Meet Toby. He's an eight-year-old Italian greyhound. I picked him up from The Animal Rescue Alliance (T.A.R.A.) yesterday after work.
He was turned over to the rescue group because his family split up due to divorce. I was hoping they'd bring some of his stuff, but all he had was his collar. Maybe he doesn't have any stuff, but you'd think they'd at least have brought some of his food and whatever clothes he wears when he goes out in the cold.
For now I'm just fostering him while we see how things go with our cats. If everything works out, I'll pay his adoption fee and keep him.
When I picked him up he was clearly upset at having been left behind and he was whining and looking for his people. Our first short car trip was from the kennel to my sister's house and Toby made it a challenge. Fortunately, all of the novelty started to wear him out and he calmed down for the trip to my house.
Obviously the first item on the agenda was to take him shopping. I went home to get the $5 PetSmart gift card I'd gotten at BlogPaws and look through the coupons I'd received. I knew there was at least one for free food.
We made a quick run through the pet store and I got him a harness, a retractable leash and a bag of food. I'm going to order him some Nulo food, partly because it's abundantly clear that he doesn't like the food I bought him and partly because he's noticeably overweight. Just look at the armpit chub in that photo.
The cats are less than thrilled. They're being pretty defensive and Velvet has already bopped him on the head once. Dr. Jones waited for him to lie down yesterday and then crept up behind to check him out.
Trillian has been making herself scarce and Xena is more interested in eating his food than dealing with him.
He slept through the night lying next to my legs and didn't wake up until I was nearly dressed. I took him with me on my daily 3.4 mile walk and he had more than enough energy to keep up.
I've been taking Toby outside pretty often because I don't know his preferred bathroom habits, but it seems that he's low-maintenance so far. I forgot to bring waste bags on our walk and I didn't end up needing one anyway.
Right now he's downstairs with a chew stick, but I'd probably better go check on him before I shower and head to work. As long as he and the cats can learn to coexist, I think he'll be a fine pet for us.
Aawwwww! He looks so sweet! I hope it works out for you all. I would love to hear lots of stories about the kitties learning to co-exist with a new pal, and all that. :D
Posted by: Faith | September 01, 2011 at 08:34 AM
Heh. Guess you'll be using that thing that you didn't know what it was in the swag video...Congrats to you and Toby! It will take some time for him to adjust to the loss and changes in his life, but he seems like a very sweet pup.
I wonder. Do people give up their human children when they get divorced?
Posted by: BZTAT | September 01, 2011 at 08:59 AM
He looks like a total sweetie! Hope it works out for all of you.
Posted by: Diana | September 01, 2011 at 12:35 PM
So that's why Dr. Jones was looking so disapproving, it was a who's been sleeping in my bed moment.
Posted by: Keith | September 01, 2011 at 03:43 PM
I was wondering if it was a case of someone wresting custody of the dog from the other because they knew it would cause pain, and then dropping the poor puppy off at the shelter out of spite.
The house my sister and her hubs bought had a goldfish pond in the back. They bought it from a recently divorced couple. The pond had been the ex-husband's. The ex-wife (who was still living in the house) cut off all maintenance and air supply to the pond in an attempt to kill the fish and get back at her ex. Nice, no?
The fish survived, by the way.
Posted by: Vee | September 01, 2011 at 04:05 PM
Hope everything works out with Toby. Good luck and keep us informed!
Posted by: Vicki Cook | September 01, 2011 at 04:09 PM
I think Toby has landed in a good home! So glad you were inspired to take him in.
Posted by: BoSoxAmy | September 01, 2011 at 05:34 PM
Hope Toby (and the kitties) adapt quickly. He's a good looking pup!
Posted by: Karl | September 01, 2011 at 06:19 PM
Congratulations! :) Hope it all works out and Toby becomes a permanent member of the family.
Posted by: Audrey | September 01, 2011 at 09:54 PM
Welcome, Toby!
Posted by: LuAnn | September 01, 2011 at 10:56 PM
He is a cutie! It's sad his family gave him up, but he has found a great home with you.
Posted by: Well Hell Michelle | September 06, 2011 at 09:59 AM
What a cutie! Hope it all works out
Posted by: May | September 08, 2011 at 12:40 PM
what a wonderful story! so happy for you!!
Wish I had known this before, the best way to introduce cats and dogs is to put perfume on you, the cats and the dogs!!!
I know it sounds crazy but it WORKS!
I did it when we first brought Dakota home.
Can't wait to read further updates!
Posted by: CarenOsrinGittleman | September 09, 2011 at 02:17 PM