Rusty-MA-adopted!

1/17/08 - Rusty Mountain Sunset - 10.5 years old is currently in a foster home in eastern MA. Area code 508. Unfortunately his family lost thier home and so far apartment living is not suiting Rusty. He lived with children since he was was adopted in 2001, two boys now age 10 and 16, a fenced yard would be best, was used to a stay at home Mom. Rusty Mountain Sunset (we've been calling him Mister but he does still know Rusty) Has all the basic commands down and will also heal during a walk (with an adult that is in control of the walk), he's such a good boy! Being an Irish, he would gladly let in the common criminal and be all to happy to see him. However, I have noticed in the past couple of years when the boys and I were alone, that he would have a low growl if he heard something outside that he was unsure the source. Gets along with all dogs and in the past six months even managed to live with a kitten. He's a lap dog, furniture boy, bed hog and very well behaved. LOVES car rides and the chance just to go anywhere with you. He has the best woo-woo! At our house, he would kick the door to go out and kick the door to come in. Loves laundry, clean or dirty. If he has access to the laundry room and can get outside, your unmentionables and anything else he can find of the person he is upset with will litter the yard. LOVES being outdoors, especially in the spring and fall. He self installed a figure eight race track in the backyard that went around the above ground pool. Baby pool a MUST! It serves two purposes - cooling and drinking. He lays right down and drinks at the same time. However, not at all a fan of the human pools. LOVES the boys - 10 yrs and 16 yrs old but he's a momma's boy. Give him a chance to walk to the car himself and you'll be searching high and low as that is the perfect escape opportunity. He always comes back but only when he's good and ready. Enjoys a little chicken broth on his food from time to time when he doesn't seem to be eating. I found that people food was hard on his stomach so only on a very rare occassion did he get a piece of cheese but that's it. He will do ANYTHING for cheese! When he comes around the dinner table it only takes me to tell him to "go lay down" and he will. When he's managed to get ahold of something without your permission, he will soon after bomb the room with his life threatening gas. He's used to someone being home with him all the time except for the times that there is a track meet, archery tournament, grocery shopping or other mini trips. 80% or more of his day is spent with someone home. Shakes like a very big baby at the vets and will put all fours out in front of him when he realizes he's there. Toilets make for nice water bowls, even when his bowl is full. He eats and drinks from a tall doggy table which we will send with him. He's not much for toys but there was a time he enjoyed them. My guess is the puppy stole them and he gave up. The stuffed animal toys wtih squeaker were his choice. He has only dry food. He is getting his naps in but will spring to life at the mention of a ride in the car or going outside, especially if you are going with him. His instincts tell him when you are sad and he's right there next to you. He cared for a woman who battled cancer and a bone marrow treatment. She lived with us during this time and he provided a small spot in the bed, a warm body, and endless love. Although his face is getting lighter, don't be fooled. He's very muscular due to his race track running (in the backyard). Mister is the BEST dog I have ever had and he did have big shoes to fill. He has always been ooohed and aaaaahed over, he's beautifully colored a rich mahogony. He is truly the sweetest love. Physical changes: he's getting fatty lumps on his rib cage area; there is a small growth coming from the corner of his left eye but is no longer growing in size; and there is a fleshy growth on his right hip area (best way to describe it is that it looks like rice pilaf or a small tongue). He doesn't seem to be effected by any of these imperfections. Mister was having a period of seizures that were becoming regular at every three months. It's been well over 8 months since his last, he may never have another. Bad behaviors: eating out of the cat litter box; stealing food from the counter or your plate if you leave the room; getting into the trash to dig through for selected items He does not have the patience for a younger child crawling on him, especially his stomach area. He is not the dominant dog if there is more than one - a lover not a fighter - very gentle. Dislikes: Nails being clipped - he bit me pretty hard the last time and will need it done professionally. Thunderstorms - he runs around the house howling and making a real scene panting and howling. Snow plow or any truck - if outside will bark quite a bit and chase it along the fence; if in side he will run to the window and bark quite loud as if he would eat the truck if he could (a real tough guy) Walking on wood floors or tile - he does get used to it but good luck getting him adjusted. An application, vet reference, home visit and a drive to MA a must to meet our dogs! Adoption fee required. To find out more about the Irish Setter breed, click here. To adopt, please submit an Adoption Application.