So he decided to save his life.

The Albury man found out through social media that Rusty's owners were going to put him down because "they just didn't want him".

"I couldn't stand the thought of him being put to sleep so I took him home," he said.

But that wasn't the right fit either, as Mr Gruber already had other dogs.

"I didn't know what to do really but I contacted Ella at Albury-Wodonga Animal Rescue and just asked for help," he said.

"I knew he was less likely to be adopted as a 10-year-old who wasn't desexed so I decided to do a fundraising campaign to help get him all fixed up and ready for a new home.

IN OTHER NEWS:

"He really is a great dog and will make a perfect fit for someone - I just wanted to give him that chance."

Mr Gruber raised $620 for Rusty through a Facebook campaign and was "blown away" by the response.

"The community who donated and got behind me have been amazing," he said.

"Rusty just needs a new home now - he still has a lot of love to give."

AWAR's Ella Bloomfield said despite Rusty's age she thinks he "has plenty of life left in him".

"He is a lovely boy and a typical Staffy that just wants cuddles and pats and plenty of love," she said.

"He is ready to go and is available for adoption right now."

Ms Bloomfield said she doesn't usually have trouble adopting older dogs.

"A lot of people want to give older dogs some really nice few years," she said.

"He would suit someone with an active lifestyle and will need to go to a home where he will be the only dog.

"You wouldn't know he is 10 by looking at him, he is a very active dog and is just ready for his new home.

"It is great to see our community saves dogs like Rusty from being put down, there is always someone who is perfect for every dog and always someone who will adopt them."

For more information or to adopt Rusty visit awar.org.au or keep up to date with his process visit the AWAR Facebook page.