Video: A Retirement Party—for a Dog? Rescued Senior Dog Gets New Life in Florida
For nearly ten years, PETA fieldworkers visited Rusty in a tiny dirt pen. Now, the senior dog is celebrating his golden years. See Rusty’s very special retirement party—complete with decorations, pupcakes, and fond farewells—before he heads off on an epic road trip to his new adoptive family in beautiful West Palm Beach, Florida.
This Senior Dog Knew Only a Dirt Pen for 10 Years—See Him Thrive in Sunny Florida
Fieldworkers visited Rusty in a tiny dirt pen, brought him food, toys, and fresh straw for his pen, and showered him with as much comfort and socialization as they could. They implored Rusty’s owner to allow them to find him an appropriate home, but were refused over and over.
Finally, their persistence paid off, and Rusty said goodbye to the tiny patch of dirt forever. After a brief period in foster care—and the joyful retirement party—Rusty’s old friend, PETA Fieldworker Chris, personally drove him down to Florida to his adopter, Hannah.
Hannah fell in love with Rusty after reading about him on PETA’s website and couldn’t wait to help him spend his golden years romping on the beach and snuggling on the couch.
How You Can Help Dogs Like Rusty
Although Rusty is now safe, countless other dogs are kept chained and/or penned outdoors 24/7 in all weather extremes. Support PETA fieldworkers’ vital work to care for “backyard dogs” with a generous donation. You can also advocate for tethering bans in your community, joining thousands of other caring individuals across the U.S., and work with elected representatives to pass ordinances that ban or restrict chaining. To get started, see what current legislation on tethering dogs exists in your community.
Dogs should never be left outside unattended, but when they’re outside and deprived of access to water, food, or shelter, the situation becomes an emergency—and local authorities should be contacted immediately. If they’re unresponsive, contact PETA for help. Anyone who leaves animals outside to suffer in severe weather may face criminal charges. Dogs’ well-being—even their lives—could depend on you.
