Toby 12

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Toby is off a great start! He’s been vetted regularly since birth and nourished well. He’s met a wide variety of people, including children aging from 3 to 10 years. He’s had the companionship of a full sibling and other pets since he was 6 weeks old. His obedience training is underway and, most of all, he’s been loved every day. The results show. This pup has a wonderful temperament and an engaging outlook on life. 

In foster care, Toby lives with an easy-going 6 year-old ESS who matches the pup’s playbows. The two wrestle multiple times a day in good spirit! Neither “wins” so both have a great time! In the vet’s office, Toby has displayed the same good doggie manners upon meeting other dogs. He eagerly makes eye contact, offers playbows, and exchanges appropriate sniffs. His only contact with cats has been one crated in the vet’s lobby. When it hissed loudly at him, Toby “jumped” to safety about 6 feet away….:)). 

He checked out well during his health exam. Toby weighs 36 pounds and has a very shiny coat. The only thing being watched is some light mattering in his eyes. The vet didn’t feel it was an infection but possibly a slight allergy that can be treated with over-the-counter meds. His treatment for hookworms will be complete in a few days.

Toby’s passion for people may override his love of dogs. He has yet to meet a stranger and eagerly approaches any person to offer kisses. He becomes quite excited with new people, especially children. He may put his paws upon humans and will wash whole faces if he gets the chance. Occasionally, there is a little accident too. While much of this is the puppy coming out in him, his foster family is working to shape his greetings. Toby has already learned that his foster mom turns her back to him if he puts his paws on her; if he keeps “4 on the floor” or sits, he gets all the lovin’s he desires. Toby knows “come,” “off,” “down” and is working on “wait.” He needs leash training. Toby is so very eager to please that treats aren’t essential for training. His little brain is working as soon as you say his name. Petting and kind words are much desired rewards for him!

Both housetrained and crate-trained, Toby eats in his crate and spends time there when his family is at work. When his family is home, he has run of the house but usually can be found at the feet of his foster mom. She’d forgotten how much time a pup can spend under one’s feet! At night he sleeps in the bedroom in a basket. In the past Toby has had a little problem with travel. To help him past this, his family is taking him on short errands, up to an hour or so now. So far, he’s riding quietly in his crate and has not had tummy upset.

Toby will be a joy to take through a basic obedience course, a requirement of his adopting family. He needs active people to pick up where his surrendering family in West Virginia left off. That family gave Toby and his brother great starts. The only thing they underestimated was the energy of Springer pups. Beginning 2 at one time became a little overwhelming. 

Toby’s future is wide-open. He has endless possibilities! If you’re looking for a great prospect for anything from dog sport to therapy work to immense companionship, Toby could be your perfect match!