Rusty's Story (cont'd)

Within 30 seconds of being in the car, Rusty showed his domineering tendencies. He jumped into Lauren’s lap. Terrified, Lauren would not dare attempt to move him.  On the way home, we reviewed Rusty’s records. Rusty had been raised in a loving family for his first 4 years and was adopted out only when a daughter developed an allergy.

His vet records were comprehensive. There was no indication of viciousness. However, we learned that Rusty was hearing impaired. That explained the response when approached from the rear. Although available, the original adoptive family had apparently not reviewed the medical records. When we arrived home, “vicious” again showed his domineering personality by exploring the entire household. He was accepted by the other dogs immediately. There was no snarling or gnashing of teeth. That night, the dominant one hopped into bed and proceeded to lay across our chests. When we were completely terrorized, he left us, went to our son’s room and repeated the pattern. Rusty had conquered us!

In 20 years of rescue, we have never had a foster dog adapt to our house so easily. After 2 days, we knew. Rusty (now Russell) was just too “vicious” to be put up for adoption. We called the rescue chairperson and applied to adopt the vicious dog. We simply could not put this dangerous dog up for adoption again.

Russell is now a full member of our family. He continues his dangerous tendencies. Every night as we get ready for bed, he drops his plastic chew bone at my feet.  For a full five minutes every night I endanger my life by engaging in the “Russell wrestle.” He snarls, grunts, and growls while I rub him, all the while the tail wagging. We have simply been conquered by Rusty the conqueror.

The Lundin Family