Video: Rustie bopping around
Video: Rustie will move for treats
Video: Rustie would rather just sit
Video: Rustie moving slow
Rustie ~12-year old male Yellow Lab, Neutered
Background: Rustie was found as a stray and brought into the Stockton shelter. Even though he was microchipped, efforts to contact his owner were unsuccessful. Placed on the euth list at the shelter, the awesome "Hugs for Harry" rescue organization, https://www.hugsforharry.org/, scooped him up (along with several other dogs) and took him to their facility in Lafayette; they immediately contacted us to see if we would take Rustie into our program.
What our evaluator says about Rustie: Rustie is a very sweet old timer with a gentle disposition. I was able to rub him head to toe. Teeth don't look too bad and ears seem clear. He was indifferent to the other smaller dogs running about and was more than happy to go outside. Once I showed him his leash he was up and ready to go. He is fully house broken and rests easily in his kennel. He does have difficulty getting up and seems to have significant arthritis in his hips and his front left shoulder. He made it down three stairs once we headed outside. He was quite happy to go outside but ran out of gas quickly.
He is a very sweet old guy. Needs a proper diet promptly, and modern arthritis meds would be outstanding. From the videos you will see that he has a rather obvious limp. He also has 3 or 4 noticeable lumps. One as large as a half tennis ball. Whether the growths are limiting his mobility or it is plain old arthritis; only a vet would know. He may also have a bladder growth that is somewhat visible when he sits. Sucks that someone has not given him the diet and care he deserves. Other than his physical limitations, he is an affectionate and friendly dog.
What Rescue Rep Says: Our hearts go out to the old timers... that may have had a rough life. Rustie just needs to find a nice, comfortable place to relax and take it all in. Fine with other dogs. Probably okay with cats -- we just aren't certain. One easy walk per day would probably suffice. Minimal stairs and steps. Exercise/weight-management program definitely called for.
Medical: Neutered. Current on vaccinations. Microchipped. Clearly Rustie is overweight and likely dealing with some arthritis. He will be headed to our vet soon for a full check-up.
Located In: Lafayette
If you can foster Rustie, please contact Rescue Rep Dave at david.c.ely@sbcglobal.net
See other Labs Available