Entered: 08/05/2017; reentered 09/29/2024
Status: On Hold
Age: 4; now 11 in 2024
Color: Liver/White
Weight: 60 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Dumfries, VA (2024)
Health: UTD, HW-, ear infections kept under control with ear grooming and over the counter medication
Temperament: Good with people of all ages, good with other dogs but is disinterested, ignores cats
Update 12/08/2024: “He is an inside dog and does not like being outside in the fresh air…he prefers sleeping on his bed in the house.”
Toby has become well-adjusted to his new life with his foster mom. He is an inside dog and does not like being outside in the fresh air…he prefers sleeping on his bed in the house. Toby will chew contentedly on a bone but does not play with toys. His goal is just to be near his special person, or under his person’s feet. In fact, if his foster mom works outside in the yard, Toby gets in the way until he is put in the house. That’s not helpful, Toby!
If his person is not paying attention, Toby makes whiny noises when he wants something. His signal to go out and do his business is whining and bothering his person. Sly about counter-surfing, Toby stands and puts his paws on the counter to check out the situation. It’s important to learn to put things out of his reach. He doesn’t even care if he’s yelled at to get down.
Toby tends to get ear infections, so it’s important to make sure the hair around his ear canals is shaved. His foster mom uses Zymox otics to clear up his ears.
Toby is an ideal dog for someone working from home who just wants a companion in the house. He is sweet and gets along with cats and dogs, kids and people…rather, he will ignore them. He stays around the house outdoors off lead and he can be left long hours in the house alone. If you’re looking for a contented homebody to cuddle with this winter, Toby just might be the one for you…just don’t leave Christmas dinner out on the counter!
Update 10/15/2024: “He will make an excellent pet and companion for someone with a quiet home.”
Toby was adopted as a MAESSR boy back when he was four years old. Due to his adopting owner’s health problems, he is once again with MAESSR, now as a senior boy.
Toby’s foster family lives on a farm, and he is enjoying all the new outdoor smells that come with farm life. He stays next to his foster mom and does not venture far from the house. Toby is good walking on a leash. He can be a little anxious at times – in the car, at the vet, and at the groomer – but he will then settle down and be okay.
There is no aggression from this good boy. He does not bother with any cats, and he will walk by them sitting on a porch. Toby will look at another dog but not care to interact. Good with young children, Toby does not interact with them but will sit next to his foster mom and watch them play. He walks up to people but does not interact or seem interested. Pesky squirrels should watch out, however, as Toby likes to run after them in a fenced yard. While he initially would not play with any toys, and his foster mom said he appeared to be mourning his owner, Toby recently retrieved a ball. He seems to be adjusting to his new living situation.
Toby is used to his foster mom’s routine of early rising and going for a walk to do his business. He sits outside with his foster mom when she gardens or is just outside. He goes out several times a day to relieve himself and then just before bedtime. He has food out all day and eats when he pleases. A good watch dog, Toby barks at the doorbell ringing; but he cowers when either the broom or vacuum comes out!
A bit of a thief, Toby counter-surfs and steals napkins; he also likes to chew Kleenex tissues out of the trash. He knows “sit,” and “lie down.” At night Toby sleeps on a bed next to his foster mom; during the day the floor or doggy bed in the living room is his napping spot.
Toby is a low energy senior boy. He loves being with his person but can spend hours alone without a problem. He will make an excellent pet and companion for someone with a quiet home.
Original: “Outside, typical Springer, he enjoys chasing birds and rabbits, but thinks thunderstorms are to be avoided!”
Toby and Emma lived with a family in South Carolina. But, when the pair started having problems with the other dogs, the family decided to rehome both of them.
Toby is crate trained and housetrained, and, while he will try to counter-surf occasionally, he has not been successful. He is friendly with new people who come into the house but might lightly jump on them.
This youngster knows “sit” and “down” and likes squeaky balls and hanging out on the back of the couch. Outside, typical Springer, he enjoys chasing birds and rabbits, but thinks thunderstorms are to be avoided!
Toby walks well on a leash and rides well in the car. He was really good at his vet and groomer appointments.
Mr. T. is a sweet little guy who just wants to be loved; he is fun and loves to play. With cooler weather coming, Toby will enjoy being outside with his new family and running through the leaves. Would you like him to come and help you rake?