Breed: American Bully
Age: 6 months
Weight: 30 pounds
Energy level: Medium
Dog friendly: Yes
Good with children: Yes
Cat friendly: Unknown
Leash trained: Yes
House trained: Working on it
Intake date: May 2026

At only six months old, Dora has already survived what her brother could not.

Dora was born into an unwanted litter after her mother had been allowed to have litter after litter. By the time Dora and her brother were born, a litter of just 2, their mother’s body was severely depleted and her puppies were very weak. None of the dogs had received veterinary care, and Dora’s brother died just a few days after arriving at the rescue.

Dora survived—and now she is ready for a very different life.

She can be timid when meeting new people, but give her a little time and you’ll meet the happy, playful puppy our staff knows so well. Dora loves other dogs, enjoys running and would do well in a home with children. She is smart, eager to learn and loves making her people happy.

Dora already walks on a leash and is working on her house training. Like any six-month-old puppy, she needs a family prepared to continue her training, build her confidence and give her the consistency every puppy needs.

Dora has been waiting since May. She deserves a family who will make sure she is never unwanted again.

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

Jack was found near Lake James with Janet and Chrissy. The three dogs were picked up by animal control and brought to Rusty’s Legacy. 

Although it appears they were abandoned together, 3 young dogs thrown away like trash, 

Jack hasn’t let that experience change the way he feels about people. Dogs are Amazing!! And we hope there's an extra hot extra terrifying place in hell for people that continue to dump dog to fend for themselves.  We don't know how long they were out there, all just pups when they were found, relying on each other for safety and comfort.  

Jack's  wonderfully sweet, outgoing, goofy, outgoing, social and well-adjusted since coming to the rescue. Jack loves attention, walks well on a leash, and gets along with other dogs. But now it's time for Jack to know the comforts of home.  Something he's never known.  

Most of the time, he has a medium energy level—but he is still a young dog, so expect occasional puppy jumps, enthusiastic zoomies, and plenty of sweet and fun playfulness.

An active home with a fenced yard would be ideal, giving Jack room to play and burn off those bursts of puppy energy.  Jack will make a wonderful family dog, he'll do well with kids, he's good with other dogs, but no cats please. 

Jack has been with us for months. Both of the female dogs found with him have been chosen for foster homes, while Jack is still waiting.

Breed: Pit Bull mix 

Age: 12–18 months  

Weight: Approximately 50 pounds  

Energy level: Medium, with bursts of puppy energy  

Leash trained: Yes  

House Trained: Yes 

Dog friendly: Yes  

Cat friendly: No

Ideal home: An active home with a fenced yard and maybe some dog friends.

Now it’s Jack’s turn—to be chosen, to learn what home feels like, and to finally belong to someone.

Breed: Cattle Dog/Heeler  Mix
Age: 1 year old
Weight: Around 30 lbs
Size: Small-to-Medium
Good with kids: Yes
Good with dogs: Yes — a playful dog companion would be ideal
Cats: Fine around cats; has shown no aggression toward them
Energy level: High
Ideal home: Active family or individual, playful dog companion, preferably a fenced yard

Just look at those incredible blue eyes!

Icee is a beautiful 1-year-old Cattle Dog mix who weighs only about 30 pounds. She’s playful, affectionate, incredibly active, and always ready for whatever comes next.

But Icee didn’t get the start in life that a young dog should have.

She came from a hoarding situation where she had spent most of her first year living outside in a yard with multiple dogs, in unsanitary conditions and with very little human interaction. She missed out on many of the experiences, attention, and guidance that help a puppy learn about the world.

Now she’s making up for lost time.

Icee loves to run, play, explore, and be part of the action. She has a lot of puppy energy, so her ideal family will be able to provide adequate exercise for her.  Hiking, adventures, playtime, training, enrichment — Icee is ready for all of it.

She especially loves other dogs, and we believe she would be happiest with a playful canine companion who can run, wrestle, and help keep her busy. After spending her early life surrounded by dogs, having a dog friend may also give her a sense of familiarity and confidence.

And underneath all that energy is a dog who loves affection. Icee is sweet, cuddly,  and full of personality. She'll so well with children  who have been taught how to behave around dogs.  She has been fine around cats, showing no aggression toward them.   

Icee needs someone who understands that she is still very much a young dog who is learning. She needs activity, structure, patience, and opportunities to experience the life she missed during her first year.

At around 30 pounds, she’s also that hard-to-find smaller size so many adopters ask us for — just with the personality and energy of a much bigger dog packed inside.

Icee spent her first year watching life from inside a yard. Now she needs someone who will show her just how big the world can be.

Imagine living your best life with your beloved dad—and then, without warning, everything changes.

Buddy’s owner experienced a rapid decline in health and was admitted to a skilled nursing facility. He will not be able to return home. With no family able to take him, Buddy lost the only home and person he had ever known. Now, this sweet boy is living in an outdoor kennel, surrounded by unfamiliar people and wondering where his dad went.

Despite everything, Buddy’s sunny personality still shines. He is a staff favorite because of his gentle demeanor, affectionate nature, and happy smile. Buddy is a 4-year-old, 55-pound Plott Hound mix who is truly one of the sweetest dogs you could ever meet.

He is house trained, leash trained, dog friendly, and cat friendly. He has a medium-to-low energy level and would be happy in almost any loving home. 

Buddy can, at times, be vocal and likes to talk when he's  happy , so he might not be suited for apartment living. But, but he is also gentle, well-mannered, and very easy to love.  

Buddy did nothing wrong. His entire world simply disappeared. Please help us give him the second chance he deserves.

✓ 4 years old
✓ Approximately 55 pounds
✓ Plott Hound mix
✓ House trained
✓ Leash trained
✓ Dog friendly
✓ Cat friendly
✓ Sweet and gentle
✓ Medium-to-low energy
✓ Staff favorite because he's so amazing
✓ Would fit into almost any loving home

Buddy has already lost his person and his home. 

Please, someone come and get this wonderful boy.

Breed: Anatolian Shepherd Mix
Age: 8 months old
Weight: 55 lbs and still growing
House Trained: Learning
Leash Trained: Yes
Good with Dogs: Yes, although his big puppy energy can be a lot for some dogs
Good with Cats: Yes
Energy Level: Puppy
Ideal Home: A home familiar with Livestock Guardian breeds; securely fenced yard required

Titus is one big, happy, goofy wiggle butt!

At just 8 months old and already 55 pounds,, Titus is a large-breed puppy who is all love, hugs, kisses, and enthusiasm. He is eager to learn how to be both a family dog and a guardian, and with the right person guiding him, he has so much potential.  But he's really still just a baby. 

Titus came to us after someone said they found him as a stray and surrendered him to the rescue. Now he is looking for a home that understands not only the sweet, goofy puppy he is today, but also the kind of dog he will grow into.

As an Anatolian Shepherd mix, Titus naturally comes with Livestock Guardian instincts. Anatolians are extremely smart, loyal, protective, and independent. They were bred to think for themselves while guarding livestock, so Titus needs a person who understands that independent nature and knows how to provide consistent training, boundaries, and direction.

He is good with other dogs, although his enthusiastic big-puppy play style can be a little overwhelming for dogs who prefer a calmer companion. He is also cat friendly, walks on a leash, and is still working on his house-training.

A securely fenced yard is a must for Titus. His ideal adopter will have experience with Anatolians or other Livestock Guardian breeds and understand their natural tendency to watch, patrol, protect, and make decisions independently.

He is an Anatolian mix, so we can’t assume he is suited to living outdoors full-time or exclusively guarding livestock. What he really needs is a loving family that understands livestock guardian breeds, has land or a large fenced yard, can give him a job or plenty of activity, and will make this wonderful boy a true part of the family.

Titus is still young and learning, which means his new family has an incredible opportunity to help shape the dog he becomes.

For the right person, this big, affectionate, wiggly puppy could grow into one amazing companion and guardian.

 Breed: Boxer Mix
Age: About 8 months old

 Weight: 30 lbs
Energy level: Medium
Good with dogs: Yes
Good with cats: Yes
House trained: Yes
Crate trained: Yes
Leash trained: Yes

Jazzy, our adorable Boxer mix puppy,  has been in a foster home with one of our dog trainers for almost a month and is doing great!  She is so smart and doing great with training,  and is assimilating very well to living in a home with other dogs. 

She walks nicely on a leash and enjoys neighborhood walks and quieter trail outings. Busy parks and crowded environments can still feel overwhelming, but she is making progress as she gets more exposure and gains confidence.

Jazzy has done well with dogs and cats. She may be nervous when meeting a new person or dog, but she warms up when given a little time and space. She enjoys playing with other dogs and rarely barks except occasionally during play.

At home, Jazzy loves to cuddle on the couch and settles down easily after activity. Her energy level is medium for a puppy, and she does not need hours of exercise every day. She has also been easy to handle and has done well for nail trims.

Jazzy has shown no signs of reactivity when seeing unfamiliar dogs or people in public. She could likely live with children, but older or calmer kids would be the best fit since loud, chaotic activity may make her nervous. She would thrive in a quiet home with adults that are have a quieter lifestyle. 

A fenced yard would be helpful but is not required if she gets daily walks, because Jazzy does well on leash. 

Her foster/trainer is also offering free training support to the person who adopts her if desired. 

Jazzy is a sweet, chill, and affectionate puppy with a precious little underbite who is ready to be part of the family in a patient and consistent home.

If you're looking for a loyal adventure buddy, Rocky is your guy.

At around 2 years old, Rocky is a handsome mixed-breed boy with a big smile, a wagging tail, and plenty of love to give. We think he's a Boxer  mix with a few other breeds thrown in. He definitely got the best traits of each breed because he's a sweetheart of a dog!

He came to us from the county shelter, so we don't know much about his life before rescue—but what we do know is that he's a friendly, active dog who is ready for a fresh start. 

Rocky enjoys being outside, exploring, and spending time with people. He's good on leash and would love a family that enjoys walks, hikes, yard time, or other outdoor activities. He's not the type of dog who wants to spend all day cooped up in a small apartment—he'll thrive with room to stretch his legs and burn off some energy.

🐾 About Rocky:

• Approximately 2 years old 
• Around 60 lbs 
• Male mixed breed 
• Dog-friendly 
• Sweet temperament and a very good boy
• Passed his Cat Test, he's curious but not aggressive with cats
• Medium energy but loves to play
• Walks well on leash 
• Loves being outdoors 
• Happy boy who loves people 
• Loves attention 

Rocky would do best in an active home with a securely fenced yard or a family committed to giving him plenty of daily exercise and enrichment. In return, you'll get a loyal companion who's always ready for the next adventure.

He's already waited long enough for a family of his own. Could Rocky be the missing piece in yours?

💙 Apply to adopt Rocky today and come meet this handsome boy in person. He just might be your new best friend.

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.

Breed: German Shepherd mix
Age: Approximately 6 months
Weight: About 40 pounds
Good with dogs: Yes
Good with cats: Yes
House trained: Yes, with access to a doggy door
Crate trained: Doing well
Health: Neutered, microchipped and up to date on vaccines

Aragon is a handsome 6-month-old German Shepherd/Hound mix who is already showing what a wonderful family dog he can be.

In his foster home, Aragon gets along well with the other dogs and even the cat. He eats comfortably around other dogs with no food-related issues and has settled nicely into the household routine. At bedtime, he sleeps on his own dog bed right beside his humans’ bed.

Aragon is house trained when he has access to a doggy door and crates well when his foster leaves. He has only been crated for about two hours at a time so far, but he has handled it well. His foster is also working with him on basic commands, and he is learning the skills he’ll need to become a well-mannered companion.

He enjoys spending time in the yard and has made no attempt to escape his foster’s four-foot fence. Of course, he is still a young dog, so he will need a family ready to continue his training, give him plenty of activity and help him grow into the terrific adult dog he is well on his way to becoming.

Aragon is already neutered, microchipped and up to date on his vaccines. He’s  ready for a home and family who loves the intelligence and loyalty of a Shepherd—with a little Hound charm mixed in!🐾

Meet Smoky
Weight: About 40 lbs
Sex: Female
House Trained: Yes
Leash Trained: Yes, she loves leash walks!
Dog Friendly: Yes, especially with calm male dogs
Cats: Unknown
Children: Adult home preferred
Energy Level: Low to Medium but can do a 5 mile walk! 

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. ❤️🐾

Cash is a loving,  gentle and playful boy with a sweet personality packed into the perfect medium-sized body. At around 1 year old and approximately 40 pounds, he is on the smaller side of medium and is a great size for many different types of homes.

Cash is outgoing, friendly and always ready to have fun. He absolutely loves playing with other dogs and would be thrilled to have a playful canine sibling in his new home, although another dog is not required. What matters most is finding a family who will give him plenty of love, attention, exercise and playtime.

Despite his playful side, Cash has a wonderfully gentle nature. He is affectionate, snuggly and enjoys being close to his people. He would make a wonderful companion for a family looking for a social, fun-loving dog who is also sweet and gentle.

Cash is currently being fostered at Camp Bow Wow in S. Asheville while he waits for his perfect home.

Could Cash be the missing piece in your family?

✓ Around 1 year old
✓ Approximately 40 pounds
✓ Smaller side of medium
✓ Very gentle
✓ Sweet and affectionate
✓ Playful and outgoing
✓ Loves other dogs
✓ Would enjoy a playful dog sibling

✓ House trained

✓ Leash  trained

✓ Knows commands
✓ Handsome brindle coat
✓ Fun-loving young companion

He's been waiting a while for a home, Someone will be very lucky to get this wonderful boy!