Rusty

The urgent call went out through the animal-lovers network. There was an 'unadoptable' Pekingese that was scheduled to be euthanized in 48 hours. The shelter had had him for several days, and had decided that he was unadoptable. That no one would want an over-weight senior Peke with a skin problem.

We couldn't resist. Only one little problem: the shelter was 400 miles away. And with the price of gas....who on earth would want to drive 800 miles in one day, to pick up a senior overweight dog? Answer: one of our devoted volunteers.

Rusty is now 'fat and happy' (Ok, Ok, so he was already fat:~) in foster care. He's been groomed/shaved and is now sporting a handsome lion's cut. He does look like he should be lounging at the base of some ancient statue.

During his vet check, and subsequent blood test, it was discovered that he has hypothyroidism, which will require an inexpensive pill every day for the rest of his life.

His foster mom loves him. She reports: 'He likes to play with his tennis ball. He plays for hours with the ball and if you stop, he talks to you to do it more. He likes to sit in daddy's chair and watch tv. he gets along great with other dogs and cats, would not do good in a house with kids, he has a sore back and he can not see very well. He loves toys, he likes to sleep in our bedroom. He is potty trained, knows how to sit, stay, sit pretty, lay down and several other commands I am discovering every day.'

UPDATE July 15, 2008: This guy is a real clown. His personality is really emerging. He'll grab a favorite toy and pester you until you throw it. He loves his squeeky dumbell, and will actualy fall asleep with it in his mouth.