Beyond the Gavel: What a Day Out with Rusty Taught Us About Community

Giving Rusty His Second Chance: Why Local Community Involvement Matters

At Farmer Auctions, our work revolves around history, stories, and connecting people with items of value. But every month, one of our favorite traditions has nothing to do with auction catalogs or estate sales. It happens when we step away from the office, head over to the City of Salem Animal Shelter, and pick up a four-legged companion for Dog’s Day Out.

This month, we had the absolute privilege of taking out Rusty—and he reminded all of us why local community involvement matters so deeply.

A Day of Small Adventures with a Big-Hearted Dog

Rusty is a 7-year-old, 70-pound Pit Mix with a heart as giant as his gentle smile. His past hasn't been easy; he was brought to the shelter after animal control rescued him from a severe neglect situation in Craig County. Yet, despite everything he’s been through, Rusty treats every person he meets with complete affection and trust.

Our Dog’s Day Out was filled with classic local stops:

Green Hill Park: Taking in the fresh air and enjoying a peaceful walk.

Lowe’s & Brady’s Distillery: Showing off his incredible leash manners and greeting friendly faces.

Dairy Queen: Enjoying a well-deserved pup cup.

The Farmer Auctions Office: Meeting our team, where he instantly won over every single staff member.

Everywhere we went, Rusty was a perfect gentleman. He loves kids, gets along wonderfully with other dogs, and simply wants to be near people.

Why Stories Like Rusty’s Need Local Champions

Rusty is currently on hospice care due to an inoperable mass, with an estimated one to two years left. But if you met him, you’d never know it. He isn't in pain, doesn't need medication right now, and has a vibrant, happy spirit. While the staff and volunteers at the City of Salem Animal Shelter give him extraordinary care, a shelter shouldn't be the final chapter of his story. Rusty deserves a cozy living room, a soft bed, and a family to spoil him for the rest of his life.

This is precisely why community involvement is so crucial:

Amplifying the Unseen: Local businesses have built-in platforms, networks, and audiences. Using those tools to shine a light on shelter animals, local non-profits, or community needs expands their reach far beyond what they could achieve alone.

Strengthening Workplace Culture: Programs like Dog's Day Out bring immense joy to our workplace. Connecting over shared local causes builds empathy, morale, and unity within our team.

Building a Resilient Community: A thriving business relies on a healthy, caring community. Investing our time and resources in local initiatives helps keep the region we call home compassionate and connected.

How You Can Help

You don't need to run a business or manage a large platform to make a difference in the Roanoke Valley. Whether it’s volunteering a few hours a month, sharing a social media post, or donating supplies to local shelters, every small action creates a ripple effect.

If you or someone you know has room in your home and heart for a gentle, loving companion to share his golden years, please reach out to the City of Salem Animal Shelter to ask about Rusty.

And if you can't adopt, simply sharing Rusty's story brings him one step closer to the home he so richly deserves.