Rusty is a 7 year old Beagle in Falls Church, VA, who needs $2,000 for Urgent CCL Surgery (Similar to Human ACL).

This loving, gentle and fun dog lived the first 3 years of his life in a cage at a breeding facility, Envigo Beagle. He had 2 years with one owner, and now he is happy with my loving care! I am retired on disability, so we are healing each other. He was so scared when he first came, only 4 months ago, and now he even heels when we walk without a leash!

Because he lived in a cage without a solid floor, his joints and muscles could not grow properly. He was not exercised. As a result, he has developed early arthritis and now has an CL tear, which needs a $4,000 surgery at the Regional Veterinary Clinic in Northern Va.

I adopted this dog because when he attended a memorial service for a relative in my home, he was so gentle with a 4 year old child: he allowed her to hold his leash while he followed her around and loved all the attention When she sat, he sat. For 2 hours! A dog happy to be with a family, and so caring and gentle. I adopted him the next day (I had taken him in as a foster first).

I am 65, disabled, and recently my financial resources have decreased through no fault of my own. I have an amazing community in my building — when my friends heard that I was adopting Rusty, they got a collection together to help me buy comfort items for him. EVERYONE in the building loves him, and he loves everyone! Any help appreciated.