"Rusty" is a female Australian Kelpie, around 4 years old. This gentle and very sweet girl has been sitting unnoticed at the Yolo County (Woodland, CA) Animal Shelter for quite a while. When we learned about her, we we couldn't believe she hasn't been adopted, except that no one knows that this gem is there! She very much wants to please, and needs someone who appreciates how smart, devoted and loving Kelpies can be. Rusty walks nicely on leash, as seen in this video: https://youtu.be/hKsZWWPnteM. As a young adult working breed, she still likes to play and needs daily exercise, as seen at this video link: https://youtu.be/Cf6PhBU1ckE
She would do best in a calm, adult-only home, where her person is active and can give her the physical and mental activity she needs. We recently learned that when she bonds with a person, she loves and prizes them so much that she will try to protect and guard them from others. She is also not be comfortable with the loud noises or sudden movements. For these reasons, she should not be in a home with children. As a girl with a soft personality, she is fine with other friendly, easy going dogs. She is not comfortable if a dog is pushy or in her face.
We don't know her past, but Rusty is much more comfortable meeting women than men. Once she learns that someone is fine and will not harm her, she will warm up and become your best friend. Rusty may initially not approach, especially men she doesn't know. She needs someone who understands her worry about new people and who will give her the space and time to observe and approach you when she is ready. Once she realizes who her new person is, she will blossom and offer all the love in her heart. Because of her desire to protect her person, she needs someone who has experience working with dogs to socialize her and teach her to expand her trust of others. Until she learns that she doesn't need to guard her person, Rusty would do best living with a single person in a quiet environment.
Her sweetness shines in this video: https://youtu.be/SGpnIoJ-v44
If you would like to meet Rusty or have questions about her, please contact Yolo County Animal Services: Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (530) 668-5287 (choose a # option to speak with someone).
