UF student hopes to find his service dog

From the moment he met Rusty, UF student Ty Redler said he knew the American bulldog mix would make a perfect service dog and companion.

“When I walked up to his cage, I instantly turned to the woman and said, ‘This is the one,’” the 22-year-old biology senior said. “It was love at first sight.”

On Monday, Redler and Rusty walked at the south entrance of a trailhead at San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park.

Rusty began to pull Redler, eventually breaking his leash and running away, Redler said. The dog was later seen Wednesday by visitors to the park.

Redler said his dog once again ran before he could be caught, which is unusual behavior for Rusty.

“I’m pretty sure he’s at the point where he’s extremely terrified,” Redler said. “I’ve been telling people ‘If you see him, call me and keep your location down, and I will come as soon as I can get there.’”

Redler said he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2008, and that he became progressively sicker. Last year, he underwent a major surgery and had to enroll in physical therapy.

It was time for a service dog, he said.

“I thought, ‘What’s better than getting a dog that will be able to help me get better physically and mentally?’” Redler said.

DeEtta Duckett, the trainer who worked with Rusty, said she believes the Independence Day fireworks scared Rusty away.

“I’m confused and very worried,” Duckett said. “For him to run away from people, something is wrong.”

She said Redler and Rusty are best friends, and that Rusty is like his owner’s “third hand.”

“They compliment each other,” she said. “Ty needs Rusty, and Rusty knows that.”

Along with training to carry small objects, Redler said Rusty opens doors and drawers and even stands up to give Redler something to hold when his legs feel weak.

“A lot of times it’s very difficult for me to eat, so I get very weak and dizzy and lightheaded,” Redler said. “So there will be times where I start to fall, so he’ll brace and he’ll be like my crutch.”

Redler said he and Rusty’s trainer continued the search Wednesday night, and that anyone with information should call 954-240-0868.

“I would definitely have to say that, no matter what is going on in my life, he’ll always put a smile on my face,” he said. “He always has a smile on. There’s a special connection with Rusty and me.”

Ty Redler (center), with his dog Rusty, shaking hands with Don, a salesman at an Ocala Volkswagen dealership. “When I bought my car I brought rusty with me so that’s rusty sealing the deal (sic),” Redler wrote in a text message.