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My basic info
Breed
Collie
Color
Tan/Yellow/Fawn - with White
Age
Adult
Size
Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg) (when grown)
Weight
–
Sex
Male
Pet ID
2887
My details
Good with kids
Good with dogs
Good with cats
Purebred
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
Housetrained
My story
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Here's what the humans have to say about me:
ALSO SEE ME AT: http://www.mwcr.org/2011/toby.htm
Description: If you had to choose just one word to describe Toby, it would have to be “cute.” This guy's happy, bright eyes and curious expression just melt the hearts of all who see him. He loves to be talked to and will tilt his head as if he were thinking, “Really? Tell me more.” He loves to spend time with his people and will follow his foster mom from room to room, partly for the joy of being near her and partly to soak up all of the interesting new experiences that indoor living presents to him.
Toby came to MWCR from a rural area where he had lived his entire life as an outdoor dog on a farm. His desire to see a bit more of the world caused him to escape from his outdoor kennel several times, and a Good Samaritan, after finding and returning him more than once, convinced his family to let her find him another home. Toby's second home, however, was also outdoors and it was finally decided that he would be happier as an indoor dog. Thus he was surrendered to MWCR.
When Toby arrived at his foster home, he was initially a little shy and overwhelmed by his new environment. He was also underweight and had some health issues that needed to be addressed. The vet diagnosed him with Lyme disease and Anaplasmosis, both of which were contributing to a suppressed immune system and lack of muscle tone, so he was put on a regimen of antibiotics and a high protein diet. The combination has worked wonders and though he is not yet fully recovered, he is doing much better. He also had watery eyes that were probably caused by seasonal allergies. Since the colder weather has arrived, this has subsided, but he may always need to use eye drops during the high pollen seasons.
Of the many new things that Toby encountered at his foster home, the most interesting ones were the cats. At first he didn't seem to know what to do with them, but had they run from him, his strong herding drive would have caused him to give chase. Fortunately for all involved, these cats were very dog savvy and just stood their ground, so now Toby and the cats are the best of friends. He also gets along well with the resident dogs and they love to run and play together. Toby sometimes plays too roughly but a gentle correction is all that it takes for him to calm down. When he goes for walks, he gets extremely excited about meeting other canines, and his foster mom believes he would benefit from opportunities to interact with other dogs in a supervised environment such as a dog park or obedience class.
One look at Toby's inquisitive face and you know immediately that this is one clever collie. He is fully house trained and kennel trained, and he understands and responds to a litany of words, phrases and commands. He knows “sit,” “lie down,” “shake,” “heel,” “leave it,” etc. and one time, when one of the family cat escaped out the door, he even herded the wayward feline back inside. Who says herding cats is so tough! Of course he would prefer sheep, but a cat will do in a pinch. Toby rides well in the car and is usually good on his leash, unless he encounters something really interesting and distracting. He was nervous during his first bath, but loves to be brushed, so grooming isn't a problem.
Of course even Toby isn't perfect. He loves to snack on any tasty treats that are left a little too close to the edge of the counter and also likes to check out the garbage if it isn't securely closed. He doesn't like to be grabbed by his collar (who would?) and might react by snapping, but he does not bite. He has been exposed to children of all ages and loves them, but because he is sensitive about his collar, we feel that he would do best with kids who are old enough (say 10 years or older) to avoid this behavior.
Toby's ideal forever home will need to include a fenced yard, since he has a history of wandering off in search of adventure. His foster home includes a four foot fence that serves the purpose nicely. He is such an affectionate, loving boy that he would be happiest in an environment where he isn't left alone for prolonged periods of time, and though he is good with both dogs and cats, he would also be fine as an only pet, as long as his humans gave him lots of love and attention. He would also enjoy being with older children. It may take Toby a little time to readjust to a new home, so if his forever family lived within a reasonable distance of his foster mom, she would love to visit him and help him to make the transition.
Although “cute” is the perfect word to describe Toby, there are so many others that also tell his tale; words like “smart,” “loving,” “friendly,” “devoted,” “playful” and “YOURS.”
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