Hi, I’m Tillie! I’m a 55-pound Am Staff mix with beautiful brown eyes, a face that will melt your heart, and a personality that is equal parts sweet, independent, goofy, and – let’s be honest – a little bit queenly. 👑
I’ve been through more than my fair share in life, but you’d never know it by meeting me. I was originally rescued from the desert in Mexico and adopted by a wonderful family in the Twin Cities when I was just six months old. I was very loved and definitely the apple of my mom’s eye. I was the queen of the castle then, and I’m pretty sure I still am! Unfortunately, I lost both of my people, and after my dad passed away, my mom passed away a few months later. I then had to fend for myself for a week in the home I knew as my own. Somehow, through it all, I remained the happy, loving, wiggly girl I’ve always been. I’m pretty darn resilient like that. ❤️
These days, I’m all about the good life – and by “good life,” I mean couch, snacks, a comfy blanket, a full water bowl, and my people nearby. I’m very laid-back and quiet at home. I love lounging on the couch, relaxing in the yard, watching the world go by through the window, and even watching dog TV. I’m not looking for a family who wants a running buddy or a dog who needs hours of exercise every day. I’m perfectly happy to hang out and enjoy the simple things.
Every now and then, I’ll surprise you with a little 30-second burst of energy. I might decide it’s time to toss a toy in the air, pounce on it once or twice, and then – well, that was fun. Back to the couch! 😂 Toys aren’t really my thing, although I’ll entertain you with a little toy shenanigans if you encourage me.
I also have a very important relationship with blankets. Give me a cozy blanket on the couch and I’ll happily bury my nose in it. I’m not much for complicated sleeping arrangements, either. A couch or dog bed will do just fine. I’m a practical girl.
I love my humans, but I’m not what you’d call clingy. I like being in the same room with you, but I don’t need to be the center of attention. I’m perfectly happy lying beside you rather than ON you. Give me some good scratches, a fantastic butt rub, and maybe a kiss or two, and I’ll be on my way to do my own thing. When you come home, though? Oh, I can’t help myself! My whole body wiggles because I’m so happy to see you. I love when my people talk sweetly to me and get down on the floor for a little playtime.
And yes, I’m a bit of a drool monster. Nobody’s perfect. 😍
I’m also completely potty trained and crate trained. I know “kennel up” and will happily go into my crate when asked, although I don’t really need to be crated. I’m also perfectly comfortable being left alone. I may let you know if I hear a strange noise, but otherwise I’m happy to spend some quiet time napping.
Now, I need to tell you about my VERY IMPORTANT RULE.
I am looking for a home where I will be the only pet. No dogs, no cats, no other small animals. I know I can fool you because when I see another dog, I may wag my tail and look excited and curious. I don’t bark or growl or give much warning, and someone might think I’m saying, “Hi! Let’s be friends!” Nope. That is not what I’m saying. Once another dog gets close, I can react very differently, and I have a history of difficult interactions with other dogs. My foster family has three dogs, and attempts to introduce me have not gone well.
So please don’t think, “Maybe Tillie just needs the right dog friend.” I don’t. I need to be your one-and-only furry family member. And honestly? I’m perfectly happy with that arrangement. I have plenty of love for my humans, and I’d much rather have you all to myself anyway. 😉
I also have a pretty serious prey drive. If there’s a squirrel, rabbit, or other critter nearby, I may suddenly forget that humans exist. If I think I can catch it, I’m going to give it my best effort! I can even be determined enough to try squeezing under or pushing around a fence to get to something interesting on the other side. A secure fence is important, and I’ll need my humans to help me learn good “fence etiquette.”
I’m also a bit of a Houdini when it comes to collars. If my collar isn’t fitted securely, I have an impressive little trick where I can suddenly whip my head around and slip right out. I’m lightning fast and LOVE being free, so my humans will need to make sure I’m safely and securely outfitted whenever I’m outside. If I lived in an apartment where I regularly encountered other dogs in hallways or common areas, extra precautions would be especially important.
On leash, I’m okay, but I’ll need some work if regular walks are part of my new life. I tend to pull and put my nose down to investigate all the exciting smells – especially when I’m hunting for critters. Once I’m focused on something interesting, getting my attention back can be a challenge. You could say I have a strong independent streak. 😏 I’m also working on my recall and learning to shake. Treats are definitely my preferred form of payment for my hard work. I know “sit”, and I’m very good at begging for food. Priorities, right?
As for kids, I’ve done well with teenagers, and I’ve never shown aggression toward people. I haven’t spent time around young children, though, so I’d do best with older kids who understand that I’m an independent girl and can respect my space. Little humans can be unpredictable and move quickly, so a home with older children – or adults only – would be the best fit for me.
I came into rescue underweight and dehydrated after going without enough food and water for about a week, but I bounced back beautifully. I also had a broken toe that has healed. I do have some allergies that seem to be well managed with my current food, and I had some knee/ACL soreness when I was much younger. I haven’t shown any signs of knee pain or discomfort while in foster care and have never needed surgery.
So, what am I looking for?
Honestly, not much.
I want a person or family who wants one awesome dog. Someone who will let me hang out in the same room, curl up on the couch, enjoy a shady patch of grass on a beautiful day, give me some scratches, keep my water bowl full, and make sure I have a full belly. I don’t need to be constantly entertained. I don’t need to be fawned over. I don’t even need to be walked every day.
I just want to be part of a family again.
I’ve had quite an adventure already, and I think I’m ready for the peaceful chapter of my life. I’m looking for my forever human – the one who will love me as much as my past humans did and appreciate the sweet, quirky, strong-willed girl I am.
Oh, and if you happen to have a couch, good food, treats, and maybe some relaxing TV or spa music for ambiance…
Well, congratulations. You may have just been promoted to one of my people. 👑❤️
I’m Tillie. I’m sweet. I’m resilient. I’m a little stubborn. I’m absolutely a queen. And I’m ready to be the only dog in your world.
