About Tootsie

Meet Tootsie! She is an adorable 3 year old Chihuahua who weighs 6 pounds. Tootsie came to us from a hoarding situation and was not used to human contact at all when we first got her in March. She has come such a long way since then. She's learned how to play with toys and now will seek attention from her foster mom where before she would be so afraid she would not allow her to approach, let alone touch her. Now she allows herself to be petted, picked up (most of the time) and she gives kisses. It has been such a pleasure to see her get more comfortable every day and come out of her shell. She goes outside to do her business but will also use a training pad in the house if she can't get outside. She still gets startled very easily by sudden noises or movements so we don't think a family with small children would be good for her. A fence is also a must as when she is startled she tends to bolt for safety. She enjoys the company of other dogs and settles faster if there is another dog around, so a home with a dog companion would be preferable for her. She gets along really well with the other dogs at the foster home and has learned how to be a pet from them. She doesn't sleep in the big bed with the rest of the pack but she likes to be in her own bed close by. She will need a special family to adopt her who has the patience she needs to settle in a new environment. It has taken 6 weeks for her to progress this far and we would expect that going to a new environment will set her back a little until she feels she is safe again. It would probably make sense to keep a harness and trailing leash on her at all times for the first few days so she can be taken outside and brought back in easily with no need for close contact until she is ready for it. That way she won't feel threatened and you won't lose patience trying to catch her! Trust us, it's an approach that really works for both parties in the beginning! Given her temperament, she may not be at our adoption events for long periods of time or at all, as the noise and bustle of those events would be too much for her to deal with, but you can set up a meet and greet with her at your convenience if you complete an application form online. Other than that, Tootsie is up to date on all her shots, microchipped with a lifetime registration and heartworm negative! All she needs now is you!

Escambia County
Pensacola, Florida 32514