Toby & Tommy’s Story

Toby and Tommy are our longest staying foster pups, and are so very special to me (and my family who spent a lot of time with them!). For a little over 6 months, they survived hurricane Harvey, took many road trips to Austin, went on field trips to grandma’s house, Toby was on TV (Great Day Houston) AND the radio (on their Live Facebook page at least!), and they had many more adventures. The reason we had them so long was because 1.) I was determined they would be adopted together and 2.) the rescue* group’s marketing strategy included same day adoptions at their weekly adoption events (i.e. no home checks). Therefore, I never took them to the adoption events because I couldn’t bear not knowing where they would go and if they would be adopted together. This combination made it extra difficult to find the perfect adopter for both pups.

These angels were perfectly happy, adorable, healthy pups that found themselves on the code red kill list at the Harris County shelter, and when I saw the plea on Instagram I contacted to rescue to let them know I could take one. Naturally, they asked if I would take both (since they were found together and look like twins) so of course I couldn’t say no!

*It is a fabulous rescue, but their mission is more numbers oriented (i.e. they save A TON of dogs all from last minute euthanasia) and they just don’t have the resources available for their fosters or adoption coordinators to do home visits. I am in awe of the sheer numbers of pups and cats they have saved, and our city should be forever grateful for their vision and hard work. 

When we got them from the shelter, they were so skinny and had tear stains around their eyes. It looked like they hadn’t been properly cared for in a long time. By the time Toby went to his forever home, he was a CHUNK! But this always happens to our fosters – I can just never tell them no!

Toby and Tommy are chihuahua mixes, and it kills me when people have stereotypes against this breed. Since the moment they got to our house, these pups were incredibly loving, sweet, gentle and not yappy at all! They were very close to each other and didn’t leave each others side. They are so special and had such unique personalities. At first people couldn’t tell them apart, but by the end of the 6 months, they didn’t even really look that much alike to me! Can you tell them apart below?

Toby on TV! I love Tommy but he can be a stinker and I knew that Toby was much more likely to be calm – hah! Look how handsome he is in the spotlight!

 

Finally after around 6 months, we received an application from a couple that wanted to adopt both of them. So we packed them up and drove out to a home visit! It was a really great fit and they would have a large yard, a new fur brother, and a momma that was so excited about them. They were so tired after!

A few days later, we met their new family halfway to drop them off. We actually met at a PetsMart, and I started crying the minute I let them go. And as easy as it would be to believe I cry every time, I don’t. Or at least I can hold it until I drive away in the car.

A few days later, she sent me an update, and near Christmas she sent me a picture of them in matching sweaters. I’m pretty sure my heart exploded with joy. As much as I try to convince adopters to send me updates, I rarely get them so it’s a special treat to see how well the little sweeties are doing.

Happy Life Toby & Tommy!!!

**If YOU want to help a pups like Toby & Tommy, you can adopt, foster, donate (my favorite rescue here!) or volunteer! EVERYONE can do SOMETHING! Send me a message if you ever want help finding an adoptable dog or more information on how you can help  **

xo, Kinsey