My name is Ruster!

Ruster | 1.5 year-old Neutered Male Boxer Mix Ruster came to foster care in December after an urgent rescue from the shelter where he was shut down and struggling with stress. His journey hasn’t been easy—prior to rescue, Ruster spent 28 days on the loose before being safely contained by Peaceful Souls. Because of this history, secure handling and management are imperative for him. In a home setting, Ruster has shown himself to be a sweet, gentle, and quiet dog who truly wants to do well. He sleeps calmly in a crate all night and when left alone, has had zero accidents in his foster home, and will stand by the door when he needs to go out. He meets new people nicely, is not jumpy, and settles easily once he feels safe. Ruster enjoys car rides, quiet nature walks, and has even shown confidence in busier environments—successfully touring a large retail store and relaxing at a brewery with his foster parents. He’s playful in appropriate ways and loves tug-of-war and shredding stuffies. He is dog-social and does best with respectful, non-pushy dogs. Overly forward dogs can make him uncomfortable. Ruster is currently doing well with dog-savvy cats with slow, supervised introductions. Due to his background, Ruster is a flight risk and must always be walked using a correctly fitting martingale collar and/or a secure harness setup. He can pull on the leash at times, so an adopter who understands safety protocols and is committed to secure management is essential. Ruster is a sensitive, thoughtful dog who has proven that with structure, patience, and clear boundaries, he can thrive. He’s looking for a home that values management, advocacy, and calm leadership—and in return, he’ll offer quiet companionship, affection, and a deep bond.