Toby (aka Tall Teddy Bear)

UPDATE April 22
GREAT NEWS EVERYONE! Toby left Incheon Airport last weekend and has arrived safely in Seattle where he was taken in by a wonderful family of cocker spaniel lovers. We are all so proud of Toby for waiting patiently for his second chance, enduring unbearable cold and unrelenting heat, rain, snow, and everything else, for so long. He never stopped believing and neither did we! Keep checking back for more updates, as I will be sure to post them as they roll in.

UPDATE March 4
Clearly, Toby has been busy stealing some hearts at the shelter. Some new phrases associated with him include: "Jello Butt," "Gigantic Caramel Bunny," and "Chill Mode." He is *everything* a dog lover could ask for: spunky, loving, silly, and smart. All Toby needs is a chance to shine. Spread the word! Toby can't wait to find his home~

UPDATE Feb 19
"Hey there. I can't see. What's a dog gotta do around here to get a haircut?!?" --Toby

UPDATE Feb 7:
Toby can't wait to find a warm home so he can get rid of that long shaggy coat of his. One of Toby's fans has offered to sponsor the first grooming session for the lucky person that decides to adopt or foster him. So are we saying that he comes with a free behavioral assessment from a certified specialist AND a complementary makeover? You better believe it!!! Xx we love you Tobes. Let's find you a home in time for your favorite season, spring!!

UPDATE Jan 23:

"Where did all my friends go!? I'm the only cocker left? Please don't forget about me! I'm all alone and I want my chance too!!!" --Toby (sad face)

** Great news for Toby. A kind volunteer named June Kim (who is also a certified dog trainer) has offered the following services FOR FREE to the lucky family/person adopting him:
- a behavior assessment
- one coupon for dog consulting
- the book, 'The art of raising a puppy,' once the English translation is published.

So, in addition to bringing home this tub-a-luv, you will have an expert helping you make the transition from shelter to home life as smooth as possible!

From what the volunteers have observed, Toby will fit in just fine in a family with kids/dogs. His mannerisms and skills suggest he grew up in a real home before winding up somehow at the shelter. He knows to sit when receiving treats and he can fetch!! He hardly barks and never growls and is so very friendly. His personality is slightly passive. He stands back in the company of is fellow spaniels when food is offered and doesn't jump on visitors. His only "weakness," if you could even call it that, is that he tends to be SUPER excited when a potential family comes to visit him. I'm convinced that he's fundamentally a calm dog, just very eager to get out of his pen! Can you blame him?? I can't wait to see him thrive in a stable home that will provide him with high quality food, regular exercise, and most importantly, unlimited cuddles and affection!

UPDATE Jan 14: I think the human in charge of my profile is really keen on finding me a home! She even spammed the ARK FB page for me tonight. Hope my lucky break comes soon!! Signing off from the cold, windy hill in Asan, Toby.

UPDATE Jan 3: Happy New Year, from me, Toby the Teddy Bear! I'm still on the hill waiting patiently for you, my special person. I know you're out there!!!

Dear Toby,
Only 2 days till Christmas and you're still at the shelter waiting for your second chance. We promised to try our best to find you a warm home for the holidays, but it didn't happen. We haven't given up, though. We know that you will capture someone's heart one day. Can you hold on just a bit longer? The cold is probably getting to you, poor dear. The volunteers are coming this weekend to spread out some hay for you and your friends, so hopefully you'll find a little bit of comfort in that. I'm so sorry 2012 wasn't your year. Things will surely look up in the new year. You deserve so much better, you sweet, huggable, lovable thing. xoxo.

Hobbies: Sprinting down the hill at top speed hoping to run into volunteers, cuddling, scoring treats.
Likes: People, food, dogs of all shapes and sizes, *BELLY RUBS* (a must).
Dislikes: Freezing cold temperatures, ice stuck to paws and ears (currently experiencing).
Christmas wish: To spend the rest of my life with humans in their warm, loving home.

Please, folks, consider adopting or fostering Toby this winter! He is waiting for a ticket out of the shelter!! Could you be his winter angel??

Dear Santa,
I've been told that I have luscious locks and the longest legs ever seen on a cocker. I'm polite, moderately energetic, and give the best kisses. So why is it that no one has adopted me? All I want for Christmas is for my very own winter angel to take me home.

UPDATE Nov. 3:
Someone let one of the cockers spaniels out.. and you know what that means at Asan: ALL the cockers came running out, including Toby, who was soooo excited to have some quality cuddle time with the volunteers. Someone said he resembled a doll. I couldn't agree more. His face is just so unique and precious. He was friendly and silly as always. He got his belly rubbed after receiving a few treats and he was in heaven. This dog actually smiles when he is happy! Then.... he got too close to one of the kitties and she clawed at his face. Poor guy! He didn't attack the cat, just barked at her for a minute, confused, saying, "What? you don't like me? WHY!???!?"

UPDATE Oct. 27:
It's getting colder in Asan and Toby is still waiting at the shelter. His hair has grown out, making him look like a fluffy golden teddy bear! He would be so lovely to cuddle with during the winter. Please come meet Toby soon! He has unusually long legs for a spaniel so for you joggers out there, I'm sure he'd love to be your running-mate!

UPDATE Sept. 22, 2012: Mr. Toby was as spunky as ever today after eating three bowls of kibble brought by a volunteer. What an appetite this boy has! He surprised us by knowing to "sit" before receiving any snacks. So patient and smart. He even rolled over and allowed himself to get a belly rub followed by a round of cuddles. Toby spent the rest of his time in the shade relaxing and loving the attention, even though we had to tie him to the table for a bit : ) He is so good with other dogs and doesn't seem to mind cats either. Hungry dogs have a tendency to be aggressive around food, but not Toby~Another dog even stuck his head into his food bowl while he was eating and he didn't attack. Seriously, what an amazing dog!! You have to come to Asan and meet him! Just make sure you try to prevent the cocker stampede out of the pen when you try to get him out. (You'll know what I mean by this when you get there).

Toby is a wonderful American cocker spaniel at Asan shelter where he lives on the bottom of a hill with his fellow cocker buddies. Not only is he adorable, he seems to be in good health and loves to go on walks. He likes to be around other people and dogs, and loves loves loves his treats! Compared to his friends, he's a bit shy and timid, but once he's out in the open, his personality comes alive. If you are looking for a friendly, smart dog with an energy level that's manageable for even a small apartment setting: look no further! Toby is your dog! Won't someone give this smart, gentle, handsome boy a chance? Just look at that darling face!