🚨🚨🆘🆘TONY THE TIGER IS JUST A BABY!!!!!!🆘🆘🚨🚨
😔Nine month old puppy timestamped for Tuesday.
$125 in pledges to any rescue that may pull!**
**New Notes and Videos 12/13**
Tony the Tiger ACCT-A-207513 is currently considered urgent and at risk of euthanasia due to length of stay and lack of space for incoming dogs. Tony must have confirmed placement with a RESCUE PARTNER or ADOPTER by Tuesday, December 17th at 10 A.M. Should Tony’s medical or behavioral status change, his urgency and timeline for placement may also change.
Meet Tony the Tiger, an 8-month-old bundle of energy and joy who has been patiently waiting for his forever home since arriving at the shelter as a stray on 11/20/24. Tony is a playful pup with a zest for life and a deep love for people. He thrives on human interaction and adores every ounce of affection he can get, from belly rubs to ear scratches and cuddles. His puppy enthusiasm is contagious, and he’s sure to fill your days with laughter and love. Tony is also a treat-motivated superstar who takes snacks gently and is eager to learn. While his youthful energy can make him a little jumpy and chaotic at times, he’s a sweet and friendly boy who will blossom with patient training and guidance. Outside of his kennel, Tony’s personality shines. He loves to zoom around, explore, and even climb onto chairs and tables like a “little billy goat,” all in the name of fun. He enjoys playing, engaging with toys, and showing off his playful spirit. Despite his energetic nature, Tony has a gentle side—he takes treats with surprising care and leans in for pets when he’s not distracted by all the excitement around him. He’s a dog who’s eager to bond and grow with someone who has the time, patience, and love to give.
Tony does have one request: he would do best as the only dog in the home. Shelter life has been overwhelming for him, and he’s made it clear that he’s happiest when he gets all the love and attention to himself. While he’s working on his manners, his enthusiasm for life and people make him an incredibly rewarding companion for someone willing to help him thrive.
Volunteers and staff adore Tony for his affectionate nature and his fun-loving personality. One volunteer described spending an evening with him as a joy, noting how much Tony loves treats, pets, and showing affection. Another highlighted his gentle, calm demeanor in the kennel, where he patiently greets people with soft eyes and a wagging tail. Though shelter life has been stressful for a young pup like Tony, he’s shown resilience and continues to win hearts with his sweet and goofy personality.
Tony has been overlooked in the crowded shelter and is now urgently in need of a loving home where he can truly shine. Come meet him and see why he’s the most lovable tiger around. He’s waiting for you with a wagging tail and a heart full of love, ready to start his next chapter as your loyal companion.
Videos:
Tony the Tiger reacts to a dog: https://youtube.com/shorts/FCzKOpANbCs?feature=share
Tony The Tiger loves pets
https://youtube.com/shorts/C3OIshzfBXQ
Tony The Tiger Takes Treats Gently
https://youtube.com/shorts/SPk2s2hEuxM
Tony the Tiger being adorable:
https://youtube.com/shorts/YMmw1dxnLis?feature=share
Tony the Tiger and Magnum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egU04FXv1c0
Behavior Notes:
*NEW*
Per volunteer 12/13 - Tony The Tiger was very affectionate and liked to sit in my lap and get attention. He was very curious about the world and other people walking by. He reacted strongly to another dog we encountered by barking and pulling.
Per volunteer 12/11 - spent the evening with the greatest Tony the Tiger. He was super eager to greet me at his kennel and so easy to leash! He walked really well with me on his leash and we spent some time inside playing since it was a rainy one out tonight. This boy LOVES treats and being pet! He is seriously so so sweet and loves to show affection. I adore him.
Per volunteer 12/4: swung by Tony T’s kennel this morning. Unable to take out due to pending PCR, but did share treats and a few moments of interaction with him. He was super gentle and calm - showed a big stretch as he dipped off his bed to come to the front of his kennel when called. Took treats super gently.
Per volunteer 11/22: Tony The Tiger is an 8-month-old, playful pup with an energetic personality. He greets human friends with soft eyes, a wagging tail, and a calm demeanor… still shelter life has been a bit stressful for a young fella like him. He’s working hard to learn how to be friends with everyone and just needs someone patient to show him the ropes.
Outside of his kennel, Tony’s puppy energy shines —he darts around, playing and exploring, eager to be involved with whatever is going on. Tony is food motivated and takes treats gently! As any puppy can be, Tony he can be a bit jumpy at times, he will need training to truly be the best boy he can be. Tony is a loving, affectionate dog eager to bond and grow with a special human who has time, patience, and love to give.
Per staff 11/22: Tony the Tiger got out for some play time today! He was excited to come out, and kept putting his nose into the crack of the door when I opened it. I was able to leash him easily and he came right out. When we got to the eval room he zoomed around excitedly and ate some left over treats off of the floor. He greeted both handlers enthusiastically, jumping up with soft eyes and wags. He allowed all over pets and enjoyed laying in my lap and soaking up attention. Tony the Tiger is a little billy goat, and likes to climb onto chairs and tables. He allowed me to pick him up and get him down without issue. When it was time to return he pancaked at his kennel door, but allowed me to pick him up and place him into kennel.
Per staff 11/21: Tony was reactive for his dog meet attempt today. Upon seeing the other dog Tony began to bark obsessively and bare teeth at times with a fast flagging tail. We were unable to get him close to the other dog due to his behavior and did not feel comfortable forcing a face meet. The other dog (who is very dog social) did not have any desire to interact with Tony either.
Per staff 11/21:
KENNEL PRESENTATION:
Tony was standing at the front of kennel calmly with soft eyes and a wagging tail. He was patient at the front for leashing and exited without any issues.
LEASH SKILLS:
Pulls moderately- dog reactive on leash and fence fights at times
HANDLING:
In the room Tony darted around and had a lot of energy. He was social with both handlers and would lean in when petting him but get distracted quickly and run off for treats. He was very food motivated but surprisingly took treats very gently! He can lack manners at times and be quite jumpy and chaotic, but was a very sweet and friendly boy!
PLAY:
-Engages in play
TOYS:
Interest in toys
Per finder 11/20/24: shy friendly scared playful
Medical Notes:
11/27: This dog has been observed to have shelter acquired upper respiratory infection (URI), or a "doggy cold". They have been started on medication, and will be monitored for resolution of the respiratory infection.
11/25: Several puddles of mucousy diarrhea
dog was BAR, no vomit
Plan
ran fecal float, no parasites seen
1 time dose drontal
starting on fortiflora sid x 7d
metronidazole 10mg/kg bid x5d per MM
11/20:
Eyes - clear , no d/c
Ears - clean
Nose - clear , no d/c
Mouth/Teeth/Gums - good
Coat & Skin - good
Urogenital - male intact
Gait/Mobility -good
Attitude: BAR
It's truly heartwarming to see so many people searching for '8-month-old pitbull puppies.' As someone who's spent time around rescue dogs, I know the unique joy and challenges these energetic youngsters bring. At this age, puppies, especially active breeds like pitbulls, are bursting with personality and potential, but they also need a lot of guidance and understanding. When you bring home an 8-month-old pitbull puppy, you're getting a dog that's past the tiny, fragile stage but still very much a teenager. They often have incredible energy levels and a strong desire to learn, which makes them highly trainable with positive reinforcement. My own experience has shown me that consistency is key. They might be a bit jumpy or chaotic at times, as their bodies are growing faster than their brains, but with patient training, they can become incredibly well-behaved companions. Think of it as channeling all that wonderful puppy enthusiasm into good manners! Pitbulls, in particular, are known for their loyalty and affectionate nature towards people. They thrive on human interaction and often become incredibly devoted family members. However, their strength and intelligence mean they need plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Daily walks, playtime, and puzzle toys are essential to keep their minds engaged and prevent boredom, which can sometimes lead to unwanted behaviors. I've found that even just 30 minutes of focused training or a good game of fetch can make a huge difference in their day-to-day happiness. Adopting a rescue at this age can also mean you might encounter some specific needs. Like many rescue puppies, they might have been a 'thin brown and white puppy' when they first arrived at the shelter, and could be recovering from common shelter ailments like a 'doggy cold' (URI) or stress-induced digestive issues. A good vet check-up soon after adoption is always a must. Also, sometimes a dog might be labeled as needing to be an 'only dog.' While this can be a permanent preference for some, my personal take is that for many shelter dogs, it's often a temporary reaction to the overwhelming environment, especially if they haven't had proper socialization. With time, a calm home, and careful, professional guidance, some dogs can learn to coexist peacefully with others. It just requires extra patience and commitment from the adopter. Ultimately, bringing an 8-month-old pitbull puppy into your life is a big commitment, but it's one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. You're not just adopting a pet; you're gaining a loyal friend who will fill your home with laughter and love. Just remember to be patient, consistent, and ready to provide all the love and training they need to truly shine.
