Rescue Tail / Toby

By Tara McFarland

It was much to our surprise, when we received a call regarding an abandoned dog, to find a handsome little Chihuahua at the apartment. We were told by the current tenant that his roommate had simply moved away, leaving the Chihuahua, named Toby behind. The frightened dog was handed over to an Animal Control Officer, to be brought back to our Marathon Campus. That’s where Toby’s story started.

At the shelter, his demeanor instantly changed. Frightened by the new sounds, smells and surroundings, the adorable Chihuahua showed his other side. He began growling, snapping, lunging and actively trying to bite. He showed his fear through snarling teeth, frantic barking and clear body language, “get away from me!” The following days as his behavior continued, were brutal when trying to work with him. He was violent, unpredictable, angry and scared. Whoa!

With few options, one of our compassionate staff members dedicated his time to earning Toby’s trust, and respect. Through commitment, patience, and time, Toby had finally made a friend. With breakthrough, came relief. There was still much work to do, and progress needed to be made, but as their friendship was forged and strengthened, we knew Toby had a chance at recovering from his trauma, and becoming a happy, loving companion for the right person.

Martha is a friend of the Florida Keys SPCA with a special place in her heart for misunderstood Chihuahuas. Having several of her own, we called her with an honest conversation:

“We have this dog, he’s challenging, and frightened, but we’ve had a breakthrough and we know he will be okay. He just needs time, patience, understanding, and an experienced, stable person in his life.”

With an open heart, she came by the shelter and started spending time with Toby, eventually waiting until he was comfortable enough to leave with her on a foster basis. Once again, the transition was difficult for Toby, and at times it seemed as if maybe Toby was too much.

The day we hoped for finally came. Toby, the unadoptable Chihuahua, was adopted by Martha. With tears of joy, my hope is that this Rescue Tail conveys the gratitude we have for Martha and those like her, who can love the “unlovable.”