Senior dog spent a decade tied up outside in dirt pen — after finally being rescued, his life has completely turned around


The fact that some dogs endure their entire lives in subpar housing, neglected, and without the affection they are entitled to is devastating. However, there is always time for another chance.

Recently, an elderly dog who had been tied up in a backyard for ten years found a new home and will now spend the rest of his days at the beach.

A dog named Rusty lived his whole life chained up in a “tiny dirt pen” in his North Carolina owner’s yard, according to a PETA press release. In order to find Rusty a suitable home, PETA caseworkers unsuccessfully attempted to persuade the owner to turn him over to them for almost ten years.

Rusty in his “tiny dirt pen” (Credit: PETA)

They brought him food and toys, as well as insulating straw to keep him warm in the winter, because they couldn’t bear to abandon the poor puppy.

Their perseverance eventually paid off, as Rusty’s owner consented to turn him over to them. According to the organization’s press release, “Rusty said goodbye to the tiny patch of dirt forever” after more than ten years.

After a brief stint in foster care, Hannah Caldwell of Florida adopted Rusty after learning about him online. Rusty was driven to Florida to start a new life after having a happy “retirement party” with his PETA pals.

His life is much different now. Instead of being cooped up outside in the cold, Rusty will be able to spend his golden years roaming Florida’s beautiful beaches with his devoted new owner. The animal rights group posted a video of Rusty and his owner strolling contentedly along the shore.

Now, his life couldn’t be more different. Far from being kept tied up outside in the cold, Rusty will get to enjoy his senior years with his loving new owner, exploring the sunny beaches of Florida. Video shared by the animal rights organization shows Rusty happily walking on the beach with his owner.

Finally, Rusty is a “indoor dog” and loves cuddling on the couch with his new owners, a pleasure he had never had in his life. Thanks to his rescuers, Rusty’s life has dramatically changed after being neglected for so long.

In the press announcement, PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch stated, “It took nearly ten years for PETA’s fieldworkers to free Rusty from his continuous confinement in a dirt prison cell, but they never gave up on him.” “To help ensure that dogs like Rusty aren’t kept chained outdoors like an old bicycle, PETA urges everyone to keep their companion animals indoors with the rest of the family and to lobby elected officials to ban unattended tethering.”

Although we’re happy that Rusty was saved and now has a loving family, no dog should have to live their entire life chained outside in the cold. We are aware that he will walk on the sunny beaches for the remainder of his days.

If you are a dog lover, please share this tale!


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