Tonka - MS

Hey There, my name is Tonka…you know, like the truck 😊 and I’m currently in Hattiesburg, MS.  I’m in search of a great place to play, love and sleep (and eat…don’t forget that). Do you think I’d fit in your family?  Take a read below to find out a little bit about me.

I’m 2 years old and have what folks call your typical GSP energy.  I play with and love everyone.  I had a little surgery on my eyelid but I’m healed now thanks to my great Vet and foster mom.  I’ve gained some weight (a good thing) and I think I was a hunting dog that lived on concrete floors cause I’m missing some hair and have scars on my elbows.  But I’m still handsome – no doubt!

I have a high prey drive so probably no cats. I LOVE squirrels, birds and mice though and I’ve been told I can chase those…I’ll never understand why I can’t chase the furry cats though.  Did I say I have lots of energy?  Yup, and I spend most of my day outside with my foster GSP sibling June.  When I have to come inside we play tug-of-war. She’s cool (and cute).

I don’t even mind baths cause I want to look good for June (and you).  And it’s kinda fun to “catch” bath water from the faucet.  I’ve been told I’m a good boy cause I don’t struggle and just stand there. But I know afterward I get to play, eat and play some more. Oh and then I get to sleeeeep near my family (in my crate, but close by so I can see you).

I don’t mind my crate, and I know since I sometimes get confused between toys and non-toys, I have to stay in the crate when no one is watching me.  Don’t worry, I’ll figure it out and maybe someday you won’t have to crate me.  I just don’t want you to cover my crate. I want to see what’s around me.

Did I mention I love toys?!  Oh yeah!  Love those things, especially the ones that make noise. I didn’t have any before I came to rescue and man, I was missing out.  I love to go through my toy basket and pull out every single toy and bone.  Sadly, my GSP sibling June doesn’t like her toys to be out of place so she puts them back in the basket. Ugh. Then I can’t help myself, I want to see every toy again so I take them out. And yup, it starts all over again.  Sigh.

I’m a big boy and can play pretty hard, but I’m not aggressive with June (she’s smaller than me). I’ll throw my body around so I probably need a forever family without small children or tiny dogs. I’d never hurt them intentionally, but I know if one gets hurt, then it could change my life forever in a very bad way.  I would never bite anyone since I don’t have a mean bone in my body (unless it’s a critter), but I do love to roll around with my mouth open and pretend to bite. That might scare small humans.  I nibble June playfully, but if I’m too rough, she’ll let me know and I stop (I’m a gentleman).

When I arrived in rescue, I thought I had to scarf down my food until it was gone (I’ve never had food so good or so often), but after one night I learned that dogs can graze at my foster house. I share a food and water bowl with June and it doesn’t bother me at all.

I accidentally slipped out the front door my first night at my foster home (a bad habit I think) so I’ve been learning to “come” when called and if you say my name “Tonka” I’m pretty good about coming to you. So you probably shouldn’t change my name or I will get confused.  I’m also learning to walk on a leash, but this rain has to stop cause it’s slowing down my walk time!

I’m looking for a forever home that has a fenced yard and a family that will take the time and effort to teach me new things. I’d love a sister or brother dog to play with also – preferably one that has my kind of energy, but I could also be an only dog (if you spend lots of time with me).  Most importantly, I want a family that will cuddle and love me forever (oh, and feed me too).

I’m super smart and love praise when I do things the right way.  I know lots of stuff like sit, stay, load up, and I’m working on “lay down.”  My foster mom says I’m a big sweetheart and of course I love getting rubdowns (one reason I don’t mind bath time).  I want a family that will love me and teach me the house rules...but most important is the love part. Forever. 

If you’re interested in adding me to your family, please complete an adoption application (if you haven’t already) and email my foster mom Nadine.

P.S. I will make your household remember to put the toilet seat down since I often mistake it as a water fountain.  And don’t forget, this kind of awesome handsome isn’t free. My adoption fee is $375 (a super bargain for all this goodness).