Toby #4372

Hello, my name is Toby (#4372) but my foster mom calls me “love bug or buddy” because I’m so CHILL. I am a 10-year old, 79 pound, male Chocolate Labrador Retriever.

I am a sweet, lovable, older guy who likes to take things at a slower, more relaxed pace. I would be my best self in a quieter environment without a lot of comings and goings, but do enjoy going on outings. I would be very content and would thrive in a home where I am your one-and-only pup. I have lived with another dog, my 6-year old sister, but I coward and hid from her often.

I love having my humans close by where I can see them but am content to lounge nearby while they work and respect boundaries like “dogs out of the kitchen” during meal prep. My best time to snuggle is in the morning after my breakfast when I’m full and content.

My foster mom says I’m a talker (alert barker). She says I definitely like to hear my own voice, so I warn her about anything and everything that moves, sometimes I even bark when there’s nothing there just to let her know I’m on guard! I do bark when humans come to the door, but after a quick sniff, we become best friends. Because of my talking, I should not be in a home with shared walls (been there, done that!).

Loud noises really bother me, like fireworks, smoke alarms, garbage trucks, etc. – I will let you know I don’t like them. Smoke alarms really scare me and make me run between my foster mom’s legs.

I came from a family that loved me but I did not really get introduced to other dogs. I enjoy my walks but am a work in progress with other dogs out in the world. We are working on sitting and getting treats while the other dogs go by. Sorry to say I don’t think I’m a dog park kind of guy. Speaking of walks, I do really well at loose leash walking but I am a sniffer! I seem to do more sniffing than walking sometimes so hope you like to walk at a leisurely pace.

I know some verbal commands like sit, gentle, lay-down and will retreat to my bed when asked. At meal time, I wait for the command “okay” before starting to eat. Food is my passion and it is very motivating. My foster mom has introduced me to all kinds of yummy fruits and vegetables. My favorites are sweet potatoes, apples and carrots. Sometimes she gives me yucky green beans – I don’t really like but will eat them anyway. I like to tell you when I need a snack with a verbal clue or I may sit in front of the cabinet where they are kept and stare at you. I’ve also been known to drop a subtle hint by depositing my Kong treat container in my foster mom’s lap.

I don’t remember the last time I had a fenced yard so am getting use to going out doors on my own now. A yard is a great place to enjoy the good things in life, like… a nap in the sunshine, to sniff and wander about, play chase and keep away or just watch what’s happening in the neighborhood.

I am really well behaved in the house. I can be left free roaming when you’re gone and not get into any trouble. I sleep quietly all night until my internal clock tells me it’s time for breakfast. Then I will come to your bed with a very excited tail wagging greeting.

Since I am an older gentleman, I do have some mobility issues, like arthritis and joint stiffness. We’ve begun to get these under control and manage with basic supplements and medication. I get around just fine but sometimes struggle getting up and down and I need a boost to get into the car. I do fine with stairs but think a single story home or one with minimal stairs would be ideal for my golden years.

If you are looking for the perfect gentleman and loyal companion with a big heart, then I’m your guy. Hope to see you soon.

Adoption fee: $300 plus $35 microchip fee