Hello, I’m Toby! I’ve got a big ol’ head that shows every emotion I’m feeling. When I really want to get my way, I smile really big and put on what my foster parents call my “rizz face”. I don’t know exactly what that means, but it seems to work out pretty well! I’ve also got just a hint of brindle to my coat that makes me stand out in a crowd. My top five favorite things in the whole world are: food, squeaky toys, snuggles under blankets, naps, and kisses. I have a lot of love to give and receive in my retirement years. I want to love everyone, and for everyone to love me so much – that when one of my foster siblings shows indifference to me, I cry. LET ME LOVE YOU, AND LOVE ME BACK. I was found as a stray in Bloomington, and the animal control team that watched over me before said I was the BEST! And I don’t blame them – I am pretty great.
I am potty trained! I even know to let my foster parents know if I really need to go out. I am also kennel trained. I like having my white noise machine on when people are away for a few hours though as it helps me get ready for my nap. At night I sleep in my foster parent’s bed, under my own blanket. Sometimes I try to convince them to let me under THEIR blankets at night – I rarely win that debate. Sometimes I sleep in my kennel overnight although it’s not my favorite, but as long as I have a comfy bed – and maybe a blanket or three – I settle down to sleep pretty quickly. I’m working really hard to reign in my excitement when meeting new people. I just want to say hello right away, but my foster parents say that I have to “keep all four on the floor” even when I’m excited. I know SO MANY tricks! I know how to “sit”, “lay down”, “shake” (with both paws!), and “boop” – where I touch my nose to an outstretched hand or finger. To the best of my foster parent’s knowledge I haven’t taken any training classes, but If it were in a place I am familiar with, and with people I know and love, I could enjoy it. Sometimes new places, especially big places or places with a lot of noise are a lot for me to handle. Regardless, make sure to bring the treats! Treats, high-value squeaky toys, and loving human interactions like pets/scratches and kisses are my biggest motivators. I’ll do anything for love!
I met quite a few kiddos when I went to Thanksgiving with my foster parents, all of them in the 5-12 range. Since I was found as a stray, no one is really sure if I lived with kids previously. My foster parents have cats – one of them is about three years old and has accepted and wanted to interact with me and that is GREAT! We don’t really play much. I try to engage in play by poking him with my nose, but he doesn’t like that so much, I had to learn that his play is not like my play. I don’t like it when he walks on me, and I give him warning growls and he usually listens. However, the other cat I live with is about my age and is indifferent towards me. I have a hard time with that brother not wanting to interact with me. Sometimes I try to approach him too quickly and cry when my attempts at a relationship are not well received or reciprocated. There have been a few bunnies in the backyard, I usually just watch from a distance as they scamper away, but one time I was READY to chase it down. I did not catch him, but that was still a thrilling day for me! My foster parents say that my “prey drive is pretty low, but kind of there.” I don’t know what all that is about, but with slow introductions and guidance, I can get along with anyone. My doggie foster sister is another pittie mix like me. She’s a little younger, but she’s the “mom” of the house – aside from my foster mom. When I first came here, I really wanted to play with her, but she doesn’t like to play the way I do, so I had to learn to respect her boundaries. She was a great teacher, so I learned fast! I’m more or less passive, leaning towards submissive. I like to go with the flow, and I’m happy to let the other animals around me dictate what that flow is. I love chasing my foster sister around the yard. She doesn’t always want to, so when she’s in the mood for chase, I make sure I’m ready. I also really like going on my daily walks with my foster family. There are so many sights and smells to take in! I’ll also never turn down a cuddle, no matter who it is, I just appreciate the extra warmth.
My foster parents try to play fetch with tennis balls and these rubber balls, but all I need is a trusty stick for fetch or maybe a squeaky toy. If you ask me, a good game of tug and run around the house is the best way to play. I also have a particular post-potty routine that my foster parents get a kick out of. I am perfectly content to hang around in the yard while I still have to do "business”, but as soon as I am finished, you will see nothing but a blur as I sprint at Mach 5 towards the door, so I can reclaim my spot on the couch before any of my foster siblings take it. 🙂
Some other fun facts about me:
Why are you the very best dog in the whole world?
I don’t react to sounds outside the house unless provoked, my cuddles are legendary, if given the chance, I WILL tuck myself into a bed, and I listen very well.
What would your dream day consist of?
Having a hearty breakfast, then going for a walk. After the walk we put on your favorite series and snuggle under the blankets. When I wake up, take me outside and we play for a little bit, but then we go back to snuggles under the blankets. Then, I help test your food to make sure it is tasty and safe for all of us to eat. After that is bed time, and you let me sleep under the blankets with you. (Did you notice a trend?)
What general knowledge TV or movie character are you most like and why?
I would say I’m most like Phil Dunphy from Modern Family. Much like Phil, I am goofy, laid back, love my family, and really value their understanding and perception of how we come together as a family. I am also very open to new people and experiences so long as they are nice, and well-intended.
What are some of your favorite toys?
I loved my stuffed squeaky toys, especially this stuffed pumpkin pie toy we got from a Bark Box.
Play all day or cuddles and snoozes?|
Cuddles and snoozes, ALL. DAY.
What makes your body wiggle and your tail wag harder than anything?
Cheese, telling me how good and handsome I am, and forehead kisses.
Give me a description of your dream forever family.
My dream forever family would be a calm, quiet household with older kids. If there’s other animals, I would want them to be patient while I learn the ropes so we can be best buds! A family that is content to go for quiet walks in the park before coming home to take a nap, or maybe watch TV on the couch. Oh, and a family who likes to cook, so I can be the best kitchen cleanup crew – no crumbs will fall without being scooped up by me! Could this be you?
