Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
House-trained,
Spayed or Neutered,
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
**IF THIS LISTING IS STILL POSTED THIS DOG IS STILL AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION. NO NEED TO EMAIL ASKING IF THE DOG IS AVAILABLE. PLEASE READ THROUGH THIS BIO THOROUGHLY AS INFORMATION ON HOW TO APPLY IS CONTAINED IN THIS LISTING**
For Adoption: Tootsie!
Please read our dog bios carefully to be sure that the dog you are applying for suits your family and lifestyle.
We at PDR believe in the benefits of post-adoption training for our dogs and their families. This allows for continued socialization, learning and helps to create a well-mannered and balanced dog. Post-adoption training is a requirement in our adoption process.
To apply for adoption and for more information on our process and requirements, visit our website at https://pounddog.ca/adoption-info/.
Meet Tootsie!
If you're looking for a sweet, loyal companion who is discovering the joys of being a beloved family dog, then Tootsie may be the perfect match for you.
Tootsie is a beautiful 4-year-old Parti-Coloured Cocker Spaniel weighing approximately 9 kg (20 lbs). As a former mill dog, she is still learning that life can be full of comfort, love, and fun. Watching her gain confidence and experience new things is one of the most rewarding parts of having her around. Tootsie is a happy, loveable dog who has a resting “sad” face but is in fact a very joyful dog!! So don’t let her photos fool you, this dog loves her new life outside of a puppy mill!
Tootsie forms a deep bond with her primary caregiver and is incredibly loyal, but she is also gentle and kind with other people. She is wonderful with children and has a calm, affectionate nature. She would do well in a home with quieter children over the age of 8yrs. While she may be a little reserved at first, her sweet personality quickly shines through.
She is a very happy dog who greets her foster mom with pure excitement every morning and every time she comes home. Nothing makes Tootsie happier than being close to the people she loves. She is an exceptionally cuddly girl who enjoys snuggling on the couch and absolutely adores full-body scratches. One of her favourite ways to ask for affection is by rubbing herself along the couch while waiting for pets.
Tootsie enjoys a predictable routine and has settled beautifully into foster care. She sleeps soundly from approximately 10:00 p.m. until 6:00-7:00 a.m. and is taken outside for her final potty break between 9:00 and 9:30 p.m. She eats kibble twice daily, at breakfast and dinner, along with a few treats used for training and crate rewards. One of Tootsie's favourite activities is her daily walk around the block. She walks well on leash and enjoys exploring, although she could use a bit more practice to reduce her occasional zig-zagging. As she gains more confidence we expect her activity level to rise and she will need longer and more frequent walks. She will always be a moderated energy dog though. She has also mastered going up and down stairs and travels wonderfully in the car.
Tootsie is making excellent progress with her training. She understands:
• "Go Potty"
• "Into your crate"
• "Go to bed"
• Gentle corrections such as "No" and "Ah-ah"
• “Leave it” and “sit” are gaining consistency
When outside, she responds to the command "Go Potty," although she can sometimes become distracted by wanting cuddles from her caregiver. A little patience and consistency help her stay focused on the task at hand.
She is curious and likes to investigate her surroundings, but she responds well to gentle boundaries and redirection.
Tootsie had the usual medical issues you expect with Cockers: when we got her both ears had infections in them so we got that treated. She will need weekly ear cleaning and maintenance to ensure she doesn’t get an infection again. Her anal glands were full so we had those expressed. She was spayed without issue and our vet team had a good look at her teeth while she was under and although she has tartar, there was not a need for a dentistry at this time. Our vet team wants to give her body time to adjust to her now premium diet and the introduction of chew toys and have her adopters veterinarian reassess at next years check up appointment. Her adopter needs to be prepared to do a dental on her though in coming year of years. Mature Cockers are almost always in need of a dental at some point.
Like many Cocker Spaniels, she enjoys treats, but she is not fed from the dinner table. If she tries begging or jumps up for attention, ignoring the behaviour and redirecting her helps her quickly settle down and lie quietly.
Tootsie lives with a cat in her foster home and is fine with him. She would also be fine with a mature, calm natured dog in the home that doesn’t wish to wrestle play, but would be a good companion. She would also do just as well with being the only dog in the home and getting all the attention. A quiet dog, she would do well in most living situations although is not a dog for a high rise, busy apartment building or a downtown city environment. She needs a calm and quiet environment in which to build confidence. We need to always keep in mind that up until a short while ago she lived solely in a kennel in a barn so hasn’t had exposure to the world outside until entering foster care. A small town, rural environment, or quiet subdivision will suit her best.
Tootsie is wonderfully crate trained and actually enjoys having her own safe spaces. She is crated while her foster mom is at work and overnight, and she settles without complaint. When asked to "Into your crate," she happily enters her daytime crate. At bedtime, she responds to "Go to bed" and heads to her nighttime crate located in the bedroom. During her free time, she often wanders in and out of both crates on her own, showing just how comfortable she is with them.
As a former mill dog, Tootsie is still learning how to play. Her confidence grows a little every day, and it's a joy to watch her discover new things. She is beginning to enjoy toys, and her absolute favourite is her Kong, especially when it's filled with peanut butter. She also has a quirky habit of stealing socks and carefully gnawing on them until they are thoroughly soggy!
Tootsie loves spending time outdoors and enjoys roaming around a fenced backyard. Because she is closely bonded to her primary caregiver, she prefers to keep that person in sight and may need an escort outdoors to feel secure. Potential adopters should know that Tootsie is quite the little Houdini. She is quick and clever and can easily slip through an open door if given the opportunity. For her safety, she should be crated or securely leashed whenever exterior doors are being opened. This is also why she is only suited to a home with older children, and even at that, any children in the home need to be responsible enough to always close doors right away and never leave a gate or door open.
Tootsie would thrive in a patient, loving home that understands she is still learning what it means to simply be a dog. She offers endless affection, loyalty, and companionship in return. While she has moments of curiosity and occasional mischief, she is eager to please, responsive to gentle guidance, and continues to blossom every day. She is usually very quiet, though she has recently started giving a few barks when strangers arrive at the front door. She settles quickly when reassured and is otherwise a calm, peaceful housemate.
Tootsie is a delightful little dog with a huge heart. Watching her discover toys, cuddles, routines, and the simple pleasures of family life is truly special. She is ready to write the next chapter of her story with a forever family who will cherish her gentle spirit and continue helping her grow into the confident, happy dog she was always meant to be.
Name: Tootsie
ID # PDR
Age: 4yrs
Gender: female
Spayed: yes
UTD vaccines: yes
Breed: Cocker Spaniel
Colours: red and cream
Coat length: med
House trained: yes
Special needs: no
OK with kids: older
OK with cats: yes
Ok with dogs: yes
Status: adoptable
Microchip: yes
Size: medium
Location: Kitchener, Ont
Adoption fee: $700