New lease of life for terrier cross as he finds his '˜forever home'

A terrier cross who was a resident of Dogs Trust Ballymena for more than a year has finally found his forever home. Seven-year-old Rusty had become so well known to the staff at the Ballymena based Rehoming Centre, that many of them turned out to wish him well as he left Dogs Trust with his new family.
Rusty with Dogs Trust staff before leaving for his new forever home with his new owner (pictured centre).Rusty with Dogs Trust staff before leaving for his new forever home with his new owner (pictured centre).
Rusty with Dogs Trust staff before leaving for his new forever home with his new owner (pictured centre).

Rusty is a loveable little chap with a slightly narrower jaw than your average Jack Russell, which gives him a cheeky looking smile. His personality was an instant hit with married couple Mal and Sarene, who have made room for him in their heart as well as their home in Banbridge.

Sarene said: “My husband and I have been dog owners for around 17 years. Our previous pet passed on some time ago and it took us a while to really feel ready to get another dog. We agreed that adopting a dog would be the best route for us as a couple. Giving an older dog, that perhaps didn’t have the best start in life, another chance at their forever home felt like the right thing to do.

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“After visiting the Rehoming Centre in Ballymena, it wasn’t long before we realised Rusty was the one for us. He has so much energy and charm but he had his challenges which we are not unused to, having previously rehomed a three-year-old terrier from another dog rescue charity.

“Having Rusty in our lives has been a really rewarding experience and we would definitely recommend adopting an older dog to anyone looking for a family pet. Older dogs have so much to give and their maturity usually means they can adjust to their surroundings quickly.

Oonagh Phillips, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Ballymena, said: “We are thrilled Rusty has settled in to his new home so quickly and it is clear his personality has really shined through as part of a family again.”