You know what....
 

I really do just think Rusty is lonely........your family looks like a fun family......I bet there is never a dull moment at your house......Your sweet "young teen" is probably a lot of fun to be around....they never slow down long enough to be boring...that is for sure...

And he feels like he just fits in.......and you let him......which is great:thumbup:

Looks like you had a fun time!:D

One more picture.......
 

Here is a picture I took tonight from upstairs (looking down at the 3 of them asleep). When I go to bed, Rusty will follow me in there and lay on my side of the bedroom floor on a blanket.
Attachment 75482

You are such a wonderful person, and I do hope that Rusty gets to live with you and your happy family. Prayers are with you..;)

Just sending another update......

I guess it has been about a week that Rusty has been at our house. His owners haven't come to get him or call or anything. I guess they either know that he is getting taken care of or just doesn't care anymore.

We have now been feeding him everyday and letting him sleep inside every night with our dogs.

He even go Halloween goodies, just like our other dogs.

I think he is home......If the neighbors do ever decide to come over for him, I guess I will just ask if we can just keep him, since we have been taking care of him all this time and he is happy.

In a way, I just feel guilty for some reason....and my DH said that we have done nothing wrong......we didn't feed him or let him come in for the longest time, so he said it wasn't like we forced him to stay here. I just don't want people and our neighbors thinking that we seen a pretty dog and decided to keep it for ourselves.....we really didn't need or necessarily want another big outside dog.....it just sort of happened to end up that way. I guess, I just feel that I wouldn't want that to ever happen to one of our dogs (although, it should never happen because they love their home and don't wonder off).

I just need to think that Rusty is in a better place and he is happy! There should be no need to feel guilty about it, right?!

Definitaly NOT! your doing the right thing. Your neighbors probably don't have the time or patience to care for him and they feel bad asking you to take him.
If it was me i'd be doing exactly what you are ;)

Thanks!!! You're the BEST!!!:luvu:

My DH says that I worry too much! - course, that is how Rusty is now considered ours, I guess! :rolleyes:

Normally, if I feel guilty, I have done something wrong....but in a way, I really don't see if I have done anything wrong w/ this situation.....besides taking in Rusty, when I could have just let him stay outside and not eat.

You know, I have asked the neighbors if they wanted Rusty anymore because we knew people that would love to have him and that we would love to have him too, but he always said that he wanted him....just didn't know what to do with him anymore! :confused:

Thanks again for all the kind words and thoughts and prayers!

So basically..they want him without the work he comes with? thats not right. I hope everything works out for you and Rusty:hands:

I am not surprised...
 

Rusty is where he should be and needs to be. Like I said....he will decide....and he did!

I would recommend that you document everything that you buy for him, pictures, etc. Just in case this "squirrelly" guy comes back after 6 months....or after winter, when he can stay outside all day.....:(

They don't care anymore, or if ever......but, heck if I would feel any guilt!!

A big pat on the back for you.................AGAIN!!!

Rusty just needed a forever home with someone who cares. There is a special place in heaven for people like you. Have fun and just love all your dogs!!!

Nope you shopuldn't feel quilty your neighbor should.

Rusty looks like he is so glad to be living with you. Thanks for taking care of him for all of us. :)

you and your family have wonderfully big hearts... thanks for being you

What a great picture. They look so comfy. You have most definitely done the right thing.

IMO, you have absolutely nothing to feel guilty about. You are a very special person for taking Rusty in. He is lucky to have you.

Awwwwwww
 

Thanks you all!!! :luvu:

I don't mean to keep adding to this thread, so I hope you all don't mind the updates. And, we are no where near special people....we are just doing what any of you would have done too in our situation! Well, and I am a HUGE animal lover too! --no matter what they are or what their background is!
:dog: