Meet Tobias (aka Toby).  Tobias' previous owner moved away and left him tied to a tree in a very rural part of Virginia.  The owner was returning once or twice a week to leave food and water.  Eventually Toby was seized by animal control. Toby's owner never came to claim him, but a really nice lady from a local rescue saved Toby before his time ran out. She decided to name him Tobias (meaning "the goodness of god").  From there she reached out to VGSR for help and Toby made his way up to Northern VA and into foster care. Upon coming into VGSR, Toby's health and body condition showed evidence of what he had been through.  He had severe bacterial infections in his skin from being left outside in the elements, he was underweight, and has a few other minor medical issues like parasites that VGSR worked to correct.  Toby has come a very long way in a very short amount of time! Toby has already gained a few pounds, his skin and coat are making a tremendous come back, his bacterial infections are nearly gone, and he is starting to feel great again!  

Toby came to us not knowing his name (since it was just given to him a week prior), not knowing any commands or basic obedience, no house manners and he was not housebroken. In only a couple weeks I can officially say that Toby is housebroken, crate trained and has basic house manners.  Toby is a smart boy that wants to please his people and has a desire to learn. Toby hasn't shown much interest in toys or balls but he loves to go on walks and loves to run and play in the backyard. When we first brought him home, he pulled like a freight train on a leash. We are working on leash manners and he is doing much better but he will need an adopter that is willing to continue training. 

Considering what Toby's has been through, he has a magnificent temperament.  He is just the sweetest boy.  He loves to be pet and he will snuggle his head into you.  He wants to be loved and he wants to love back.  He is a little unsure of handling around his feet, hind-end and stomach but we haven't seen any signs of aggression... just some nervousness. Already Toby is proving to be a loyal velcro GSD.  He wants to be where his people are.  I do not have kids but I expect he would do fine with kids that are respectful of him. Because he is a sensitive soul, I don't think he'll be ready for erratic loud young kids for awhile.  He would likely do best with older children that are respectful of him.  

Toby likes other dogs.  He has done very well with other dogs his size he has met.  He may be okay with smaller dogs but a meet and greet would be necessary.  Toby is unknown with cats.  

Toby is a really special wonderful dog. He will need some help learning basic obedience since he's never been given that chance before, but this dog will pay you back with his intelligence, love and affection a million times over.  If you are an approved adopter through VGSR and interested in learning more about Toby, please email me at emily@hartman1.com.

Note: We really don't have any idea what Toby's real age is.  He could be as young as 3.  I've listed him as 6 as that's the oldest we think he might be.  Please don't let age stop you from meeting this sweet boy.