Rusty's Happy Tail

 
Rusty as a NACHS shelter dog #119


I saw Rusty on Brett Brinegar's Facebook page after I had just friended her. We had not seen each other for twenty years.Rusty's picture broke my heart. He had been there for so long, and Sandi had tried everything to get him a home.


"Sad Rusty" picture taken by Sandi Geoghegen then placed on Brett Brinegar's Facebook page.


We had lost our 12 year old shepherd recently, and didn't think we could find another dog that would love our children the way she did. Boy, was I wrong. I couldnt get him off my mind, so I decided to go get him. Sandi, Roy, and her sweemom met me at the shelter. I was so touched by the love and dedication they have for these animals. You could tell the staff loved Rusty ,too, and so wanted to save him. Any fears I had about getting a HUGE male dog were gone by the time I got to Hattiesburg. Rusty put big ole head on my shoulder and stayed like that all the way home.He is a gentle giant, and treats my kids and our smaller dogs like he is their mother, licking them from head to toe, and protecting them.My 5 pound pekingnese sleeps on hjs neck, a.d he wont move anything but his eyes until she decides to wake up and move.



 He has become a great guard dog, very ferocious when someone drives up, but as soon as I invite them in and tell him it's ok,  he licks them to death! I took him to a nursing home, and I was so proud of him! He still loves to jump on us wrapping his paws around us like a bear and licking us. We allow this because we love it, and did I mention we spoil him? Well, he knew these  people were fragile, and not once did he try to jump on them. He would sit by them, and lay his huge head on their lap. I was in awe watching him. He behaved like a trained therapy dog. All I have taught him so far  is sit, shake, speak ,and wave. He could tell they couldnt handle rough treatment. It was amazing to watch him. He never even tried to put his paw on them. A 94 year old man said he had a hunting dog in the 1940s that Rusty reminded him of. Rusty would nudge his nose under the man' s hand if he stopped stroking him. I dont know who enjoyed the visit more, Rusty or the seniors! Because of his gentle ,calm, nature, and love of affection, I know he would be a wonderful therapy dog. Rusty was in heaven with all the attention he got. How someone could abandon him, I will never understand.Shelter dogs make the best pets,, because they are so grateful for a home and your love. Someone told me they dont adopt from shelters because those dogs are not sweet or enjoy being petted. That couldnt be farther from the truth! Shelter dogs are like your shadow. They dont want to ever be away from you. You cant give Rusty enough affection. He wants to be in the bed with us at all times, or have at least one of us stroking him. Every shelter dog I have ever had has been like that. Mix breeds are healthier, smarter, and have less temperament problems that puppy mill dogs can have. You will find purebreds at any shelter if that is what you want. As a matter of fact, this man at the nursing home said that Rusty is a purebred Catahoula Leopard Dog, just like his Solomon was. He even showed me his webbed feet.  He says these are the best hunting dogs in the world. Well, I didnt have the heart to tell him, but Rusty wont hurt a fly! Please remember, this is borrowed from Sandi G., " Adopt, dont Shop!" I know Rusty being with us was meant to be, and I am so grateful to Sandi G., Brett, and Natchez Shelter for saving this very special dog. He is our heart!
Robin Shutze