She's a  1 1/2 year old  Pit mix weighing about 35–40 pounds. She may be a little timid when meeting someone new, but she warms up quickly and soon shows you what a calm, affectionate girl she truly is.

Ella’s life looked very different just three months ago. She was pulled from beneath an abandoned single-wide after surviving on her own for some time. She was severely emaciated and had clearly recently given birth, sadly, none of her puppies survived.

Despite everything she endured, Ella still trusts people and wants nothing more than to be loved. She has made an incredible recovery in her foster home and is thriving. She is house trained, leash trained, dog friendly and has a wonderful medium energy level.

Ella would be a great match for an active person or family. Her foster dad cycles with her every day, and she loves getting out and exercising with him. Afterward, she is happy to settle down and enjoy a quieter pace at home. Another friendly dog would be a wonderful companion for her. She currently lives with a female dog and they exercise and play together. 

Ella is not cat friendly and will need a cat-free home.  But she's gentle and will do well with kids.

At only 18 months old, Ella has already survived abandonment, severe hunger,  and the loss of her puppies. Now she is healthy, safe and ready for the one thing she has been missing—a family of her own.

Ella at a glance:

• 18 months old
• 35–40 pounds
• Pit mix
• House trained
• Leash trained
• Dog friendly
• Not cat friendly
• Medium energy
• Timid initially but warms up quickly
• Calm, affectionate and active
• 
  

Ella is a sweet, loving, wonderful dog who deserves a chance to shine.

Lucky is only about five or 6 months old, but he is already around 40 pounds of pure, lovable goofiness. Our best guess is that he is a Shepherd/Black Mouth Cur mix—and he is going to be one handsome big boy!

Lucky loves other dogs and would be thrilled to have a canine playmate. He is playful, affectionate, intelligent and eager to connect with his person. He has also become a wonderful leash walker remarkably quickly.

• Dog-friendly
• Playful and affectionate
• Intelligent and eager to learn
• Curious about cats but friendly 
• Walks nicely on a leash
• Attentive to his person and looks to them for direction
• Learning to play fetch
• Likely to do well with a confident, dog-savvy cat
• May adjust well to growing up with kittens
• Would do well with children
• Would make a great family dog
• Best suited for a family prepared for a large, energetic puppy

One of our staff members says:

“Lucky is such a sweet boy. He learned to walk nicely on a leash in no time, and he is always looking back at you for direction. He is very intelligent, attentive and eager to learn, so I think he will be easy to train. He is even learning to play fetch—although right now it is mostly one-way! You really have to meet him.”

Lucky also did well during his cat test. Because he is still a puppy and has had very little experience with cats, his reaction was mostly curiosity mixed with a little uncertainty. Most importantly, he showed no aggression.

The trainer who evaluated him believes Lucky could do well with a confident, dog-savvy cat. Because he is so young, he may also adjust well to growing up with kittens. As with any new dog-and-cat relationship, introductions should be slow, careful and supervised.

Lucky deserves to spend his puppyhood learning how to be part of a family—not growing up in a 10x10 outdoor kennel because someone he depended on left him behind.

He needs a family prepared for a big, playful puppy who will benefit from exercise, positive training and plenty of affection. In return, they will get a smart, funny and devoted companion who wants nothing more than to learn, play and be loved.

Lucky is ready to grow up in a home filled with love and kindness. Please come meet him—you may be the person who finally makes his name come true.

Honey is a beautiful six-month-old Black Mouth Cur/Shepherd mix who is expected to weigh approximately 60–80 pounds when fully grown. She is loving, intelligent, dog friendly, cat friendly and ready to become someone’s very special girl. And she's still a 6 month old baby!

• Age: Six months
• Breed: Black Mouth Cur/Shepherd mix
• Expected adult weight: Approximately 60–80 pounds
• Personality: Loving, intelligent, affectionate and sweet
• Dogs: Dog friendly
• Cats: Cat friendly
• Children: Because loud noises and fast movements make her a little nervous, she's do best in a home with older children 
• Leash skills: Leash trained and walks nicely
• Training: Learning good manners and not to jump for attention
• Ideal home: A loving family, preferably with a playful, well-matched canine companion
• Health: Spayed and fully vaccinated and healthy 

Honey has been with us since she was a little pup, and she wants nothing more than affection, attention and a family of her own. She can be a little clingy, but only because she is always hoping for another hug, a few more pets or the chance to stay close to her person.

This smart puppy is making wonderful progress with her manners. She is learning not to jump up when she wants attention, and she is already leash trained. She walks very nicely—unless she decides it is time to stop for pets! Honey apparently believes every walk should include plenty of affection breaks.

We believe Honey experienced unkind treatment when she was very young. Sudden hand movements and clapping once caused her to flinch, close her eyes, tuck her tail and lie down. With patience, reassurance and kindness, she is becoming more confident and learning that she is finally safe. Because of her uncertain past, she may be a little hesitant at first, so she would do best with older children who can give her the time and space she needs to feel comfortable.

Honey loves other dogs and would do wonderfully in a home with a playful, well-matched canine companion. She can be enthusiastic during play, so another dog who enjoys her puppy energy would be ideal. She is also cat friendly and would be a great match for a family with older children.

Honey has already spent far too much of her puppyhood waiting at the rescue. She should be growing up in a home—going on walks, playing with her family, snuggling beside her people and learning what it means to truly belong.

Honey is loving, smart, sweet and absolutely beautiful. She deserves to know love, too.

Honey is spayed, fully vaccinated and ready for a family of her own.

Could this dreamy girl be the one you’ve been waiting for?

Jack may weigh around 50 pounds, but underneath that big, playful exterior is a complete baby who wants nothing more than to be close to someone and know that he is loved.

One of our volunteers recently took Jack out for a walk. He was so excited that he could hardly contain himself—he was jumping up and down, thrilled that someone had come just for him. And honestly, who could blame him? Jack spends every day waiting in a 10-by-10 kennel for the next chance to get out, stretch his legs and receive a little attention.

But when she took him into the exercise yard, Jack didn’t immediately run around or demand a game. He sat beside her, laid his big head on her shoulder and soaked up every bit of affection she gave him. She petted him, talked sweetly to him and even sang to him. For 15 minutes, Jack stayed right there with his head resting on her shoulder.

That is who Jack really is.

Yes, he is goofy. Yes, he gets excited and sometimes forgets that he is not a tiny puppy. He loves playing ball, going for walks and having room to run. But more than anything, Jack wants to belong to someone.

Jack was found abandoned near Lake James with two other young dogs, Janet and Chrissy. We don’t know how long they had been out there or what they went through before animal control found them. They were still puppies, relying on one another for safety and wondering when they might eat again.

Both girls eventually left for foster homes. Jack was left behind.

Despite everything, Jack still trusts people completely. He is outgoing, social, affectionate and always ready to make a new friend. He hasn’t allowed his past to change the way he feels about people—and that says everything about the kind of dog he is.

Jack has never had a real home, a family of his own or a toy that belonged only to him. He has spent the months when he should have been growing up in a home watching life from inside a kennel. Our hearts are breaking for this boy because we know how much love he has to give.

Jack is house trained, walks well on a leash and gets along with other dogs. He would do well with children and would be thrilled to have a playful canine friend. Because he is still a young dog, his adopter should expect occasional enthusiastic jumps, goofy zoomies and plenty of playful puppy behavior. An active home with a securely fenced yard would be ideal. No cats, please.

Breed: Pit Bull mix
Age: Approximately 12–18 months
Weight: Approximately 50 pounds
Energy level: Medium, with bursts of puppy energy
House trained: Yes
Leash trained: Yes
Dog friendly: Yes
Good with children: Yes
Cat friendly: No
Ideal home: An active, loving home with a fenced yard or daily walks. He could be an only dog getting all the love, or he would do well with another playful dog

Jack is neutered, fully vaccinated and ready to go home.

He isn’t asking for anything extraordinary. He wants a soft place to sleep, toys of his own, someone to play ball with and a person whose shoulder will always be there when he needs to rest his head.

Jack has spent long enough waiting inside a kennel.

It is finally his turn to be chosen, to discover what home feels like and to become someone’s beloved big baby.

Meet Smoky
Weight: About 40 lbs
Sex: Female
House Trained: Yes
Leash Trained: Yes, she loves leash walks and runs.
Dog Friendly: Yes, especially with calm male dogs
Cats: Unknown
Children: Adult home preferred
Energy Level: Medium but has done 2 5K's with her foster! 

Smoky's life has not been easy.

She came from a heartbreaking situation after a woman who bred Chow dogs lost her home and was living in a car with five dogs. When the car was repossessed, Animal Control stepped in and seized the dogs. They had been completely failed by the person responsible for their care.

Of all the dogs involved, Smoky was the only one who showed no human aggression.

Now this sweet senior girl is trying to make sense of a world that has changed overnight.

She lost the only life she knew and found herself in a rescue kennel at an age when most dogs should be spending their days napping on a couch and taking leisurely walks with someone they love.

Smoky is exactly what you would expect from an older Chow.

She is quiet, observant, and thoughtful. She isn't the dog who rushes up to greet strangers. Instead, she watches from a safe distance until she decides you can be trusted.

Once she feels safe, her gentle nature shines through.

She enjoys leash walks, gets along well with other dogs, is a great car rider and is house trained.  She's not looking for adventure or excitement. What Smoky wants most is consistency, kindness, and a peaceful place to call home.

Smoky is looking for an adult home with someone who understands Chow temperament and breed traits.

Chows were originally bred as guardians and are naturally protective, independent, and wary of strangers. Those qualities don't make them difficult dogs—they simply require owners who understand and respect who they are.

Smoky would do best with:

🐾 Adults or older, respectful teenagers
🐾 A calm home environment
🐾 Someone familiar with Chows or similar guardian breeds
🐾 A patient adopter willing to let trust develop at her pace
🐾 A low-energy canine companion, preferably a male dog, or as an only dog

Smoky doesn't need saving from a shelter.

She needs saving from spending her final years without a family.

She is doing great in her foster home and has really blossomed..  It took awhile for her to adjust but now she comes when called, is excited for daily walks and even jumps on the bed sometimes when she needs some attention.  What she needs now is a soft bed, gentle hands, quiet walks, and someone who will love her and give her time to relax and just be Smoky. 

If you have experience with Chows and have room in your heart for a senior dog who deserves peace, comfort, and dignity in her golden years, Smoky may be the dog you've been waiting for.

Sometimes being a hero doesn't mean changing a dog's life. Sometimes it means giving them the life they should have had all along. ❤️🐾

Flint is a striking 9-month-old Catahoula mix weighing about 35 pounds. With those bright blue eyes, goofy smile, and big personality, he is impossible to overlook.

Flint was found alone in the remote woods of eastern North Carolina by some  soldiers during Special Forces training. The puppy was starving and had no idea when—or if—his next meal would come. They brought him to us. 

Flint was adopted but later returned after showing food-related resource guarding. Considering his history of starvation, his fear around food is understandable. Flint is friendly with other dogs, but he must always be fed separately, behind a closed door or safely secured in a crate. This is a simple but non-negotiable requirement.

Outside of mealtimes, Flint is a very sweet, people-loving puppy. He gets along with other dogs, walks on a leash, and has all the playful energy you would expect from a 9-month-old pup. He is still working on house training and will need continued patience, structure, and guidance.

Flint needs a dog-savvy family that understands resource guarding and will consistently manage meals and other high-value items. In return, they will get a handsome, affectionate, fun young dog who has already survived far more than any puppy should.

Age: 9 months
Weight: Approximately 35 pounds
Breed: Catahoula mix
Dog friendly: Yes
Cat friendly: Unknown
Leash trained: Yes
House training: In progress
Energy level: Puppy energy
Ideal home: A dog-savvy home committed to feeding Flint separately from other animals

Jimmy is a nine-month-old, 40-pound mixed-breed puppy who has already experienced a level of cruelty no animal should ever know.

Jimmy was dumped in a neighborhood, and one of the neighbors witnessed what happened. Thankfully, Jimmy was taken in by one of our volunteers and brought safely to Rusty’s Legacy before he could be injured or killed.

Jimmy should have spent his puppyhood sleeping in a warm bed, playing with toys and learning what it means to be someone’s baby. Instead, someone treated him as though he were disposable.

But that will not be the end of Jimmy’s story.

Jimmy is an extremely lovable boy who gets along wonderfully with other dogs. He has a sweet, bashful way of coming over to greet you, as if he is a little shy about asking for attention. But once he does, he is nothing but a snuggle bug. Gentle, affectionate and incredibly endearing, Jimmy has a way of stealing your heart.

He is super sweet and chill for a puppy, though he does have some puppy energy at times. He is very trainable and doing great with leash work. His house-training status is currently unknown, but he is dog- and cat-friendly. He also did wonderfully with the finder’s grandchildren, making him a great fit for almost any loving home.

• Age: 9 months
• Weight: 40 pounds
• Breed: Mixed breed- probably Terrier Mix 
• Temperament: Super sweet and chill- with flashes of puppy energy 
• House Trained: Yes
• Leash Trained: Yes
• Cat Friendly 🤣: Yes
• Dog Friendly: Yes
• Energy Level: Chill for a puppy
• Ideal Home: Almost any loving home

Jimmy is safe with Rusty’s Legacy now, and we are committed to finding him a family that will treasure him for the rest of his life. At only nine months old, he still has so much life ahead of him—and so much love waiting to be discovered.

Jimmy is neutered, fully vaccinated and ready for a responsible, loving home.

If you believe forever truly means forever, please submit an adoption application for Jimmy and we will set up a meet and greet!

Uno is six months old, dog friendly, kid friendly, house trained—and completely lovable.

He has spent his young life waiting for something every puppy deserves: a home of his own and a family who will make him feel safe, wanted and loved.

Uno has never had a home. He has never had his own bed, his own toys or a person to call his own. 

Despite everything he has missed, Uno is a sweet, affectionate little guy who still has so much love to give.

He is currently being fostered with a trainer in Asheville, where he has learned valuable skills and made wonderful progress. Uno is house trained, learning commands and becoming more comfortable walking on a leash. He is smart, eager to learn and at the perfect age to settle into a family’s routine.

Uno enjoys the company of other dogs and would love having a canine friend to grow up with. He is also good with children and cats. Like any young dog, he will need a family committed to continuing his training and giving him the patience, consistency and affection he deserves.

Uno has spent long enough waiting for his chance. 

This lovable boy deserves bedtime snuggles, family adventures and a forever home where he can continue to grow, learn and thrive.

Could Uno be yours?

Age: 6 months
Weight: Approximately 30 pounds
Breed: Miniature Pinscher mix
House trained: Yes
Dog friendly: Yes
Cat friendly: Yes
Kid friendly: Yes
Leash trained: Improving
Current location: Foster home in Asheville, NC

Age: 10 years

Weight: Approximately 50 lbs

Breed: Mixed Breed

House Trained: Yes

Leash Trained: Walks on leash but needs additional leash training (she can pull when excited)

Dog Friendly: Selective. Kaya would do best as the only dog or with careful introductions.

Cat Friendly: No

Energy Level: Low to Moderate

Ideal Home: A calm, adult home with someone who understands senior dogs and is willing to continue working on her leash manners.

Kaya never expected to be looking for a new home at 10 years old.

She spent her entire life with the man who loved her. When he passed away, Kaya lost the only home she had ever known. She entered rescue with her lifelong companion, Achilles, and the two were adopted together.

Sadly, after just one month, Kaya was returned.

Now this sweet senior girl is once again searching for someone to love her forever.

Kaya is affectionate, loyal, and happiest simply being near her people. She's well past the puppy stage and would much rather spend her days lounging on a comfy bed, soaking up attention, and enjoying a peaceful home than running marathons.

Like many larger dogs, Kaya can pull on the leash when she's excited, so she'll need someone willing to continue working with her. The good news is that leash skills can be improved with consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement—and we're committed to helping her succeed.

Because of her personality, Kaya would do best in a home without cats. She can also be selective with other dogs, so we believe she'd thrive as the only pet or with an experienced adopter who can make careful introductions.

Kaya has already experienced more loss than any dog should.

She deserves a family who understands that senior dogs still have so much love to give—and who will promise that this time, forever really means forever.

If you're looking for a loyal companion to share quiet evenings, leisurely walks, and unconditional love, Kaya may be the missing piece of your family.