This charming country farm on the edge of Dartmoor
is home to Rusty, a lovable red fox labrador.
He may only be 10 weeks old,
but he’s got his paws firmly under the family table.
Dogs process emotions in exactly the same way as us,
and this loved-up lab can’t get enough of his new family’s affection.
– Rusty! Come here, come here!
But soon he’ll have to experience one of the unfortunate realities
of life with a busy human family.
– Good boy.
Learning to cope when Mum and Dad leave him home alone.
And just a few weeks later, that major milestone arrives.
– Sit.
Actually leaving can be the most challenging moment of all,
for both pup and parents.
– Will you be all right, Rusty?
So to make sure Rusty knows this isn’t a big deal,
Mum and Dad make a quick, calm exit.
Hidden cameras will discover exactly
what he gets up to during the 20 minutes they’re gone.
Because dogs live in the here and now
and have little concept of time,
boredom quickly sets in.
It’s just not in any dog’s nature to be alone.
So Rusty searches for some comfort…
and he finds it in a pair of dirty wellies.
The part of Rusty’s brain that controls emotion is now fully developed,
and it’s finely tuned to associate Mum’s lingering scent
as a source of great happiness.
However, Rusty has something else on his mind.
Teething pains.
Over the next five months, his 28 baby teeth
will be replaced by 42 brand-new adult ones.
And with all these extra teeth arriving,
biting down on all things hard, soft and rubbery
helps soothe his sore gums.
So, anything he can get his paws on
becomes a potential chew toy.
It’s barely been 15 minutes,
but he’s happily turning the house
upside down.
Rusty, you might want to tidy up.
Mum and Dad will be home any minute.
Too late.
– Oh, what a mess.
Luckily for Rusty, he has very understanding owners
who know getting him used to being home alone
might take a bit more time.
