Toby

Toby is a handsome Cocker Spaniel who has been through a lot in his young life and is now looking for a special someone to help him write his next chapter. Originally coming to us from a breeder at just three months old, Toby was a very scared little puppy who found the world overwhelming. Although he found a loving home, he was sadly returned to our care after his adopters felt unable to manage some of his behaviours.

Toby is still a sensitive soul and will need a calm, adult-only home with no visiting children. His new family should have experience with worried or complex dogs and be confident in helping him feel safe. He will need a home without cats as he has met them at the rescue and was too interested. While Toby had previously shown some resource guarding tendencies in his home, we have not seen any guarding behaviour from him while he has been with us. He has spent time in the office with staff members and has been completely comfortable with people coming in and out, which has been lovely to see.

Toby does enjoy playing with tennis balls and can be reluctant to drop them, but this is not a guarding issue. If we offer him a tasty treat in exchange, he is more than happy to swap his ball!

Since returning to us, Toby has come out of his shell beautifully. He greets staff with a wagging tail and absolutely loves attention, affection and food – especially food! Those who work with him absolutely adore him and think he is the most special and wonderful boy.

Toby will be looking for a home where he can be the only dog. He did live with another dog previously and while they got along, he could sometimes guard his adopter's attention, so for this reason he is best suited to being homed as an only dog.

Out and about, Toby enjoys his walks and is lovely on and off the lead. He has good recall and mixes well with other dogs, although he can be reactive to bicycles, so should only be let off lead in safe, secure areas away from the public.

Toby was born with some deformed toes that were later amputated. He has always had a slightly unusual gait due to this, but our vets have noted that he also has a luxating patella, although it may improve with gentle exercise. He also has a naturally short tail, which just adds to his unique charm.

Toby is a sweet, loving boy who truly wants to connect. He has already won the hearts of everyone here, and we're all rooting for him to find a calm, understanding home where he can feel safe, build trust and thrive. If you have the time, patience and experience to offer Toby the gentle guidance he needs, he will reward you with loyalty, love and plenty of cuddles.

Toby will need more than one meet and greet with his prospective adopters to allow him time to build a bond and feel comfortable with them before being adopted.