I want to say I have met an angel for an hour yesterday. I met Rusty who was Shep Mix at the shelter Saint Johns County Pet Center. I have been so busy with few other shelters, I started to neglect my own county shelter. Another volunteer and me, we went to photograph adoptable pups as normal. As I was leaving, I walked the kennels to see who else needs some photos.

The shelter has two lines of kennels, I went to the back not knowing they have dogs there. There he was. Rusty looked at me wagged his tail, was very quiet, and politely asked with his big brown eyes to be next. I was in love! I took out the pup I had with me and then I came back for Rusty.

Rusty was older gentleman about 11Y Shep Mix who was left at the shelter by his owner. Lucky for Rusty St Johns County Pet Center, would not euthanize him, because he was old. He was given second chance waiting. He touched my heart, I had to share his story and photo with the world all over social media. I am so fortunate to know some amazing rescues and animal advocates. EVERYONE was sharing Rusty's heartbreaking story all over the internet. Sweet boy Rusty. Here is his Rusty's original story from Facebook.

Rusty's Story Reads:

Hi Shep Lovers!
My name is Rusty and I am only 11Y young! My owner surrendered me to the shelter, because I am too old. Not sure what that means. I have loved my owner my whole life. Now I am sitting here in a kennel, cannot ask anyone to take me out when I need it. I am potty trained you know, but nobody here, when I have to so. So, I try to hold it as long as I can. I am stressed out and I have lost lots of weight, I am skin and bones Pavlina said. Even my bone on my head is sticking out. I am sweet, VERY affectionate boy. I love to go for a walk and for my age I am very up and around guy. I am great with other dogs, but I don't like cats and my cage card said no young kids. I guess the ones I was with didn't treat me well.

Pavlina came visit with me, sat with me for one hour. I love her so much. She knows that I love belly rubs, I have put my head into her lap and she didn't stop scratching me. I love to be scratched behind my ears. Heaven! Pavlina have tested me and I have passed. Really don't know what that means, but I guess that is good, because she is sharing my story. I am very polite on a leash, just overall laid back guy. I am just looking to find my retirement home. I am not as vocal as other pups here, but I could be a good woof dog, if you want.

If you cannot help me, would you share my story. I am very happy outgoing guy, so I will love you forever Share please Pavlina hugged me so tight, kissed me, I kissed her back. She said, she will get me out. Woof said Rusty xoxo

I am located at the St John's Pet Center at 130 N Stratton Road, Saint Augustine FL

Little did I know that I was most likely the last person spending time with sweet Rusty. He was robbing his head all over me. Snuggled up to me and kept kissing me and giving his paw. I spend about an hour with him. I could not bring him back to the kennel yet. So, I took him for short walk around the facility. I kept saying I will tell Eva from Daytona Beach German Shepherd Rescue about you. She will help me share your story. We will get you out boy! I kept saying that I will be back to pick him up and drive him, if that what it takes. I hugged him and kissed him. He didn't wanted to go back to the kennel so I went with him. Last kiss and last words were, we will see each other again soon.

Our time together was short but so precious. I am so honored Rusty has showed me so much love and compassion toward humans. He was left behind, but made his decision a long time ago. He was skin and bones, he started to leaving this world slowly after he realized his owner is not coming back. I could tell he is coming close to the end, but his close? I had no idea. I dreamed about Rusty, he came one more time to say goodbye to me in my dream. I didn't believe my dream, he was so FULL OF LIFE yesterday!

Sadly, Rusty has crossed over the bridge early this morning. He was alone in his kennel. He was being cared kindly for by the volunteers and staff at Saint Johns Pet Center. I have met an angel and he touched my heart. He left his paw print on my heart forever. Rusty you have many fans who prayed for you, who wanted to give you a bed and home to retire in. Your beautiful touching photo has made is all over social media. We all knew you, you were in our hearts and mind, you didn't die alone. Run free my boy, until we meet again...

Please, be sure to support more than just one shelter in your area. You never know who will need your help. I have been supporting four shelters now, you just never know. Be kind to other shelters, when they ask you to share, try to share. Together we can make a difference but as individuals, we will never do enough. Shelters need to work hand in hand with rescues. If rescue cannot take a pup, they need to share without asking. We have to work together, there are so many out there. Thank you all for coming over reading my heartbreaking story of this amazing boy I met just yesterday. He left far too soon...

Still not giving up hope. Looking to see, if his owner is coming.

Who knows Sheps, you know they are loyal for life. Just like poor Bella who was heartbroken over her owner who passed away. She made it to her owner's property twice after being adopted. Sheps love is FOREVER and if you get one, make sure you can keep him/her until the end.

Rusty I have loved you for the little time I knew you. You had so many amazing fans and supporters out there fighting for your release. We were too late, but perhaps all you really wanted was the last belly rub, last yummy treat, and lots of kisses and whispers. I was there just for an hour with you but you have grabbed my heart. I am forever grateful that I took you out to get to know you.

Run free my dear Rusty

xo,

Pavlina