Adopt

My name is Toto!

Posted 1 year ago | Updated over 3 months ago

Adoption process
1

Submit Application

2

Interview

3

Home Check

4

Meet the Pet

5

Sign Adoption Contract

6

Take the Pet Home

My basic info

Breed
Chihuahua
Color
Brown/Chocolate
Age
Adult
Size
Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less (when grown)
Weight
Sex
Male
Pet ID
f93db7d9-d66b-4bc2-ba6e-7cc4aca376c9

My details

Checkmark in teal circle Good with kids
Checkmark in teal circle Good with dogs
Checkmark in teal circle Good with cats
Checkmark in teal circle Needs experienced adopter
Checkmark in teal circle Spayed / Neutered
Checkmark in teal circle Housetrained

My story

Here's what the humans have to say about me:

Location: Didsbury, AB//
Age: Approx 5 years//
Size: Small//
Sex: Neutred Male//
Energy level: Low//
Vaccines: Up to date//
Dogs: Yes//
Cats: Yes//
Kids: Kids 15+//

Toto has been in long-term foster care with our rescue’s founder for about two years, and during that time he has made incredible progress. When he first arrived, his foster couldn’t even come within a few feet of him for the first six months. With patience, love, and positive reinforcement, Toto has slowly learned that the world—and people—can be safe.

Toto is still a very fearful boy, especially when it comes to physical touch. Most of the time he prefers to keep his distance, but when he does choose to snuggle, he shows so much love. In those moments, you can tell just how badly he wants to be cuddled and cherished, even if it’s scary for him. Recently, he’s even started sitting on his foster mom’s lap once in a while when he’s feeling brave. These tender milestones are proof of how far he’s come.

Toto has also started exploring his backyard—something he couldn’t do before. He is a very routine-oriented boy who thrives on predictability and the security of knowing what to expect each day. He doesn’t have a mean bone in his body—he’s incredibly sweet and gentle. New people don’t seem to scare him as long as they give him space; from a distance, he seems perfectly content having humans around.

While Toto isn’t comfortable going for walks and finds the leash and outside world overwhelming, he has recently allowed his harness and leash to be put on slowly if needed for a car ride. Getting in the car is tough, but once he’s in his foster family’s car or camper, curled up in his bed, he’s happy to be part of the adventure. He no longer needs his crate, either—another big step forward! Most nights, he sleeps in bed with his foster parents or in his dog bed nearby.

Toto eats a special dehydrated food that works best for him since many of his teeth have been removed. One of his most endearing quirks is his pre- and post-meal “happy dance”—a little wiggle and shuffle that never fails to make his foster family smile.

Toto’s progress may be slow and steady, but he is a completely different dog today than he was two years ago. He may always be a work in progress, and it’s possible he will remain a forever Ruff Start resident—but he is still adoptable to the right home.

Toto needs:

An adopter with experience working with very fearful or previously feral dogs.

A quiet, predictable home with a fully fenced yard.

A slow, patient transition into his new home.

Someone who understands that Toto may never be a typical snuggly dog, but who will celebrate every small step forward.

Toto is good with other dogs, respectful cats, and would do best in a calm home with no young children. What he needs most is safety, stability, and unconditional love.

If you have the heart and patience to continue Toto’s journey and give him a safe place to land, he just might be the perfect match for you.

If you think your home would be a good match for Toto, please complete an adoption application on our website and one of our team members will be in touch with you shortly via email to arrange a phone interview.
Rescue

Contact info

Pet ID
f93db7d9-d66b-4bc2-ba6e-7cc4aca376c9
Contact
Phone
Address
Didsbury, AB T0M 0W0

Their adoption process

1.

Submit Application

Applications are not considered on a first come first serve basis but rather on the best match for the dog

2.

Interview

We first offer a video chat interview where we can learn more about the adopter and allow them to ask questions. We also call references.

3.

Home Check

We do the initial meet and greet at the adopters home where we also do a home check.

4.

Meet the Pet

We never leave a pet behind at an initial meet and greet, but rather discuss with our team if the right fit, then offer another meet/playdat

5.

Sign Adoption Contract

At this point we sign, pay fee, and provide all medical records

6.

Take the Pet Home

Additional adoption info

We are very extensive in our adoption process to ensure a good match is made

Adoption application

Go meet their pets

We do not host adoption events. We do bring some of our dogs to fundraisers to meet potential adopters who then must complete the full adoption process.

More about this rescue

We are a small foster based rescue who focuses on helping areas of overpopulation and dogs in desperate situations. We are run by dedicated volunteers and generally only have a handful of dogs in care at one time so we can focus on exactly what they need to feel better and find a loving home.

Other pets at this rescue