First Update on Rusty:

Rusty1 It's been almost a week here for Rusty. He's doing just fine! He and Kila (our German Shepherd) are getting along very well. Kila is a sweetheart and was very afraid of other dogs, but really has adapted well to Rusty moving in. We've been very careful to be fair and share the attention. Rusty and Kitty basically ignore each other for the most part. Kitty thinks he's a dog anyhow.

We had a couple of moments with Rusty and his little issues. I found that besides his possesive tendencies, he has a little temper and it has probably gotten him his way a few times and maybe even gotten him hurt in the past. We gently and firmly let him know that he cannot win these tantrums and so far, his attitude is changing from "he owns us" to we own, love, respect and care for him". Now he backs down to a sharp "HEY" and a pointed finger. Once he backs down, and is calm, he's praised and everyone is happy.

He has lots of toys and chews. I got him his own, but he and Kila like to take each other's, thinking the other one has better stuff. The same with their seperate food and water bowls. Big Kila sure looks silly eating from the little cat dish I gave Rusty! He gets to sleep on a comfy, warm water bed with us and Kitty, Kila on her comforter next to us. Once he finally gets a bath, he will be more pleasant to be next to though! Some breath busters will help too!

I was able to cut off a few of his biggest mats. It wasn't easy. A little bit of cooked ground turkey and persistance helped, but that didn't last long. He is going with me to grooming class this Monday night. I already warned people! I think he'll do just fine. Its the people I'm worried about!

All in all, he is an adorable, lovable, sweet dog underneath his issues. He seems to be very happy with us. There's lots of dogs around us and there's always a barkfest going on. I like the fact that they warn us of people being around. Of course they must look at Rusty and laugh, but Kila is definately looks threatening, even through she's a creampuff and would lick them to death and Rusty would take their ankles off!

I'll keep you informed of his progress. Thanks for letting me adopt him. I'm sure he feels the same!

Another quick update - Rusty went to grooming class with me Monday. He wasn't that bad, but he was quite disgruntled and definately protested. We got him shaved in a "generic terrier" clip. Can't believe how tiny he looks! Anyhow, next week at class he'll be bathed and trimmed. No one will know he is the same dog! He's going to the vet next week for a checkup. He's really quite a character! He knows quite a few commands already too. He likes to do tricks - especially for treats! He loves to play with other dogs and he's very friendly to people too. I'm hoping to bring him to Petco to say hello soon. But after he's finished. He looks a little raggedy right now!

How Rusty Is Settling In:

Rusty5

Just another update on our friend Rusty. Will try to make it short!

Rusty went to the vet a few weeks ago. Got the heartworm shot. He has a problem with his left eye though. I thought it was an injury, but the doc says the spot on the cornea is because he doesn't close his eye all the way and it dries in that spot. He is talking surgery to reconstruct his eye if it doesn't go away. I have to put artificial tears in the eye when he's going to be sleeping for a long period of time (at night). I hope that will eventually make it go away. I hate to have to put him through a traumatic surgery! Plus, my wallet doesn't have enough in it for something like that. It he needs it, maybe there's some laser thing that can be done instead. Plus, he HATES eyedrops! I got a nasty bite trying to put it in. Luckily, the tears come in a gell that I can put on a clean finger and sneak in his eye while patting him. He's not dumb though and KNOWS when I'm going to do it and he does growl, so have to be careful!

Anyhow, we finished clipping and trimming him and I can't believe he's the same dog that was in Rusty2the picture on the website! He has the terrier cut and only has long hair on the face and tail. He was VERY good for the bath and final trimming. The class couldn't believe it was the same dog! I did what they said couldn't be done! And I keep his face washed and combed because of those nasty tear stains. His tail too so it doesn't mat up. We make a game out of it while watching tv because he doesn't get all stressed out and angry enough to bite - since I can't muzzle him because I'm combing out the muzzle!Rusty3

So he's still doing great here. We had a few knock down, drag out fights, but he has definately mellowed out. We are working on the housebreaking. I'm getting a good idea of when he needs to go out. Lots of praise, excitement and treats for all when he does go poo outside! Keeping an eye on him before he goes helps to catch him too before he does his deed. The bathroom is his usualplace, so when he heads in there, it's time to get out and see if he needs to go. It's harder during the week, but at least it's only in the one room. I know little dogs can't hold it like big ones!

Rusty4So I am totally in love with my little friend! Since he's been doing all that chewing and thanks to Breathbusters, he's kissable now! When we first got him he had nasty breath! He'll stay nice and clean inside and out now! He's adorable and loveable. He likes people, other dogs and cats. I think he's a great little dog! He will probably always have a few little quirks, but we know what they are and we know him. Like people, all dogs have their personalities and are individuals. Rusty is Rusty and we wouldn't have him any other way!

 

About Sweetpea

We are a non-profit, no-kill animal welfare organization, dedicated to the rescue, care and placement of stray, abandoned and surrendered animals.

 

Contact Us

Please contact Dick Clark, the animal control officer, for an appointment to meet with any of our pets.

   Sweetpea F.O.R. Animals
   PO Box 897
   Rutland, MA 01543
   Phone: 508-886-6191 or toll free: 
   866-970-PETS (866-970-7387)
   Email: D20havedogs@aol.com
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