Russo

Russo has been let down by humans more times than any dog should. In just the first two years of his life, he has been dumped, abandoned, and returned - passed from place to place like he didn't matter.<br/><br/>But somehow... this boy still believes in people.<br/><br/>He still greets his humans with a wiggly butt and a goofy grin.<br/>He still leans in for affection.<br/>He still looks at you with hopeful eyes that seem to ask, "Maybe you're the one who will stay."<br/><br/>Russo is a loving, playful, loyal shepherd mix who bonds deeply with his people. He's incredibly smart and eager to learn - he already knows sit, down, shake, and heel, and he's currently working on recall ("come"), and leave it. Show him a piece of cheese and he'll happily show off that big brain of his. Treats are his love language!<br/><br/>Because of his past, it can take Russo a little time to trust someone new. He's learned that people don't always stick around. But once you earn his trust, Russo will love you with his whole entire heart. The kind of loyal love that follows you from room to room and curls up beside you at night.<br/><br/>And this boy loves adventures.<br/><br/>Russo does great on outings - whether it's trips to PetSmart, walks at the park, or exploring trails. He walks nicely on leash and does well passing other dogs, people, and even bikes. With his person beside him, he's happy to take on the world.<br/><br/>Russo is an active, intelligent dog who will thrive with regular exercise and mental stimulation. His ideal home would include a yard where he can run, play, and enjoy time outside with his person.<br/><br/>Russo is house trained and crate trained. He will do best in an adult-only home without other dogs, where he can finally relax and feel secure in his space. Because of the instability he's experienced in his life, sharing space and belongings with other dogs can make him feel like he has to guard what's his. That doesn't make Russo a "bad" dog - it simply means he hasn't always had the safety and consistency every dog deserves. In a calm home where he doesn't have to compete for resources, Russo is able to truly settle in. When he feels safe, his loyal, affectionate, and playful personality shines, and he becomes the devoted companion he was always meant to be. <br/><br/>Russo has done well with cats - he has lived in two foster homes with cats and did well, and he has also been tested with cats in the shelter where he showed no reactivity.<br/><br/>Because of the instability he's lived through, Russo is currently working with a veterinarian to help manage anxiety. Medication has helped quiet the stress he's carried for so long and allowed his true personality to shine through. There's a possibility he may benefit from continued support long-term, and we're looking for an adopter committed to maintaining his care with a veterinarian so he can continue to thrive.<br/><br/>He has also built a wonderful bond with Taryn from Teacher Turned Trainer, who is generously offering three free training sessions and ongoing support to help Russo and his adopter start their new life together.<br/><br/>Russo is ready to find his person - someone patient, kind, and understanding; someone committed to showing him that, this time, love really is forever. He needs a person who won't give up on him and is willing to give him the chance he truly deserves.<br/><br/>Despite everything he's been through - the uncertainty, the heartbreak, the feeling of not being chosen - this sweet boy still wakes up every day ready to love someone with his whole heart.<br/><br/>Now he just needs someone who will finally love him back.<br/><br/>-----------------------------------------<br/><br/>If you're interested in adopting, please apply online at mscrescue.org/adopt. An approved application is required before we can schedule a meet & greet. Once approved, we'll work with you to ensure it's a great fit-and if it's not, no worries! We'll help you find the right match.<br/><br/>All of our dogs are adoption-ready and come:<br/><br/> Spayed or neutered<br/> Heartworm tested<br/> Dewormed<br/> Up-to-date on prevention medications<br/> Up-to-date on age-appropriate vaccines<br/> Microchipped<br/> With a coupon for a free Simply Dub collar from Dubdog Designs

Russo has been let down by humans more times than any dog should. In just the first two years of his life, he has been dumped, abandoned, and returned - passed from place to place like he didn't matter.

But somehow... this boy still believes in people.

He still greets his humans with a wiggly butt and a goofy grin.
He still leans in for affection.
He still looks at you with hopeful eyes that seem to ask, "Maybe you're the one who will stay."

Russo is a loving, playful, loyal shepherd mix who bonds deeply with his people. He's incredibly smart and eager to learn - he already knows sit, down, shake, and heel, and he's currently working on recall ("come"), and leave it. Show him a piece of cheese and he'll happily show off that big brain of his. Treats are his love language!

Because of his past, it can take Russo a little time to trust someone new. He's learned that people don't always stick around. But once you earn his trust, Russo will love you with his whole entire heart. The kind

Russo has been let down by humans more times than any dog should. In just the first two years of his life, he has been dumped, abandoned, and returned - passed from place to place like he didn't matter.

But somehow... this boy still believes in people.

He still greets his humans with a wiggly butt and a goofy grin.
He still leans in for affection.
He still looks at you with hopeful eyes that seem to ask, "Maybe you're the one who will stay."

Russo is a loving, playful, loyal shepherd mix who bonds deeply with his people. He's incredibly smart and eager to learn - he already knows sit, down, shake, and heel, and he's currently working on recall ("come"), and leave it. Show him a piece of cheese and he'll happily show off that big brain of his. Treats are his love language!

Because of his past, it can take Russo a little time to trust someone new. He's learned that people don't always stick around. But once you earn his trust, Russo will love you with his whole entire heart. The kind of loyal love that follows you from room to room and curls up beside you at night.

And this boy loves adventures.

Russo does great on outings - whether it's trips to PetSmart, walks at the park, or exploring trails. He walks nicely on leash and does well passing other dogs, people, and even bikes. With his person beside him, he's happy to take on the world.

Russo is an