Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
Needs experienced adopter,
House-trained,
Story
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.
