Rusty on the right

Update 4/11/09 -  Rusty is a 7 year old purebred chocolate Labrador Retriever.  Rusty's new family is sadly separating.  The wife has Rusty and will keep him until a permanent home can be found for him.  It is a very difficult decision for her was she has worked wonders with him.  He loves to sleep at her side and snuggle with the other dogs.  Rusty has had quite a journey in his life and we can GRRF would love to see him find his "forever" home. His mom has this to say about Rusty 6 newly named Russ is a middle-aged gentleman, a purebred chocolate Labrador who wants nothing more than a couch to lay on, a couple meals a day, and someone who will play ball and love him. If he could go swimming in the summer , have a dog companion, and never have to live outside again, life would be perfect for Russ. He came from a neglect situation, was severely underweight when he came to GRRF, but his blood work and hip x-rays were normal - in fact his hips looked "great." He is very good in the house, preferring to hang out with people but content to lie quietly in his bed or on a comfy sofa.He is crate-trained and doesn't mind being in his crate when needed. Russ loves other dogs and is very social; he's very good with puppies or small dogs too. Rides in the car are a highlight of his life and he travels very well. He likes to play ball and tug-of-war but really isn't into "working for a living" as a retriever. He knows a little basic obedience, such as "sit," and he's well-behaved on the leash. He would be the perfect companion dog for a retired person or a fun addition to a home with kids - he just seems to fit in any where. His foster person will work with the adopter to help get Russ settled into his new home. For information about Russ, you can call his foster person directly at 460-8590

 UPDATE 6/14/08

  Rusty went to a new foster home for the weekend while Susan went to the Golden Fun Day in Anchorage.  Clare and Chris Latty did a fantastic job babysitting Rusty.  Their adopted GRRF dog Moose on the left and Rusty got along well.  Rusty had a blast swimming and retrieving.  However,  He always wanted Moose's bumper.  Rusty has completely filled out and all his hair has grown back.  He finally has his new coat that is very dark and luxurious chocolate.  Rusty's obedience is getting quite good and he is good off lease especially if you have a ball or a bumper.  Rusty is a very happy and kind, smaller sized lab with loads of personality and love to offer!!

Rusty got a great home with another foster couple.  Their dogs adored Rusty and fit right in. 

4/4/07   Rusty 6 (the sixth Rusty we've had) is a 5 yr old, purebred chocolate Labrador Retriever.  He was relinquished with his son Buddy 9.  His owner was his breeder.  Due to a series of unfortunate events, his owner has had to keep the dogs outside this winter and they haven't done well.  He called GRRF concerned that he couldn't provide the vet. care or attention that they needed.  Both dogs were severely underweight and had skin conditions.  He has a female yellow Lab that is Buddy's Mom and she looked great.  Her coat was normal and she had good weight.  GRRF is helping the owner with her spay and vet bills and he is keeping her and she will return to being a housedog. GRRF will check in her in the future to see how things are going.  The owner is very grateful for this help.  He has had her for 7 years.  Buddy and Rusty were examined and bloodwork was done, both were normal.  Rusty was bathed with medicated shampoo and had a old wound on his right hip sutured up.  His hips were x-rayed and look great.  Now two months have gone by and Rusty has gained weight and his coat is gorgeous.  The hair around his eyes is almost completely grown in.  Rusty is very good with other dogs and has learned to be a very good house dog.  He had breed a few times so his marking behavior took some time after his neuter to go away but now his doing great!  Rusty loves to retrieve and can play ball all day.  He is very calm in the house and is crate trained. Rusty is very loving and adores attention.    Very handsome gentleman!!

Rusty was adopted to a military family and was doing very well. The husband took him out to run and swim on Eielson but then he deployed and the wife runs a daycare.  Rusty is restless and not comfortable around a lot of children.  They reluctantly relinquished him back to GRRF.

  If you are interested please email us at info@grrf.org