Gusty 05-131

Profile

Gusty came to Ragom from Duluth, Minnesota. Gusty's family had a change of circumstances that no longer allowed them to take care of him. He was put into our care so he can find another family that will love him as much as his last family. Gusty came from a breeder as a puppy, sight unseen, and the family was not able to see the parents or the conditions he came from. Gusty has some of the classic behaviors of a puppy mill dog; shy around people, easily scared of things, and much more comfortable around dogs than around humans. BUT - Gusty is a beautiful, gentle dog who make some family very happy to have him be part of their family. Is that family going to be you.............?

At a Glance #05-131

Breed not specified Born: September 2005
Male Weight not specified

Status: Adopted

Profile

Gusty came to Ragom from Duluth, Minnesota. Gusty's family had a change of circumstances that no longer allowed them to take care of him. He was put into our care so he can find another family that will love him as much as his last family. Gusty came from a breeder as a puppy, sight unseen, and the family was not able to see the parents or the conditions he came from. Gusty has some of the classic behaviors of a puppy mill dog; shy around people, easily scared of things, and much more comfortable around dogs than around humans. BUT - Gusty is a beautiful, gentle dog who make some family very happy to have him be part of their family. Is that family going to be you.............?

Updates

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

I am ecstatically happy for our dear Gusty! He was adopted today by two super people and is getting Boomer (n/k/a Kooper) 03-315 as his new brother!!! Boomer and Gusty remind me so much of each other. They are both gentle, beautiful animals that will enjoy each other’s company. Boomer was a scared, puppy mill dog when he was adopted by Paul and Joyce one year ago and you should see him now. His coat is beautiful, he even came up to be petted and he loves doggy company. Gusty will be in doggy heaven and couldn’t ask for a more perfect home.

Joyce, Kooper, Gusty & Paul

Wednesday, June 1, 2005

We’ve been enjoying having Gusty at our home. He has free run of the house with my three dogs during the day and is a perfect gentleman. He might find a shoe or two if you don’t pick your things up and put them away, but that’s really our fault, not his. We went to an obedience class last week just to see how he would do. He was nervous, particularly when the door opened and closed, but everyone loved him. The trainers all sat with him and talked about what a sweet, gentle dog he is. We made sure it was a fun adventure for him with lots of treats and pets, didn’t really ask him to do much regarding actual training, just wanted him to learn that he didn’t need to be scared. By the end of class, he was relaxed, lying by my feet. We’ve been working on “sit”. I don’t know what happened in his previous home, but asking him to sit, he turns in a circle and looks over his shoulder as he is placing his butt down, then wants to roll over into the submissive, don’t hurt me position. Poor baby. In the past few days, I’ve been able to get him to sit without rolling over, he still has to look around while he is getting in position, but we’re getting there. He can be a bit barky at the neighbors if they are outside, but he stops when asked and usually comes when called. He enjoys chasing tennis balls, not sure yet about bringing it back all the way to you, so I fetch as much as he does. He loves lying on the couch and watching tv with my husband or one of the dogs. He will be someone’s best friend.

Thursday, April 28, 2005

Poor Gusty's had a rough week. He started it off with an ear infection, went on to be neutered, and then yesterday had to ride all the way from Virginia to the Cities and start all over again in a new home. He's pretty resilient, though. And such a sweety! He is rather shy when first meeting people, and it took awhile for him to let me walk up to him, but only one day later has him following me all over the house.

It doesn't seem as though Gusty's had much of a playful life up to now, but I'm sure he'll learn. My own pooch is already well on her way to (impatiently) teaching him how to play "you chase me, I chase you", but when I threw a ball for him, he looked at it in interest and then looked at me as if to say "now what?" Obedience school is a must, if only to teach him how to be a dog! But a gentler, sweeter boy I never hope to meet. When my Gypsy rather rudely displayed her displeasure at having an intruder in her house, he simply walked away. No aggression issues here!

My first impression (after having him only a day) is that Gusty would do well either as an only dog or in a house with another dog who's not too pushy. From earlier reports it sounds like he'll stick up for himself, but would really rather not, and can be bossed around easily. He loves my fenced in yard and walks well on a lead, though pulls a little bit. I doubt he'd have any trouble around kids, besides maybe being a little intimidated by them, but he seems to adapt pretty quickly. More to come as I get to know him a little more!