Meet Rootin Tootin, affectionately known as Toots, a little guy with a big name and an even bigger heart! At 4 years old and just 22.6 pounds, this sweet boy is already showing his foster family what a gentle, affectionate companion he can be.
Rootin Tootin is a total sweetheart who loves being close to his people. He'll happily curl up in a lap or lean against you for pets, and he seems to appreciate prolonged eye contact as reassurance. He's a sensitive, tolerant little guy who is still settling in, and having someone nearby to offer comfort helps him feel secure. He's also been quite the polite houseguest, with no issues when left alone so far.
Toots is deaf, but that doesn't stop him from connecting with the people around him! He's food motivated and already knows "sit" when there's a treat in view. With patience, hand signals, and other visual cues, he'll have plenty of opportunities to keep learning and building communication with his future family. He's just getting started, and his foster family is looking forward to discovering more of his personality as he feels better.
He's also making a good start on his housetraining. He's had a couple of urine accidents while everyone learns his schedule, but he consistently pees outside and tries to poop during his outdoor trips. A regular routine, frequent potty breaks, and plenty of praise should help him continue making progress.
Rootin Tootin has been doing wonderfully on leash, with very minimal pulling and a curious but generally non-reactive attitude toward the world around him. He's met a couple of new adults and remained curious and courteous, and he showed interest in a man walking with his two children while remaining polite as his foster stepped aside. He's still recovering, so his outings have been limited to short walks around the neighborhood for now. Once he's feeling better, he'll have more opportunities to explore at his own pace.
Toots has also had brief glimpses of his foster family's resident dog during transitions in and out of the home. Both dogs have seemed curious about each other without much reaction, and Rootin Tootin has previously interacted well with other dogs at the shelter, including small dogs. More time and careful introductions will help everyone get to know one another.
Rootin Tootin is a gentle, affectionate companion who seems to appreciate life's simple pleasures: a cozy lap, reassuring pets, tasty treats, and time spent with someone he trusts. As he recovers and grows more comfortable in his foster home, his personality will continue to unfold. His deafness simply means his future family will communicate with him a little differently, using visual cues and positive reinforcement to help him thrive.
If you're looking for a sweet little companion who loves snuggles, enjoys being close to his people, and is ready to learn alongside his future family, Rootin Tootin might be your perfect match!
Rootin Tootin is currently in the comfort of a foster home. If you're interested in meeting this special boy, please complete an application and email dogfosters@barcs.org for next steps!
