WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Rusty, a senior dog once confined to a small, dirty pen in North Carolina for nearly a decade, is now living his best life in sunny West Palm Beach.
CBS12 News previously reported on Rusty’s rescued by PETA and his journey to West Palm Beach to be with his new owner, Hannah Caldwell. Now, almost four months later, the two are giving CBS12 News a pup-date on how they’re doing.
Caldwell said she was drawn to Rusty after seeing his story on PETA’s website. “I’ve always wanted a rescue dog,” she said. “I finally got my own house and definitely just wanted to give him a better life. I love senior dogs.”
PETA estimates Rusty is between 10 and 12 years old, and for years he was monitored by PETA field workers after he was found tethered to a tiny dirt pen.
She encourages others to consider adopting from PETA or other shelters. “I didn’t even know that PETA had adoptable dogs,” Caldwell said. “They covered his heartworm treatment. Definitely adopt, don’t shop.”
Since adopting Rusty in mid-August, Caldwell said she has noticed a change in his personality. “He’s definitely gotten more outgoing,” she said. “He loves going for car rides and is hoping he’s going to get a pup cup.”
See also: Six dogs spotlighted for adoption as Okeechobee shelter reduces fees to $20
Caldwell said Rusty has brought more love into her life. “Having someone to come home to and something to take care of, he’s so sweet,” she said.
Interested in learning more about her dog, she submitted Rusty’s DNA to be tested and it turns out he is mainly Chow Chow and Labrador Retriever.
With the holiday season approaching, Caldwell said her family will visit, bringing their dogs for Rusty to play with, a stark contrast to his life before. “He loves other dogs,” Caldwell said. “He’s great with dogs and gets really excited whenever he sees one.”
Caldwell described Rusty as “very goofy, very silly,” with “the silliest facial expressions.” She said teaching him new tricks is going well. “He’s very food motivated,” she said. “He knows how to sit, shake, and lay down.”
Rusty is proving that even an old dog can learn new tricks and find happiness in a loving home.
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