Golden Bond Rescue of Oregon

Adopted May 19, 2011

Toby's Avaliable Story

Howdy! I'm Toby (#2137). I guess that you could call me a good old dairy farm dog, but I'm only 4 years old. I grew up on a farm in Western Oregon. I'd be there still, but the good old guy who was my master died.

I lived outside my whole life. (I really don't like hail. It makes my ears and tail droop!) I've learned that being in the house is warm and dry. Watching T.V. is especially interesting if a program with bawling cattle comes on. I know that sound! I'd like a home with both inside and outside.

I used to think that it was OK to jump on people. Now I've learned that having four-on-the-floor makes people want to pet me, and I love to be petted! I like all people; in fact, I adore babies. They are so sweet, even if they pull my lips or whiskers. Shoot, they're little and can't pull very, very hard. It would probably hurt me if a toddler or older child pulled on me, though. Mom thinks that I should be supervised by adults, just in case.

I weighed 89 pounds when I came to Golden Bond Rescue. I've lost 4 pounds, and I'm a trim guy now. Being that big, I'm strong! I've sometimes been accused of being bull-headed. (Come on, I grew up around cattle!) So I've learned to wear a Gentle Leader as well as a Halti. My foster mom walks me and her three retrievers all at the same time, and the head halter allows her to walk me rather than have me walking her. I never had to wear a leash before, so that was a learning experience.

I used to chase squirrels and birds (especially crows), and I wanted to chase bicycles, too, when we were out on our walks. But I've learned that bicycle chasing is a naughty-no-no. I just look at them now. I'm also way better about just watching birds and squirrels (unless they get too close).

I'm a very quiet dog. I grew up as an "only" dog, but I like other dogs. I just get nervous if other dogs start to bark. I am very interested in the few cats I've seen; I think that they might make a tasty meal. I'd love to have cats, but they might not live very long around me, so it's best if there aren't any temptations. I do like to be around other dogs, and I have learned how to share toys and play nicely. After I play for just a little while, I'm ready for a nap.

Here's the thing: I like hard toys, but I can rip up soft stuff in seconds flat. I chewed a corner — it was only a corner! — of the comforter on our couch. I also chewed a big hole and yanked some of the stuffing out of the comforter that was on the floor of the van. For some reason, foster mom doesn't leave me loose in the house while she has to be gone or during the night. I sleep in a crate. I don't like it, but I've learned not to complain out loud.

Car rides make me nervous. I like looking out at all the big world. I love it when we get wherever we're going, even if it's to the vet. I just pant a lot during the trip.

So, if I sound like your kind of guy, I'd love to meet you. Maybe we'll become a forever family!