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American Eskimo Dog / Shetland Sheepdog Sheltie : : Male (neutered) : : Adult : : Small
Learn more about the American Eskimo Dog. Learn more about the Shetland Sheepdog Sheltie.
Woof! My name is Rustie. I'm a 4-year old miniature-sized American Eskimo male who stands 14 to 15 inches tall and weighs 18 pounds. My foster parents are trying to help me gain some weight because I was so undernourished before I got here. (I'm kind of a picky eater though, which may be partly why I'm so skinny.) I came to my foster parents' house with my friend, Punkin, who is also listed on this website. Everyone thinks I'm a "Finnish Spitz," which is a variation of the American Eskimo, because my fur has hints of rust color throughout. I look mostly like an Eskie, though some people think I might have some Sheltie in me. I think I'm rather adorable, and I make a nice contrast to all the white fluffy dogs around here. At least my foster mommy knows it's me when I'm playing with the pack! I'm recently neutered, current on all my vaccinations, heartworm negative and on heartworm, flea and tick prevention. I'm learning all kinds of things here--the first is house training, and I'm doing really well with this. My foster mommy had her doubts at first, but I showed her! With some routine and supervision, I'm proving to be the best little boy ever! I walk well on a leash and I'm learning other manners, like "sit" and "come" when I'm called. Considering that no one ever tried to teach me anything before, I think I'm doing great--and so do my foster mommy and daddy! Punkin and I were badly neglected in our previous life. I have some boo boos on my legs that show signs of abuse, which is why my foster mommy took pictures looking down at me. While my "owies" are mending, I don't want them to show (and I don't even want to remember them once they've healed up!). My foster parents are working hard to get me into tip-top shape. They just took me in for a doggie dental to bring back my sparkly white Eskie smile. I lost a few of my pearly whites during the cleaning, and to lose them at only 4 years of age shows how poor my diet was. I used to be kept in a crate all the time, and now I'm learning that being out of the crate is so much FUN--WHEEEEEE!!! I'm a real ladies' man and will go right up to women and hide behind them and peek around their legs! I LOVE to be petted and brushed, and spoiled and fussed on. If you do that, I will give you the sweetest, gentlest little kisses on your nose! :o) I'm a "Velcro dog," and nothing makes me happier than just being with you! I take a little extra time to warm up to male humans, as I was most likely beaten by a man. If there's a man in your life that will be fine, as long as he takes his time with me and understands that it's nothing personal. I just have to learn to trust again, so I will need someone who will be patient with me, and then I will love you ever so sweetly. I work well with clicker training and treats--oh boy, did someone say TREATS?!! I am responding really well to training that uses positive reinforcement, and there's no need to raise your voice to me, because that just scares me more. I just love my stuffed "Kong" toys. My foster mom freezes the treats that have peanut butter inside them, and that keeps me busy for awhile! I can have some fun with my Kongs and then nap while she's at work. I'm a good boy--I bark a little, but as I'm getting more relaxed here, I'm much better in the noise-making department! I don't chew or destroy things, but I am still in training, so I shouldn't have total freedom yet. It's best to pet-gate me in carpet-free zones for now. Because I'm such a gentle little boy and am still getting used to a healthy, social atmosphere, it might be best if I were in a home without children. We don't know about cats, but we don't think that will be a problem. An adult home that is peaceful and quiet would probably work best for me. If you're interested in me and would like more information, please contact Leah at: leah@eskierescuersunited.org or feel free to e-mail my foster mommy and daddy directly at: kim@eskierescuersunited.org. Better yet, you can go to our web site at: www.eskierescuersunited.org and fill out an adoption application for me! There is an adoption fee required, and whenever possible Eskie Rescuers United tries to adopt out its dogs locally (or at least to adopters in adjoining states to where I'm being fostered). Please note that ERU processes LOCAL adoption applications before considering those from out of state. I'm in Palm Beach Gardens, FL with my foster mommy and daddy, Kim and Jeff. To get me to you, we can do what's called an "Eskie Railroad," which is a group of volunteer drivers who will each drive a certain portion of the transport. (We always ask that you, as the adopter, help out by taking the final leg.) If I'm not local to you, as explained above, and you really have your heart set on me, you may have to make special arrangements so ERU can get me to you safely (for example, flying me to you at your own expense, or paying a transport group to drive me to you). Also, please be aware that Eskie Rescuers United will not adopt out its dogs as outdoor dogs. Thank you and WOOF! Rustie
Eskie Rescuers United
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