Lost Dog Becomes Therapy Animal and Best Friend to Nursing Home Residents

A chocolate lab named Rusty didn't just get one new owner when he was adopted, he got a whole facility full of loving people to watch over him!

Sue VanDeRostyne, who runs the Toulon Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Illinois, found Rusty wandering her sister's backyard in 2008. He had a collar, but no information about his owner.

Sue brought Rusty to the shelter. One week later, Rusty still wasn't adopted, and fearing that he would be put down, she picked him up and took him to the nursing home. He's been there ever since.

Rusty quickly became popular with the residents and brought new life to the nursing home as a therapy dog. "Our facility specializes in Alzheimer's treatment and care," says Michelle Spears, Community Relations Coordinator for the center. "Many of our residents believe Rusty to be their childhood pet and often call him by various names. He just goes along, always ready to offer a warm snuggle."

"His instinct to know when residents may be needing some extra cheering-up is amazing, too," she says. "Overall, Rusty is wonderful 'medicine' for those in our care."