Meet Tootsie! This 55-pound bundle of love is the definition of a cuddle bug. If you're looking for a constant companion, Tootsie is your girl-she's a true Velcro dog who loves being close to her people. The moment you sit down, she's right there, ready to climb into your lap, lean in for affection, and cover you with kisses. Her foster says she absolutely loves to give kisses and can get a little mouthy when she's especially excited, but it's all part of her enthusiastic, affectionate personality.
Tootsie has settled beautifully into foster life and has proven herself to be an easy, enjoyable housemate. She is fully housetrained with a perfect track record in foster care and has had no accidents in the home. When left alone, she's equally impressive-her foster always returns to find her peacefully napping with no damage, no accidents, and no signs of stress. She's happy to relax while you're away and even happier to greet you when you return.
This sweet girl has a wonderful medium energy level that strikes the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. She loves long walks, hiking, spending time outdoors, and carrying around her favorite stuffed toy. One of her favorite ways to unwind is stretching out in the sunshine beside her people before heading inside for a well-earned cuddle session. Whether you're exploring a new trail or enjoying a quiet afternoon at home, Tootsie is happiest simply being part of whatever you're doing.
Tootsie is also a smart, food-motivated girl who already knows "sit" and enjoys learning through positive reinforcement. She continues making great progress on leash every week. While squirrels are still incredibly exciting and she'll pull to investigate small critters, she's showing significant improvement when passing other dogs. She now walks by canine neighbors with much less pulling and reactivity than when she first settled into her foster home, making each walk more enjoyable.
People are truly Tootsie's favorite thing. She adores meeting new friends and recently spent the night with friends that included two men and three girls. Within minutes, she had happily melted into everyone's laps, handing out kisses and soaking up all the affection she could get. Her loving, social personality makes her a joy to introduce to new people, and she's always eager to make another friend.
Tootsie has also made wonderful progress with other dogs. She enjoys having canine companions and has become much calmer when passing dogs on walks. While she can still be selective about her close dog friends, she does best with calm, socially appropriate dogs who respect personal space. As with any adoption, a meet-and-greet with any resident dog is recommended to ensure everyone is a good match.
She has also shown promising potential around cats. Tootsie met the resident cat and was calm and respectful, choosing to simply sniff before moving along without bothering her new feline friend. Her gentle curiosity suggests she could do well in a home with a confident, dog-savvy cat, though slow introductions are always recommended.
Tootsie has met children and enjoys affection from them, but she is happiest with older, dog-savvy kids who understand canine body language and will respect her space. Like many dogs, she can become uncomfortable if repeatedly approached while she's tired or resting, so supervised, respectful interactions will help her continue to thrive.
This happy, affectionate girl has an enormous heart and so much companionship to offer. If you're searching for a loyal best friend who will join you on hikes and walks, lounge in the sunshine, happily nap while you're at work, then greet you with endless kisses when you get home, Tootsie is ready to fill that role.
Tootsie is currently living in the comfort of a foster home. If you're interested in meeting her, please complete an application and email dogfosters@barcs.org for next steps.
I'm a VIP because I'm still learning, and the shelter can be a tough place for dogs like me to shine. But I've got a whole team cheering me on!
Here are a few things the staff and volunteers are helping me with:
· Practicing calm behavior when seeing other pups on walks that excite or scare me
· Feeling less stressed/fearful in my kennel
· Learning to make the right dog friends at the right pace
· Practicing calm behavior behind fences and gates
· I should be the only dog in the home, unless you're working with a behavior professional to help me build my social skills.
If you're patient and open-hearted, I could be your best friend. I'm available for adoption! During the adoption process, a staff member can walk you through what's been working for me and how you can keep the progress going at home.
