AVAILABLE

Tonic | Male | 36.4 lbs | Approx. 9 months | Mixed Breed | Neutered | Vaccinated | Microchipped | Heartworm negative | Good with dogs | Medium energy | Shy & gentle

Meet Tonic 🤍🐾

Tonic is only 9 months old, and right now the world still feels much bigger and scarier to him than it should for a puppy.

This sweet boy is undersocialized and incredibly shy. He hasn’t yet learned that new people, new places and everyday experiences can be safe and even fun. What he needs now isn’t someone expecting him to immediately act like a confident, outgoing puppy - he needs someone willing to meet him exactly where he is.

Tonic is good with other dogs, although sometimes he’s so busy feeling nervous about everything around him that he doesn’t quite know what to do with them. A calm, confident canine companion could potentially be a wonderful example for him as he learns how to navigate life outside the shelter.

He needs patience, gentle encouragement and time. His progress may happen in tiny steps at first - choosing to come closer, relaxing in the same room as his person, becoming curious about a toy, enjoying his first peaceful walk or eventually asking for affection on his own.

For Tonic, those little moments will be enormous victories.

He will need continued leash training and positive socialization, but this boy should never be rushed or forced into situations before he’s ready. Giving him choices, consistency and a predictable routine will help him begin building the confidence he’s currently missing.

At only 36 pounds and 9 months old, Tonic has his entire life ahead of him. He shouldn’t have to spend these incredibly important months growing up scared in a shelter. He deserves the opportunity to learn what having a safe home, a routine and people he can trust actually feels like.

Tonic is neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and heartworm negative.

This may not be the dog who runs into your arms the first five minutes you meet him. But watching a frightened puppy slowly realize he’s safe and begin choosing you may be something even more special.

If you have a quieter home, patience and room in your heart for a puppy who needs a little extra help finding his confidence, please consider giving Tonic his chance. 🤍🐾