Did you know that adolescence is one of the stages when dogs are most likely to find themselves looking for a new home? That adorable, sleepy ball of puppy fluff suddenly seems to have discovered energy, curiosity, persistence—and an impressive ability to test the rules. Welcome to the teenage years!
Meet Toby, a handsome Bernese Mountain Dog x Golden Retriever who is just about six months old. His humans realized that, despite the best intentions, this simply wasn’t the right time in their lives to raise a puppy. At least they recognized it and made the responsible decision to bring Toby to a safe place where he can find the family that is truly ready for him.
And that family needs to understand that Toby is not a finished product. He is a big adolescent with lots of growing, learning and maturing still ahead of him. He may decide to push a few boundaries along the way—and that’s where his humans come in. Consistent training, patience, structure and plenty of positive reinforcement will help him become the wonderful adult dog he is meant to be.
Toby will need plenty of physical exercise, but learning how to switch gears and relax is just as important. He needs to discover that life isn’t always about going, going, going! A quiet place to chew on a bone, settle down and catch a few ZZZs should be part of his daily routine.
Toby has never met a stranger and is an affectionate, social fellow. Because he is already a big boy and still has some growing to do, he would be best suited to a home with older, sturdy children who understand how to interact respectfully with a large, enthusiastic dog. He gets along well with other dogs who are patient and can appreciate his youthful, sometimes exuberant ways.
A family who is home a good part of the day would be ideal. Toby is simply not ready to spend countless hours alone while he figures out how to be a grown-up dog. He needs companionship, guidance and consistency—and, most importantly, a family prepared to see him through all of his stages, not just the easy puppy ones.
Toby’s next stop must be his last. He has already experienced one major upheaval in his young life, and he deserves the security of knowing that his next family is in it for the long haul. If you’re ready for the fun, the challenges, the training, the exercise and the enormous amount of love that comes with raising a big adolescent, Toby may just be your guy.
Are you the one who can help this handsome boy grow into the amazing dog he is meant to be? If you can offer Toby the commitment, stability and love he deserves, please fill in the Application Form to adopt him.
