA. Don't worry, there is more to Rusty than just a playing machine - at 14, he also has a mellow, cuddly side and will not require extensive exercise. A few nice walks might help with that pandemic plump, but he's not going to make you take him out for 8 mile jogs like a young heeler might. He has had geriatric blood panels in 2020 and after arriving at Forget Me Not recently, and both show elevated liver enzymes. This can be a sign of Cushing's disease, or it can just be a sign of old age. The vet recommended not doing the somewhat invasive testing for Cushing's as age will likely catch up to Rusty before Cushing's. Rusty is not currently on any medications or supplements, but you may want to add in some SAM-E (Denamarin) for liver support and some glucosamine or anti-inflammatories for some arthritis he seems to have in his right front paw. As is typical of heelers, and especially senior heelers, he is not a huge fan of having the veterinarian poke and prod him; the vet recommends a muzzle for things like the EVIL THERMOMETER MOMENT. Otherwise, Rusty is pretty happy-go-lucky and always has a big smile. It's impossible to feel blue with this handsome charmer around! Rusty is looking for any sort of family, from a single senior to a big household full of kids, where he can have love, companionship, treats, and tennis balls for his remaining years. All pets arrive spayed/neutered, dewormed, microchipped and vaccinated. Adoption fee is a suggested minimum of $50 (more gratefully accepted), or Senior for Senior - adopters over 65 may name their own adoption fee. All pets are placed with a 30-day money-back trial period, to give pet and family enough time to discover any unknown allergies or other conflicts. Can't come to Republic? Don't let that stop you! We have monthly transports to both the Seattle area and Spokane, delivering adopted pets to their new owners. If you can add a little to your donation to help us cover our transport expenses, that would be great!

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Rusty, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.