Update 12-15-25: We’ve received several promising applications for this pup so aren’t taking more applications for now. Thank you!
Meet Toby! Toby is a sweet-natured, 1-year-old, healthy boy born November 14, 2024. He came to Cavalier Rescue USA from a commercial breeder. When Toby first arrived at his foster home, he was timid and uncomfortable around people. However, Toby quickly adapted to his new home and has adjusted well. He is an active, playful pup who, on the first day, mastered jumping up on the couch! The couch is his favorite place to hang out with toys and snuggle with his foster mom.
Toby loves squeak toys, especially his duck and Lamb Chop. He will run over to play whenever a toy squeaks. He enjoys carrying the toy around, and eventually, Toby and the toy end up on the couch. On a typical day, Toby has most of his toys out of the toy box and scattered around the floor. He also loves to chew on bones, and he particularly enjoys gnawing on one just before bed.
Of note, Toby guards or protects his toys and bones. He will growl and grumble if his Cavalier housemate shows interest in what he has. He will also engage in brief scuffles to keep a toy or steal it if his housemate is not paying attention. The events never rise above a squabble, with Toby frequently claiming the prize.
One essential point is that Toby never guards his toys or bones from his foster mom. She can approach and take any toy or bone away without Toby protesting or resisting. His foster mom can also freely handle and pick up his food bowl. Toby gently takes treats from his foster mom’s hand and never nips or uses his teeth when he is hand-fed. However, he wants his housemate’s treat too and will nudge with his nose to get the treat for himself! To help him be patient, he is learning to sit and wait for his turn, and he is making good progress.
Toby gets along well with his Cavalier housemate. They enjoy running around the yard, playing, and romping. While outside, Toby will come when his foster mom calls him, or he will come to the door and bark to be let in. Inside, Toby follows his foster mom from room to room, staying close to her. If he is not with his foster mom, you can find Toby hanging out on the couch or snuggling on a blanket with his Cavalier housemate. However, what Toby loves best is to cuddle up next to his foster mom on the couch.
Toby has a great appetite and enjoys chewing on bones, especially those with peanut butter. Toby is generally quiet. However, he does bark at the things that typically excite a dog. For example, he will bark at the doorbell, at dogs on TV, at his image in a mirror, at strangers, and, when he is outside, at the chickens!
Toby knows his name, and he walks politely on a leash. He enjoys going outside for a stroll, especially if his Cavalier housemate is with him. Toby is ready to begin learning basic obedience commands such as sit, down, and stay. He sleeps in a crate at night, keeps it clean, and signals by pawing if he needs to go outside to potty.
During the day, Toby does very well on scheduled potty breaks. He had a few accidents in the house when he initially arrived. However, now that he has adjusted to the household routines, he is reliable. Potty breaks should be every three to four hours to ensure Toby remains accident-free.
Toby is a healthy boy. When Toby first came into foster care, he had mild gingivitis, and the veterinarian recommended that he chew on bones. However, his teeth should be monitored for further evidence of tartar buildup. Since coming to rescue, Toby has been neutered. Prior to his neuter, he had one testicle and, during the neuter, the veterinarian was unable to locate the second one. A follow-up testosterone level may be necessary in the future.
Since his first days in foster care, Toby has overcome his initial fears. Toby is an intelligent boy who learns quickly and has a strong food drive, which makes it easier for him to adjust to his forever home and overall training.
Toby will make an ideal companion for individuals, couples, and families with older children, with the time and patience to work with Toby on his home manners and basic obedience. He will do best in a home with established routines and another easy-going, mature dog.
If you can provide Toby with his loving forever home, please fill out our online application if you haven’t already done so. Then email cavalierrescuesarah@gmail.com to let her know you are interested in Toby.
