The rescued mutt from Chaney Trail is a testimony to the power of love and neighbors — but three months later, he still needs a home.

by Timothy Rutt

At the vet shortly after rescue, Rudy was emaciated and scared.

Rudy is not just any dog — his story is an epic, but it needs a happy ending.

Rudy had been wandering in the Chaney Trail neighborhood for at least a week in May before he was taken in. A big dog, he was emaciated at 65 pounds, worm-ridden, and unneutered, but had lots of personality and loved people.  With a torn ear and a few scars, specuation was that he was a “bait dog,” used to train illegal fighting dogs. (Our original story is here).

The red pitbull/Rhodesian ridgeback mix, despite his obvious rough handling, was people-friendly and loving.  Somewhere he acquired the name Rudy, and made some friends in the neighborhood — but since Chaney Trail denizens tend to be dog lovers and have all the dogs they can handle, no one had room to take him in.  He went to the Baldwin Park animal shelter, but his fans were secure that such a charmer would be adopted soon.

But that was not to be. Rudy was estimated to be seven years old, but he acquired kennel cough and an upper respiratory tract infecton in the shelter.  No owner stepped forward, and nobody wanted to adopt an emaciated, coughing, seven year old dog.  His time ran out, and he was scheduled to be put down.

But Rudy ended up being a lucky dog.  Concerned neighborrs managed to bargain a few more days of life for the dog while they looked for an alternative. It took two Altadena Bonnies to get him out of the shelter: Bonnie Barron, an Altadena resident who worked with Bonny Schumaker with the rescue organization On Wings of Care to get the dog out.

With medical care, love, and three squares a day, Rudy is a handsome boy now.

At her own expense, Barron took Rudy to a veterinarian where he got a bath, ear-cleaning, shots and treatment, and was neutered.  Contributions for Rudy through On Wings of Care helped pay for some of his bills, but the brunt of them are being borne by Barron.

Rudy is now healthy, ten pounds heavier — but still homeless.

He’s come close to being adopted or fostered, but nobody’s pulled the trigger.  He currently is being kennelled for about  $30 a day, with Barron bearing the expenses, which she says she can’t do for much longer. Barron already has dogs, including one with a physical condition that won’t allow another dog in the home, so taking Rudy in even to foster is out of the question.  And this dog belongs in a home, not a kennel.

As Barron decribes him:

Rudy is a charming 6- or 7-year old neutered male with a gentle and calm disposition. Rudy is a pit bull mix who, due to his long legs, pointed face, and coloring, may be mixed with Boxer and/or Rhodesian Ridgeback. This well-socialized dog is friendly with people, and enjoys being out and about with his human. Rudy’s favorite activities include going for walks, getting belly rubs, and rolling on his back in cool grass. He is non-reactive towards dogs, and especially appreciates other calm dogs. When Rudy was rescued from a high-intake shelter, he was undernourished. He has been gaining weight healthfully and we think his ideal weight would be about 70-75 pounds.

Rudy knows basic commands and is crate-trained. He walks well on leash, but since he is a big and strong boy, he would do best with a handler who is comfortable with larger dogs. Rudy would especially love a home where his person or people can spend a lot of time with him. Rudy will be a great buddy for going on walks or relaxing around the house. He will be a loyal and loving companion.  Rudy is neutered, microchipped, and current on vaccinations.

If you know of a good foster or permanent home for Rudy, contact Barron at : bebarron55@sbcglobal.net or (626) 483-6936.  Contritubtions toward his care can be made through http://www.onwingsofcare.org/ (also send a note saying it’s for Rudy).  

Rudy loves rolling in the grass and belly rubs.

Over here, we’re waiting to write a happy ending.