Toby 7

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Update 11/10/08:

Toby has been with his foster family for a full two weeks now. More of his personality has emerged. He’s still the fun-loving, one-year old puppy in a four-year old body. He loves his toys, having found rawhides are great as is the new nylabone chew toy he received yesterday as a little surprise present. He willingly gives up these prizes as well as the balls he loves to chase. With a fenced in yard, this boy will be an enthusiastic participant in a game of fetch. He walks well on lead and enjoys being outside.

When his foster mom tried to do a little grooming on Toby, she found out he is really afraid of the clippers. In fact he startles at many loud, unfamiliar noises. She thinks this is simply a manifestation of lack of exposure. Toby does not have any phobias; he just is unsure about the noises. Toby is probably not a dog that would be a good candidate for an inexperienced home groomer. As he becomes more familiar with sounds (vacuums, etc.), this behavior should diminish.

Toby has wanted to play with all the dogs he’s met. While on his walk yesterday, he met a cat. This cat did not run and Toby acted toward it just like he did toward dogs…let’s play!!! His foster mom thinks with a dog-savvy cat, Toby would be okay.

While he still sleeps in his roomy crate, it is obvious Toby is learning to love the soft bed his family sleeps in. He’s allowed up for a short while in the evening but gets off when told. He has also picked out a favorite chair in the living room for afternoon naps, but again, gets off when told. He continues to demonstrate impeccable house training. He does gently jump up for attention but will get down when told. He remains completely submissive with food, toys, etc. No problems there.

Toby will be very happy with a moderately active family who will tend to this young boy’s needs. He loves being with others and would do very well in a house with another dog. Toby would also do well with obedience/agility training. He’s a smart, healthy dog who would benefit from the stimulation.

Toby is truly a sweet boy who is just looking for the right family – he hopes it’s yours.

Original:

Toby was surrendered to a Pennsylvania shelter through no fault of his own. Call him a casualty of the economy. After four years, his owner said he could not afford to keep this sweet boy. Thankfully, MAESSR came to his rescue. Toby was severely matted when he arrived at the shelter, but the workers there saw the potential in this boy. They arranged for him to be professionally groomed. He came from the groomers sporting a “buzz cut” of shiny black and white fur. This is a no-fuss boy for now!

Toby had a long transport to his foster home and charmed everyone along the way. He was a bit timid when he arrived at his foster home, but has quickly settled into a routine and is a joy to have around. He is housebroken, sleeps all through the night in his large crate, and loves all his toys from rubber balls to soft, plush toys. Toby is not food aggressive nor does he mind giving up toys. He’d rather play “tug” with them, however. Toby reportedly does well with other dogs, but so far he’s just seemed mildly interested in them. He’s not been cat tested as of yet.

Toby is interested in everything on his walks, but doesn’t pull too hard. For now, he is not trusted off leash; his curiosity is just too great. His foster family is attempting to teach him some extra house manners although this boy does not counter-surf, get in the trash, get on the furniture, nor bark excessively. He will gently jump up on people for pats, but his foster family is working with him on sitting to receive affection.

After being checked out at the vet, Toby has been pronounced very healthy. He’s a slight boy at just forty pounds but the vet says it is a perfect weight for him. Toby is hard muscled and after recovering from his neutering surgery, he will benefit from some regular exercise.

Stay tuned for more on Toby as his sweet Springer personality emerges even more.