Meet Toby!
This handsome boy has waited far too long for a forever home, and we would love to see him find his family before the holidays! Toby is approximately 2 years old and weighs around 45–50 lbs, which appears to be his full-grown size. Without a DNA test, we cannot confirm his breed, but we think he may be a Retriever, Shepherd, and Border Collie mix—give or take a few breeds! Whatever his mix, his glossy, wavy black coat and sunny personality make him something special.
We don’t know much about Toby’s past, but we do know that he was found wandering the streets of Texas with a smaller doggy buddy. He eventually made his way into one of the shelters we work with and has been patiently waiting since September for someone to give him a chance.
The shelter describes Toby as a happy, people-loving boy who loves making friends. He radiates cheerful energy and has an especially funny way of showing his excitement! Give him a little eye contact, an enthusiastic pep talk, and the promise of a treat, and he does the cutest little “air snap,” happily clicking his teeth together like a tiny pair of castanets. It’s almost as if he is trying to join the conversation!
Toby is also reportedly dog-friendly and playful, enjoying opportunities to meet new canine friends. He could be a wonderful match for a home with a compatible dog who enjoys having a buddy. Another dog is not required, though, and he could also thrive as the only dog with a family who gives him plenty of attention, exercise, and enrichment.
Toby walks well on leash and appears to be potty trained in the shelter environment, giving his future family a great starting point. However, shelter observations cannot guarantee that he will be fully house-trained in a new home. His adopter should be prepared to establish a consistent routine, allow for occasional accidents, and continue working on basic obedience and household manners using positive reinforcement.
At around 2 years old, Toby is past the tiny puppy stage but still has plenty of youthful enthusiasm. He could make a wonderful companion for walks, hiking trails, and adventures with his family, followed by time relaxing together. His adopter should be committed to meeting his daily physical and mental needs while giving him time to decompress and adjust to life outside the shelter.
We do not have a confirmed history of Toby living with children. His friendly personality is encouraging, but any potential match should take his size, energy, and the children’s comfort around dogs into consideration. Introductions should be gradual, and interactions should always be supervised.
Toby has been observed barking at cats from a distance. This does not give us enough information to determine whether he could safely share a home with one, and further assessment would be needed before considering a home with cats. We cannot currently guarantee feline compatibility.
We would love to see Toby in a home with access to a yard, ideally one that is securely fenced, where he can safely play and explore. However, a fenced yard is not a requirement. Apartments and condos may also be considered on a case-by-case basis as long as his adopter is committed to consistently meeting his exercise and enrichment needs.
Most importantly, Toby needs someone ready to give him the time, structure, patience, and affection that every newly adopted dog deserves. His cheerful personality, love of people, and playful spirit give him so much to offer a family willing to welcome him home.
The shelter where Toby is currently staying is severely overcrowded, and dogs like him face uncertain futures simply because there is not enough space. He has been waiting for someone to notice him, and we would love nothing more than to see him trade his kennel for a loving home—and a family to spend the holidays with.
HEALTH:
Toby is neutered, microchipped, up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations, on monthly preventatives, and heartworm negative.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
All of our dogs, including Toby, are currently located in Texas and will be transported to their adopters once the adoption is finalized. Transportation is included in the adoption fee. Please note that adopters will not be able to meet Toby in person prior to committing, as transport occurs after the adoption has been finalized.
Breed labels are educated guesses based on appearance and available shelter or medical records. We encourage adopters to focus on each dog’s individual personality, needs, and long-term compatibility rather than breed alone.
MA License #479
DENNIS
Golden Retriever, German Shepherd Dog
🇺🇸
Elgin, Texas
male, medium, baby
Golden Retriever, German Shepherd Dog
Elgin, Texas
