Age & Sex: 2 yr. old Male	UTD: Yes
Weight: 65 lbs.	Other Dogs: Yes
Color: Brindle	Cats: Yes
Ears: Natural	Children: Under 7: No   Over 5:  Yes
Tail: Docked	Professional Training Required: No
Neutered: Yes	Microchipped: Yes
Owner Surrender	Location: Westbrook, CT
Adoption Donation $300

8/07 - Rusty has been adopted.

8/12/07 - Rusty is pending adoption

7/21/07 - Rusty is in a new foster-to-adopt home and we wish them luck.

6/23/07 - Rusty is doing very well. He is such a sweet boy and has a very gentle temperament.  I think he's settled into our routine, and loves that he has kids to follow around all day.  The only issue we are still dealing with is his occasional dominant behavior - jumping, nipping at the kids' feet, pinning Jack down - which is not surprising given his age and that is not neutered.  But we have found that if you call him on his behavior and correct him, he'll usually fall right in line.  He is still wearing his leash in the house all the time, and this seems to remind him to behave.  Most of the time a stern "No, Rusty!" will stop him. We are really determined to nip these behaviors right in the bud, because he is so well-behaved 99 percent of the time.  And I don't believe there is one aggressive bone in this dog's body - he just needs to learn his place in the pack.
But really, Rusty is a dog that just wants to hang out with his family and to please.  My 4-year-old picked out a rubber kong toy for him, and he has a great time throwing it up in the air and chewing it.  He is very good about only chewing his toys and leaving the kid's stuff alone.  We are really enjoying him.

6/17/07 - I can't believe that we have had Rusty for one week already.  He is such a sweet boy and seems to be adjusting very well to our household.  I don't even know where to start on his good qualities because he has so many! I cannot believe how calm he is for a two-year-old un-neutered male.  He does enjoy a good romp around the yard, and following the kids around in their activities.  He's been very good about letting our 7-year-old walk him, without pulling him all over.  The kids enjoy getting him to sit before handing over treats.
Wolfgang and Rusty seem to be sorting things out.  We do use the "leave him" command with Rusty quite a bit.  And sometimes we just shut Wolfgang in our bedroom (a place he often lounged pre-Rusty to escape the kids), so he can sleep in peace.
Rusty has had two big tests this week.  We took him in the car to pick the kids up from school last week and he seemed to enjoy the ride and did very well in the car.  And then we had some friends over today, and he did very well with everyone and was very polite.  He's such a love and he really seems to enjoy just hanging out with us (and we are really enjoying him too!)
So everyone' doing great, and we're just waiting to hear about bringing him for his vet visit and neutering (which I am looking forward to getting over with as I have fears that he will escape and impregnate someone's prize poodle!) Although I have to say, the owner was right when he said Rusty doesn't chance squirrels. This dog doesn't seem to have any interest in chasing anything.  We had someone working in our driveway and Rusty barked a bit, but we said "Stay" and he didn't move.  I couldn't believe it. 

6/14/07 - I tell you, Rusty is one amazing dog!  He really started to settle in on Monday and is just doing better every day.  He is so well behaved -  he has just made himself at home with us and follows us everywhere around the house and yard.  He spent the morning following my 1-year-old all around our playscape.  Jack went up the gangplank - Rusty followed, Jack went into the fort - Rusty gamely followed along. At one point Jack was holding Rusty's collar and leading him around the yard, and that dog just took in all in stride and allowed himself to be walked all around.  It was so cute.  He also listens very well and follows commands easily and quickly.  He is just such a sweet boy!
Rusty and Wolfgang are still working things out, but I think we're headed in the right direction.  I feel bad, because Rusty really, really wants to play and get Wolf engaged, and Wolf is a cranky old man who wants to be left alone.  Rusty is not aggressive at all, he's just persistent in wanting to play. Luckily, Rusty also loves running around after the kids, so he gets to have some fun.
I was a bit skeptical that we would be able to find another dog as wonderful as our first BAR boxer, Ty, but Rusty is quickly endearing himself to everyone and he really is a dream dog. I can imagine that it's only going to get better.  Thank you so much for sending him to us.

6/10/07 - Rusty arrived Saturday and he is doing great!  He is a gorgeous brindle boy with a white chest and paws. And what a wonderful dog - you can tell that he was well-loved and cared for at his former home.  He has a great temperament - he's very calm for a two-year old, but he is also playful without getting aggressive or out-of-control.  Rusty clearly loves children and has been enjoying the attention of our 1-, 4- and 7-year-old boys.  He seems very eager to please everyone and follows basic commands, such as sit, down and come.
Saturday he seemed quite anxious and confused, but who can blame him for that.  Saturday night was also a bit tough as he didn't sleep much. But today (Sunday), he seemed a bit more settled and seemed to enjoy following us around everywhere and joining in with our activity.  He also had the kids running around with him all day, so hopefully he'll sleep better tonight.
Our only problem so far is that Rusty really wants to play with Wolfgang, our 13 year-old Lahsa-Shitzu mix, and Wolf does not want any part of this.  Rusty is not aggressive with him at all, he's just trying to get him engaged, but it causes Wolfgang to bark and growl continuously.  So, we're just keeping and eye on them and hoping things will smooth out. Rusty is really a great dog, and we feel very lucky to have him here.