Hi! I’m toro!

Toro is the quintessential pug with a great personality. He loves to be next to you, around you, and to be doted on! He spends most of his time lying next to me and loves jumping on people (which we’re working on, given his knee surgery and sutures).

His capacity for love can’t be contained in his small body! Toro expresses affection by nuzzling next to you (even if that means he burrows his head through layers of blankets), licking your face, and giving you big puppy eyes. He’s active on walks and very friendly. The other day, he helped socialize with a dog undergoing reactivity training. Toro is patient, curious, and well-behaved. He’s athletic and can catch treats if you toss them at him! He’s the friendliest dog on the block, and always willing to be patient at barking dogs of all sizes. He always approaches them in a friendly manner.

I thought Toro would have some behavioral concerns because he has gone through so much. But despite it all, Toro is such a bright light and incredibly resilient. Toro has a great sense of discernment, so he notices quickly if he’s doing something he shouldn’t be doing.

I think Toro had some training in his previous life! He knows some tricks (sit, down, paw, & spin). Early on, he would mount & hump the air when playing w/a chew toy. I attributed it to unspent energy, so I took him on a walk, and he chilled out. He’s treat-motivated and will do anything to get that treat. He’s become a little more territorial (e.g., barking if he hears a loud neighbor dog), but he stops if you redirect him.  

Toro is pee-pad trained. He has a regular potty schedule (3-4 times a day every 3-4 hours; once before bed).  

We’ve been trying to get him more crate-trained, and he’s very receptive!  

Toro does pretty well alone and is only anxious for the first 15 minutes. Usually, we redirect him with a Kong or a treat, and then after a while, he falls asleep or just hangs out.  He’s successfully been alone for around 3-4 hours!  

He doesn’t bark excessively, but there are a few things Toro will chase or bark at: 1) squirrels; 2) lawnmowers; and 3) trash trucks. He doesn’t mind vacuums, other dogs, etc.

It seems he’s a little more assertive than a submissive dog, but he doesn’t have alpha tendencies.

Toro is great w/other dogs. He’s been friendly to every dog and very approachable on walks. Even when other dogs bark at him, Toro remains calm and just lets them walk by. The only dog he’s ever barked at is a large Cane Corso that appeared not to be neutered. He’s been friendly with all the kids he’s seen on the street.

He would be fine as an only dog or with dog companions at home.

Toro does well up to 3-4 hours alone, from what we’ve seen on our camera. He usually sits with his puzzle treats, doesn’t mind the ambient TV noise we leave on, and naps after realizing that we are away for a bit.   

Toro would thrive in any environment. We have a standard 3-bedroom apartment that gives him room to roam around, hang out with us, or do his own thing. Toro does a good mix of all three. Sometimes, he likes to sit alone and sunbathe on the couch. Other times, he’ll follow us around like a shadow. Other times, he just wants to be in the same room and sit at your feet. Any home that can give him consistency and stability is best for him. Thankfully, he’s very adaptable and full of love. Anyone would be lucky to have him! 

Toro is the definition of a good dog. He’s patient w/people, other dogs, and himself. Toro approaches the world with curiosity and eagerness. He’s sweet, affectionate, and smart. It’s unfair that he’s had to go through so much medically and that he’s ever had to spend time at a shelter or alone. Toro’s approach to life is so admirable, and any household would benefit from his philosophy. We hope someone will adopt him soon, so he gets to live out his best life and second shot at the dog world.