Wow, is Rusty gorgeous -- the picture just don't do him justice.  Rusty is a Shepherd mix and a wonderful dog who is good with people and kids.  He loves to play, jump and go for walks.

Foster Update - 3/25/2011 - Rusty is one of the smartest dogs I have ever known.  If you take the time to get to know him, you can actually communicate with him with a nod of your head or a hand gesture and he knows exactly what you're trying to say.  I can hold up my right hand while sitting on the couch and he knows that means it's snuggle time. If he does something wrong I can just look at him and he will go lay down in his crate.  Rusty is a very dependent dog and needs a lot of love and affection.  He's very young at heart and loves to exercise and can be taken anywhere (parks, outdoor festivals, retaurant patios, etc.) with no problem. He's great off leash and comes when called.  He's also had basic obedience training and knows basic commands.  Rusty's been living with three other dogs and two cats and does great.  He likes to wrestle with the other dogs and the cats let him groom them! They will let him lick their ears and face until they're sopping wet!  Eww!  I'm not sure what his past situation was, but Rusty still crouches if you make sudden hand movements because he thinks he's going to be hit. Once he realizes you're playing though he's fine and loves to play.  One thing to note is that Rusty is heartworm positive.  HOWEVER, he had a VERY minor case and has been on heartworm preventative (which is PRBJ's  preferred method of treating the condition) and he's been symptom free for the past year.  All he needs is to be given preventative once a month and he's all set.  Rusty will do best in a home where the owner(s) have lots of time for him and can give him attention and exercise.  If he's left cooped up every day he will act out like many dogs will. He's great with kids, but would do better with kids ages 5-6 or older.