It's ironic that this boy should be named Brutus (like the conspirator that murdered Julius Cesar) because it was not HE that betrayed his family. Instead, after loving them devotedly for years, he was taken to a shelter because they were moving and "could not take him." When the shelter warned the owners that he would likely be euthanized because they had little luck finding homes for dogs of his mix or age, the owners simply said "do what you have to do."

Little did Brutus know, that was the kindest thing they could do for him. He spent at least 5 years on a chain outside with minimal vet care, when all he wanted was attention. He was cared for and about at the shelter and won the hearts of the staff in the time he was there. He had shelter, a comfy bed and ample food. He was neutered and vetted. Everyone who works at the shelter loved him, but customers looking for dogs just passed him up. No one wanted the little older boy, even though he came- butt-wagging, smiling, and whining for attention- to the front of the cage to beseech them. Unfortunately, black dogs are the most common and least often adopted dogs in shelters. Most of the time, folks don't even realize that they're passing over the black dogs on Petfinder or in the kennel rows- but they are. So for weeks Brutus sat, still happy and still being overlooked, until it was getting close to "his time." The staff asked dozens of people for help and eventually found a rescue- us!- to take him out of his kennel and FINALLY put him into a home!

Brutus is a sweet little gentleman. He knows his name and listens very well. He stays wherever people are, occasionally wandering a bit but always returning to make sure you're still there. If you invite him, he will put his front paws on your lap, reach out tenderly to give you sweet, loving kisses and then step back, grinning, to look at you with kind brown eyes.

At the Scottish/Irish Festival in Green Lane, PA on 9/9 and 9/10 this year, Brutus was in attendance for two very long days and did VERY well. He was approached by literally THOUSANDS of kids, more adults, and hundreds or thousands of dogs. He never stopped smiling except when his foster dad wandered away (he's very loyal) and was sweet with everyone. He let children hug his neck, pet him every which way, and approached strollers or wheelchairs with confidence. He traveled well on the 5 hour drives out and home and never made a peep or mess in the hotel room.

Brutus has never lived in a house before and yet learned very quickly what manners are. He is TOTALLY housebroken, never marking or having accidents (unless he's sick.) Because he is so good and doesn't get into trouble he never has to be crated at night or when you leave. He loves to lay beside you at night and wake up to give you kisses in the morning. He would be well suited for an apartment as he is laid back and doesn't require strenuous exercise- walks are sufficient. He's a great dog who has waited patiently a long time for someone to call him family. Could that be you?

(Brutus is up to date on shots and neutered, dewormed and on flea preventative. He has seen a vet and received a clean bill of health and tested negative for heartworm. He's now on preventatives for that.)

Good with Dogs, Good with Cats, Good with Kids