Adorable RUSTY is back! 
6 year old Doxi/Shelti/Pom mix
LOCATION: Pensacola FL 
NEEDS: Single female owner, only dog, fenced yard. 
HIGHLIGHTS: Housebroken, lap dog, affectionate, bite history. 
Rusty is a 6 year old, 12 pound Doxi/Shelti/Pom mix who was originally surrendered by a lady with medical issues. As her health declined Rusty became protective of his mom and was biting her adult son and the in-home nursing staff caring for her. We believe that had everything to do with his fear and confusion with that situation, but by now it is a learned behavior. We want to be clear that Rusty has not once bitten anyone in any of the three families that have fostered him during his time with us BUT he has been adopted and returned twice for biting. We know from our experience with him that this is manageable and workable, its just going to have to be the right person. A bonus would be someone who has experience with dogs that have fear biting and/or trust issues. We are continuing to work with him and evaluate him but have successfully adopted out dogs with his same issues before to people who understand how to work with them. What that means is that he needs somebody who can pay attention to his cues when he is scared or uncomfortable and give him space. 
Overall Rusty is a love muffin who likes affection and attention and is definitely a lap dog. He loves his people and is not going to be a dog who is happy alone for long periods of time. We think he will bond quickly with his new family. Rusty enjoys sitting with his foster mom and sleeping next to her on the big bed with other dogs. He is jealous of the attention that other dogs get and may be happiest as an only dog in the home, but would be fine with others too. Rusty has not been tested with cats and should not go to a home with children of any age. He can still be a bit skittish of quick movements that surprise him. We havent seen him play with toys yet, but he loves his treats and is front and center when its snack time! Rusty has good house manners and has not barked at all since coming into rescue. He is 100% potty trained, leash trained, and enjoys walks and rides in the car. We do want him to have a home with a fenced yard because he can get startled by unfamiliar situations and noises and with his history if he got loose and someone tried to catch him they might get bitten if he was scared. Rusty also loves being outside chasing geckos and butterflies and we dont want to take that joy away from him! 
Rusty has been to the vet for a wellness check, is up to date on shots, neutered, fecal and heartworm tested, has had a 12-month ProHeart heartworm prevention shot, and is microchipped with a lifetime registration. If you are looking for a cute fuzzy new best friend, and have experience with dogs with similar issues, Rusty may be the perfect dog for you! Submit an adoption application for review using the link below! Because he has a behavioral issue he is only adoptable within a 1 hour drive to Pensacola. 
https://form.jotform.com/212598760861062
We are located in Pensacola Florida. Applicants for Rusty should live within a 1 hour drive to Pensacola. 
*We are a foster-based rescue and do not have a facility. Our dogs live in private homes in and around the Pensacola area until they are adopted.
*To meet a dog or be considered for adoption you must first submit an adoption application for review. This does not obligate you to adopt a dog.
*Unfortunately we are unable to personally respond to every application. You are welcome to message us on our Facebook page to follow up on the status of your app.