Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
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Story
Backstory for Toby Toby found himself in an overcapacity animal control facility that euthanizes due to lack of space. He was an owner surrender, dropped off to be euthanized because they didn’t want to care for him anymore. Animal Saints Rescue Society was asked to pull him to safety to give him a second chance at life. Get to Know Toby age: 7 breed: Shih Tzu blend weight: approximately 16 pounds Vaccines and treatments: Rabies Bordetella DHPP, part one and two Dewormer Flea/tick prevention Other tests and procedures: Heart worm test - negative Fecal test - negative Neuter surgery Additional procedures: • Microchipped • Dental • Bloodwork - normal ranges overall showing healthy organs. He has a grade 1 heart murmur that was only heard by one out of two veterinarians who examined him. He does not need any medication for it, and we hope that with proper nutrition and a safe environment, it will not be heard again. He currently has dry eye that involves some basic dry eye drops. He is so good about getting them, especially when there is a treat involved. Now, he sees the eye drop bottle and starts to wag his tail! Veterinary care costs given to Toby by Animal Saints Rescue Society, based upon NYC area pricing, is $2,000+ Requested adoption donation fee is only $750. This is to partly cover his lifesaving expenses that our 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue incurred to give him a second chance at life. Breed and Hair Notes PLEASE NOTE: Toby’s hair will grow as it is not fur. He is a blend of Shih Tzu and… we are not certain what else! What do you see? Whatever incredible blend he is, he will need professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Only apply if you understand the additional maintenance and cost these dear hair-not-fur souls need and are willing to commit to life for such care. Toby is healing from an untreated skin infection before coming into our care, and he needs medicated baths weekly at present. As he continues to get good nutrition and comfort in a safe home, this will be diminished over time. He loves baths and loves the attention, and it’s a special way to connect with him. Personality Toby is a quiet gentleman who is so ready to be by his person’s side all the time. He is so regal. Even his gate is elegant! As he heals from his past neglect, his magnificence shines through. He is stunning and charming. We are especially impressed with his loyalty. He follows our volunteers wherever they go. When they work where he resides, he will lay by their feet in a bed. He does not demand to be the center of attention. He just wants to be included. His readiness to connect and love is so moving after all he’s endured. He deserves to be at the center of someone’s life for the rest of his days! Toby goes potty on pads indoors, and he likes going outdoors to potty as well. He will get into your routine in time. We are working on leash training right now, and he is doing well with walking. He would enjoy taking short walks in nature or in quiet neighborhoods with sidewalks. He has been gentle meeting other dogs here in our sanctuary and enjoys meeting new people. Basic foundational skills training sessions with a certified professional positive reinforcement trainer are required for Toby’s adoption. Just a few classes are needed, and they are fun. It’s an excellent way to connect with your newly adopted Saint, too. You can enjoy meeting Toby in his short film: Ideal Home It is ideal for Toby to be in a home with adults and possibly older and very, very respectful children who have good experience around dogs. Toby is human focused, though he would enjoy gentle and laidback siblings. Toby will especially thrive in a home that can give him companionship day and night. He would be okay for a few hours on his own if you provided him with puzzles and things to do while you’re away. But he is very much in want of a person around. Plan on sharing your sofa and bedroom with Toby. He will want to be by your side, no matter where you are and what you are doing. If you have a very secure fenced-in backyard for sauntering about for exercise and can safely give him frequent walks on a leash, this is ideal for dear Toby. Love and Commitment At Animal Saints Rescue Society, our goal is to keep dogs out of overcapacity animal control facilities and out of a re-homing cycle. We place the dogs we save into lifetime families. With this in mind, we seek families who understand that an adoption is a lifetime commitment. The families who adopt from us believe that love is not a feeling, it is a decision. Some humans still believe it’s okay to try out a dog for a few weeks, a few months, or even a few years — then discard when they get bored or don’t want to deal with emotional or physical needs. We are looking for the empathetic, kind, and patient humans in this world who view these Animal Saints as family. They do not view them as subordinates to humans or mere possessions but view them as partners in life. They are committed to giving them a safe and loving home with dignity and respect. Will that family be you? We look forward to finding out and receiving your application! January 11, 2026, 9:00 pm
