Most adopters choose the sweetest or calmest dog at a shelter, but Laura and her husband took a completely different approach.
Rusty had been labeled aggressive and was not the easiest dog to manage. Even so, something about him immediately captured Laura’s heart.
He reminded her of their late German Shepherd, Cane, and from the moment she saw him, she felt that Rusty was meant to be part of their family.
From Stray Life To Shelter Pup
Rusty did not resemble a typical German Shepherd. With floppy ears and a reddish coat, he had never known the comfort of a real home. He had been found as a stray and taken to a shelter in Miami-Dade County, Florida.
After recently losing Cane, Laura and her husband were unsure if they were ready for another dog. That changed when a friend working at the shelter sent them a picture of Rusty.
His resemblance to Cane was undeniable. One look was all it took for them to feel certain that Rusty belonged with them.
“We probably needed him as much as he needed us.”
In the beginning, Rusty struggled to understand his new environment. Having never lived with a family, he approached everything with caution. Laura and her husband knew that patience and consistency would be essential.
They soon learned that Rusty was afraid of cars, a behavior that revealed parts of his past as a street dog. With steady routines and gentle reassurance, things slowly began to improve.
“Once Rusty had a bedtime and a routine, he really got into his groove, and he stopped acting out and really started just loving more, and it was just amazing,” said Laura.
A Deep Bond With His New Dad
Although Laura was the one who started the adoption process, she quickly found herself becoming the “third wheel.” Rusty bonded very closely with his new dad and followed him everywhere he went.
Watching a big dog like Rusty curl up beside his dad is both sweet and amusing. The funniest part is that he barely pays attention to Laura at all.
Every night at exactly 10 P.M., Rusty goes to bed with his dad, happily snuggling beside him. Their nightly routine has become a cherished part of his new life.
A Full House Of Friends
Rusty is not the only animal in the home. He lives alongside Slayde, another dog, and two cats named Logy and Lylu.
Together, they have formed a peaceful and loving group. While Rusty was shy at first, this “Miami German Shepherd” has grown into a gentle, patient, and affectionate companion.
Rusty continues to learn new tricks every day. He practices fetching and enjoys playful sessions outside with his dad. With time, he will master everything he tries.
What matters most is that he is now a loyal and loving member of the family who cares deeply for his mom, dad, and animal siblings.
“You are so loved. You don’t have to worry again. You are safe. You have a home. You have a place with people who love you.”
To follow Rusty’s adventures, visit Laura’s Instagram page and keep up with all of his adorable moments.