Tonka

Tonka is a 9-year-old, 90-lb neutered male Lab/Staffy mix. He is a very affectionate, people-loving dog who loves giving kisses and hugs, enjoys attention, and knows several commands.

As he has gotten older, his needs have changed, and we are looking for the right home for him. Tonka needs to be the only pet because he becomes very anxious around other dogs and may snap when overwhelmed. He also needs an adult-only home with no young children. He has snapped at our young daughter several times and recently started pushing her out of the way, so we can no longer safely keep him in our home.

He has significant separation anxiety and becomes very anxious when left alone. He is also anxious during car rides and may whine and bark. He has some back-leg issues and cannot manage long walks. He currently takes anxiety medication.

We are looking for a quiet, loving home with someone experienced with anxious or senior dogs, ideally someone who spends a lot of time at home. We want to find Tonka a safe, loving home where he can enjoy his senior years.

Pet's Name: Tonka
Dog: Primary Breed: Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Birthdate (an estimate is okay): 6/30/2016
Age Category: Senior
Where did you get your pet?: Adopted from Chicago Humane Society
Was this pet ever in a shelter, rescue, or foster program? If yes, please provide details.: Yes in Chicago
Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.): 1/11/2022
Gender: Male
Size (at full-grown): Large
Approximate adult weight in pounds (number only): 87
Primary Color: Black
What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?: Loves his Kong filled with peanut butter and going for a short walk around the yard
Has your dog received any formal obedience training?: Yes
What commands does your dog know?: Sit, Down, Stay, Paw, Kiss
How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?: At first he is anxious but then is fine
Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?: Being in a car, leaving the house, people who stand around for too long without petting him.
Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?: Wake up, pets, breakfast, walk, sleep, dinner, walk, bed
Medical History and Care:
Vaccinations up to date
Spayed or Neutered
House/Litter-Trained
Microchipped
Special Diet
Special Needs
Never Vetted
Unknown
Does your pet have any history of health issues or medical conditions that potential adopters should be aware of?: Is on Trazadone for anxiety and has arthritis in his back legs
Has your dog ever been diagnosed with or treated for any of the following? (Please check all that apply, even if your dog has fully recovered. This helps us provide the best support for future families.):
Allergies (environmental or food-related)
Anaplasmosis (tick-borne)
Anxiety Issues
Arthritis or Joint Pain
Canine Distemper
Chronic Ear Infections
Dental Disease
Ehrlichiosis (tick-borne)
Heartworm
Influenza
Kennel Cough
Leptospirosis
Lipomas, Cysts, or Other Lumps/Bumps
Lyme Disease
Parvovirus
Seizures
Skin Conditions
Vaccine Reactions
Other
Additional notes about your dog’s health history:: N/A
Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.: Yes, he has bitten other dogs, has bitten myself and also my young daughter
How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? : monthly
Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?: No
Personality:
Playful
Constant Companion
High Energy
Medium Energy
Low Energy
Timid
Friendly to Strangers
Good with Other Dogs
Good with Cats
Good with Young Children
Bonded Pair
Purebred
Crate Trained
Comes When Called
Needs Training
Likes Car Rides
Likes to Swim
Requires A Fenced Yard
Jumps Fences
Growls at Strangers
Is Afraid of Storms
Digs
How is your dog with children?: Best in an adult home for now: Has not been around children, or finds them overwhelming.
How is your dog with other dogs?: Best as the only dog: Has reacted to other dogs and should live in a home without them.
How is your dog with cats?: Not sure: Haven't had enough interaction to determine.
What's the most endearing thing about your dog?: The way he comes up to you and rests his head on your shoulders for a pet
What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?: No children or other pets.
Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?: He is very affectionate but occasionally naughty around food
Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?: Baby/Child Safety
Details about rehoming reason (if needed): We have a two year old and we have to be on guard with him around her after he bit her. We are now having another baby and cannot provide the full attention around him and our daughter that is required to keep her safe
If applicable, do you have the legal right or necessary permission from the breeder or rescue organization to rehome this pet? :
Not Applicable
Yes
How long will you be able to keep your pet before you may need to consider surrendering him or her to a rescue?: Two weeks
Who is your veterinarian?: Animals of Eden
What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?: Boiled rice with chicken and veggies
Do you currently have pet insurance?: No
Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:
Yes
No
Maybe
City, State: Rosman, NC
Zip Code: 28772
How did you hear about us?: Facebook
Referring Name (person, page, or organization, if applicable): Almost Home Adoption
Service Level: Courtesy Listing: Self-Managed (Free)