Meet Tootsie!

A Sweet Soul Seeking a Patient Heart Tootsie is a 2-year-old chocolate Chihuahua with mesmerizing light green eyes and a heart of gold. At 9 lbs, she is a dainty, beautiful girl who is just beginning to learn what it means to be loved.

Tootsie comes to us from a challenging background—a large hoarding situation involving 60 other dogs. Because of this, she is currently shy and hesitant when it comes to human touch. She is a sweet soul who is working hard to learn how to trust, but she needs a patient, understanding family who will let her blossom at her own pace.

After 3 weeks in her foster home, Tootsie has started to realise that she can be loved on and held. She has been choosing to sleep with her foster family, which is a great way to bond, and she even asked for belly rubs! This huge progress shows that Tootsie is ready to find her forever family, which will allow her to truly flourish.

Tootsie needs an environment where she isn't forced into interactions. With kindness and consistency, she is becoming more curious every day. She is highly food and treat-motivated! This is a fantastic tool for her new family to build a positive, trusting bond with her.

Tootsie absolutely loves the company of other dogs and would likely thrive in a home with a confident, calm canine companion to show her the ropes. She is well-versed in using a doggie door and also utilizes washable pee pads, making her transition into a new home much smoother. She has a fun, youthful side! Tootsie loves her toys and has a playful habit of collecting (but not damaging!) shoes.

Tootsie is a very gentle soul. Even when she is fearful or overwhelmed, she does not show aggression. She is not a biter and simply prefers to retreat or hide rather than lash out. She does well with older children and teenagers who can respect her need for space and help her build trust through gentle, calm interactions.

Tootsie is a resilient little lady looking for a soft place to land. If you have a quiet, patient home, a secure yard, and lots of love (and treats!) to give, Tootsie might just be your new best friend. She is ready to learn that the world isn’t a scary place—she just needs the right person to show her.

Tootsie is being fostered in Austin and is adoptable throughout central Texas.

*All breed listings are educated guesses and not guaranteed*