Rusty

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6/28/06: Picture two old guys sitting out front watching the traffic go by. Without speaking they look at one another and nod. Time to go in and get out of the heat. Both creak and groan as they get up. Together they waddle up the steps and disappear through the door. Been a tough day, now it's time to relax and have a treat!

Nine-year-old Rusty has been quietly enjoying the last month hidden away at Ye Olde Dudes Ranch. He and I especially enjoy a brisk workout before we sit out front and watch traffic. I throw a tennis ball about 10 feet away, Rusty looks at it, we both smile. There's nothing like a brisk workout in the summer heat to get your blood flowing.

Rusty came to RAGOM in horrible shape. Karen in South Dakota did a great job of cleaning him up. She passed him on to me to treat his ear infections, which are now cleared up. At first Rusty was distant and mildly afraid of strangers. He seemed very depressed.

Now Rusty is amazing! He's friendly, outgoing and loves being around people. He now lopes along up to 30 feet before he falls over exhausted! This gentle giant lives with a very pushy dog, 2 cats and 2 humans. He has never exhibited any signs of aggression. He's well behaved and knows several commands. On a good day, he'll obey most of them. He has only briefly been exposed to young teens, but had no problems with them.

Rusty is in pretty good health: he's overweight and suffers from buttacus giganticus. Yes, being big can have its disadvantages when getting up steps and into or out of cars. As long as he limits his intake of cake and ice cream, his mild diabetes doesn't seem to be a factor in his life.

If you love mountain climbing or running 10 miles getting ready for the next marathon, then Rusty probably isn't for you. Rusty would rather sit on the couch watching TV and share a bowl of good popcorn with his family. He loves to ride in the car, too. He usually plops his big ol' head on the back of the seat and just watches where he's been. It doesn't take much to entertain this big huggable Rust Bucket! He's been trying like crazy for three weeks to catch the little chipmunk who lives out front, but he's just not much of a hunter. I don't think he'd know what to do with it if he did catch it!

If you're looking for Laid-Back Lenny to join your household, then this peace-loving sweetheart is for you. Let Placement know you'd like to meet Rusty. Look for the two big fat guys out front watching traffic...