Toto Jack Russell Terrier Toronto, ON

This charming little guy was found as a stray, is between 8 and 10 years of age, weighs 17 lbs. and is currently fostered in Hamilton with a couple in a home without other pets or children.

The vet says Toto is deaf in one ear and hearing impaired in the other. He is in good health and neutered, microchipped and up-to-date on vaccines.

Toto doesn't appear to have a preference between males or females and while in the short time he has been in foster care he hasn't shown a lot of affection, when his foster mom went out for errands Toto approached his foster dad and sat in his lap for a bit and he likes to be nearby his humans on a dog bed. He will sleep contentedly on the edge of foster mom's lazy boy chair. If a hand is put out, he will approach for a pat but does not initiate contact. He did flinch once when foster mom reached down to pat his head, but he just withdrew and did not react aggressively.

Toto shows a bit of separation anxiety. He scratches the door to get out if left in a room alone. Once adopted and over time he will probably settle and be ok to be left alone. But he will need time and patience to feel safe and definitely a home where his people are home most of the time.

He is very calm and likes to sleep when inside. But he really rallies when he sees his harness and leash. He absolutely loves a good walk and is able to go happily for a long walk (45 minutes to an hour).

Toto has not shown any aggression. He greets people well and calmly but not with a wagging tail or in an overly friendly way, just sniffs and is indifferent. He leaves houseguests alone after greeting them. He was introduced to a neighbour's young grandson and Toto was calm. He walked up to the boy, said hi, no reaction, walked away.

He is somewhat reactive on walks to other dogs but absolutely calm when meeting a neighbour’s dog through the fence. The reactivity on walks is a challenge because he is hard of hearing, so touch, stroking, distraction, treats and avoidance is used. He has not been tested with cats in his foster home.

It is strongly suggested that he should not be in a home in a busy urban area. A quiet subdivision or country home would suit best, or a quiet apartment building, although he loves to roll in the grass!

He does respond to some hand gestures. He has quickly learned to “sit” for a treat when his bum is touched to get him to sit. He probably knew commands when he could hear better and now he needs to be trained with gestures and touch.

A great calm little guy who will sleep the day away at home beside his person, follow them around, roll in the grass while they work in the yard, and come to life when it’s time to go for a walk! With love he will feel safe and secure. How wonderful if we could find a person who has worked with a hearing disabled dog!

Toto’s adoption fee is $100. If you interested in Toto, fill out an application at http://russellrescue.org/adoption/ and more comprehensive information will be provided.

NOTE: ONLY queries with a COMPLETED FORM will receive a reply due to the volume of requests for info we receive. For complete information about our adoption process please go to our website: http://www.russellrescue.org.

Please note that JRTRO does not place rescue dogs in adoptive or foster homes with resident children under the age of 8 and will not adopt our dogs into homes with unaltered dogs.