Rustee

My story

Rojo Rustee Here — Your Tiny Bon Bon Hi Freedom Squad… I made it out of Moreno Valley Animal Shelter and into freedom, and I’m just a small peanut with a big, soulful stare and an even bigger heart. I’m three years old, 18 pounds of reddish merle perfection, and currently accepting applications for Forever Valentine Human. When I first got here, I had kennel cough and needed some time to feel better. Then I had my spay surgery (one week ago, thank you very much), and now I’m finally starting to feel like myself. It’s taken me a minute to bloom… but I’m slowly blooming. My Heart & Personality I get very attached to my human. Like… very. I check in constantly. On walks, I look back to make sure you’re still there. Around the house? I’m under your feet. Sitting down? I’m pressed against you. I’m basically a Velcro Valentine. I rely on my person for comfort. Safety matters to me. Trust matters to me. I’m still learning that I’m not going anywhere and that this love thing? It’s real. My personality is just starting to sparkle. I’m a little back-and-forth at first, observing, reading the room, making sure it’s safe. Once I know I’m good? I soften. I cuddle. I melt. My Daily Life (aka Soft Girl Era) I love treats. Multiple treats. Daily. My foster dad makes crockpot meals every two days (yes… I’m spoiled), and I eat separately just to keep things peaceful because I’d totally let another dog wander into my bowl. Sharing is caring, but boundaries are still being learned. During the day, I hang out and watch the other dogs. Sometimes I’ll join in. Sometimes I just sunbathe like a little baked potato in the yard. At night? My favorite place is wedged between my foster siblings on the couch with the TV humming in the background. Knowing my human is right there is everything to me. Occasionally I’ll mosey around the house just to check things out… but my safe space is close to my people. Social & Training I use the doggie door and I’m learning potty training like a good girl. I enjoy long walks and do great on leash — I just like to double-check that my person is still attached to the other end. Slow introductions to new dogs are best for me. Once I feel secure, I settle beautifully. I can be a little high-energy in bursts, but I’m also calm as a cucumber when it’s time to relax. Teaching me independence will be important — structure and consistency are helping my confidence grow every single day. Health I’m healthy, fully recovered from kennel cough, freshly spayed, and feeling great. No underlying medical issues — just a girl who needed a chance. My Forever Wish I don’t need chaos. I don’t need flashy. I need steady. I need safe. I need a human who understands that love isn’t loud — sometimes it’s quiet, soft, and wrapped around your ankles in the kitchen. I’m only 3½ weeks into rescue, and I’m already learning that the world can be kind. Will you be my forever Valentine? Love, Rustee Rustee is vaccinated, spay and microchipped, she is being fostered in Glendale, AZ. Her adoption donation fee is $1100.00 and you can apply for her at freedomfrenchierescue.org *Please Note: All learning and guidance must continue in their new home. A dog’s behavior can change with a new environment and energy, and every family’s dynamic is different. What works or is allowed in one foster home may not be the same in yours, so consistency, patience, and continued training are key to their success.

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