How big? Smaller side of medium
How old? Adult (around 3-4 years)
Male or female? Male
Living with kids? I can live with children
Living with dogs? I can live with female dogs
Resident dog required? No
Living with cats? I’ve not been tested with cats
Where can I live? I’d like a calm home with a little garden
Where am I from? Cyprus

About Rusty

Rusty is a soft natured, affectionate dog who has found shelter life particularly difficult. Originally picked up as a stray, Rusty spent a short time in foster care before being moved into the shelter once space became available. Unfortunately, the transition has been tough for him. He has shown clear signs that he is not coping well with the high-stress environment, and we believe he was once someone’s companion. He seems very much like a dog who knows what it is to live in a home and has struggled significantly with the loss of that comfort.

In the kennel environment, Rusty finds it hard to switch off. He paces, pants, and struggles to fully relax. However, outside the noise and adrenaline of shelter life, he’s a different dog. On walks or when receiving some calm, 1-2-1 attention, he is so much calmer – affectionate, relaxed and eager for fuss. He has formed strong bonds with the shelter volunteers and lights up when given the chance for interaction.

There was a bit of a turning point when Rusty was paired with a calm female dog at the shelter. The companionship made a noticeable difference. He adored her, and her presence gave him comfort and helped ease his anxiety. Sadly for him, she has now been adopted, and Rusty is once again alone, missing the friendship and stability he had found.

Rusty gets on very well with female dogs, particularly those with a calm and balanced temperament. He is more selective with males and can find it difficult to read their signals, so if joining a home with another dog, a gentle female companion would be ideal. He is also lovely with children and has formed a particularly sweet bond with the three year old daughter of one of the shelter staff. The two spend time together in the yard playing and cuddling, and Rusty has shown how kind and trustworthy he is with her.

We believe Rusty will flourish in a calm, understanding home environment. He needs an adopter who is willing to take things at his pace and support him with building confidence, basic training and ongoing socialisation. A quieter household, ideally with access to a secure garden and away from busy urban areas, would be best suited to his needs.

Rusty is a special dog who simply needs the right setting to return to his true self. With a gentle approach and plenty of reassurance, he has all the potential to become a devoted and loving companion. He truly deserves the chance to shine and we hope someone out there can give him the home he’s looking for.