Meet Brutus—affectionately called Bru by friends! This striking guy is a gentle and intelligent sweetheart. His ideal day includes his favorite humans, a good walk, and more balls than you can count. Seriously, balls are Brutus's absolute favorite. Toss one for a game of fetch or engage him in tug-of-war, and you’ll have a happy pup. Bru loves to be near his people, following you from room to room and settling down nearby. If he rests his large head on your lap, it’s a clear sign that head scratches are in order. While this mellow dog enjoys downtime, he quickly shifts into action mode with the mention of a walk or a ball. A friendly fellow, he greets people by approaching them calmly for a sniff, rather than jumping around. Occasionally, he might bark at something unexpected, but he settles back quickly. He already knows commands like sit, shake, and lay down. Fully house and crate trained, he does well in his crate, though he may complain slightly at first. While he has been a little reserved lately, it’s likely due to some skin discomfort. As his health improves, we expect more of his personality to shine through. Potential adopters should be prepared for ongoing skin care, as he’s prone to hot spots, and he’s currently heartworm positive, meaning his new family will need to follow through with veterinary treatment. But with a tennis ball in hand, he’s worth the care! If you’re looking for a calm companion that loves to accompany you during walks, relax in your company, and enjoys a good game of fetch, Brutus might be the perfect match for you. Just remember: his adoption fee includes one charming dog—balls are not included. Brutus has recently been diagnosed with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) and a Vitamin B12 deficiency. While these conditions initially caused weight loss, his health management is straightforward with daily pancreatic enzyme powder mixed into his meals, alongside weekly B12 injections. He also requires a standard joint supplement due to mild joint wear. With clear management steps in place, Brutus is set up to live a happy, active life! Brutus is currently undergoing treatment for heartworm disease, which requires restricted activity during recovery. Ruff Start Rescue will cover all treatment costs. They will also provide heartworm preventatives until retesting is due. It will be the adopter’s responsibility to schedule the retest and secure follow-up prescriptions from their vet. He’s a resilient dog who's getting back on track under the right care. Click apply to start the adoption process.