Rusty's bit two people in the old age home his mom lived in. He is a very protective boy, very courageous and very sweet. He is unusual, very smart and understands everything I say to him. I don't think that anyone understood him before I got him. He loved his real mommy very much, she was in a wheelchair and couldn't walk him, she is older (86) and isn't getting around well at all. Rusty never learned the word "NO". I got him right before his 6th birthday. He came into the animal hospital I work in as a bather. He was voluntarilly signed over. His mom couldn't care for him anymore. Well when I found out his story it broke my heart, because I think all pets should have forever homes. The first time I came in contact with Rusty he tried to bite me because I moved too fast. He is hand shy. He lets you pet him under the chin, but he is getting better about his quirks. He was at the hospital for a week before I decided I needed to see if he and my Mainecoon Holden Clawfield got along, There is a whole story about why I decided to take Holden when I moved out instead of my other cat Velouria Velveteen. But that's neither here nor there. At anyrate, Rusty and Holden are inmates. =) I only say that jokingly as these two boys are very spoiled. Rusty was raised by one woman, she was married but when she got Rusty his dad was dying in the hospital therefore he isn't a man's dog, he was not raised around men. My fiance is having a hard time gaining Rusty's trust. Rusty just wants to be with me, and sit in my lap CONSTANTLY! He ignores Brian and Brian ignores Rusty, this is the only way for them to get along, as they both show no affection toward eachother. I've tried to work with them both, having Brian give Rusty treats and taking him for walks, but Rusty is very stubborn and will only go potty for me. Rusty will usually take a treat from anyone, but he won't eat it, or will take it somewhere and eat it out of sight. It's been very strange getting to know Rusty and potty training him again, teaching him the word NO and so on. But without this dog, I would probably not be around as much, I was slipping back into my depression, not wanting to move or leave my apt, he is the reason I get up in the morning, he is the reason I haven't hurt myself or anyone else. This dog's love for me is unbelieveable. Rusty now eats special food for his coat since he is allergic to many different foods and even leather.

Rusty knows what I am telling him, whenever I talk to him, its like having the prodigy child, only hairy, low-riding and fat. Rusty's special diet has helped him over-all, lose weight, his skin and coat are amazing and he is my happy boy! I love Rusty, and I know he loves me.