Free To Roam Yet No Longer A Stray

Photo Resource: The Bark

Some of you may remember Rusty, the stray dog who eluded capture for three years. Well, now that he's recovered from his heartworm treatment, he will be going to a new home. It's located in Utah and is called Dogtown at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

Many of you may know about Best Friends since many of Michael Vick's pit bulls were sent there instead of being euthanized. Since Rusty did not feel comfortable around humans the way dogs should, they decided to send him to Dogtown. Although he is never vicious around humans, he's more himself around other dogs.

Dogtown only accepts less than 1 percent of the 2,000 applications it receives each month. This will be a fresh start for Rusty in a place where he can be safe and not worry about living life on the run.

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All Dogs Go To Heaven; Rusty's going to Utah
Rusty The Vagabond Dog

Let's Discuss!

Have you known a dog like Rusty? Have you heard about Dogtown?

Rusty The Vagabond Dog

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Photo: Chuck Berman

Considering October is Animal Adoption Month, I found this story very timely.

They Call Him The Wanderer

Earlier this week, I learned about Rusty. He is a stray dog who has been roaming around a Chicago suburb called Oakbrook since 2007. During this time, many people would approach him but he would always run away. However, one thing he wouldn't run away from was food. He would only want people food and had a particular palette. Some neighbors would even fix him steaks.

Since he wandered around various neighborhoods and the Follett Higher Education Group properties he never would let people close enough to him, even though he was a friendly dog. One day, he followed a family into their backyard and they were able to call the authorities.

What's next

Now that Rusty is recuperating at the Hinsdale Humane Society, it will be quite some time till he can get adopted. When he was first dropped off on September 20th, he was examined by the doctors and had tested positive for heartworm. His case was more serious therefore, he will have to be treated using chemotherapy.

Another obstacle for this evasive pooch is the time needed to teach him to be comfortable around humans. He is making strides but is not yet ready for adoption. Even though he isn't ready for adoption if any of you are considering a new dog for your household, please remember there are many healthy, loving dogs at the humane society dogs who are looking for a good home.

Let's Discuss!

Have you had a famous dog like Rusty in your neighborhood or hometown? How did the dog adjust to living in a family environment?

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Community Behind Rusty
The Hinsdale Humane Society
Steve Arfenbarker's Facebook Page

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Correction
I found out from a fellow reader that Rusty is not getting chemotherapy for his heartworm, however the treatments do tire him out as similar to chemotherapy. He will have a full recovery and will be up for adoption when he finished his heartworm treatment and socialization training.