Tato is a very sweet and laid back little boy who is doing very well learning to go potty outside and loves to cuddle, play and meet new people!

This little guy's Mom is known to be a lab mix and Dad is either a Beagle or Rottie/Lab mix so if you are looking for a food motivated slightly independent, sweet and feisty little pup who is very smart and also loves to play then he may be a perfect match for your family! 

He was found living outside with no shelter before he was brought into the rescue and has some hair loss on one ear that the vet believes should heal up quite nicely with time.  But Tato will need a loving forever family who is excited about helping him to become the best and healthiest boy that he can be! 

When you hold him, this little boy will usually melt into your arms and lick your face. Then, when you finally put him down (if you can :) ) he’ll bounce right back with his bottom wiggling and climb right back into your lap! Although he loves hanging out with you inside, you may come in 2nd place to all the smells he finds in the big wide world- at least initially. 

Tato is comfortable hanging out in a puppy playpen with an attached crate for naps and ‘down time’. But he really adores attention and would much prefer being right by your side (or in your lap). He will likely need some gentle help to be able to settle happily in a space by himself and will likely not do well if left alone- at least initially. 

Tato enjoys meeting most new people and makes ‘people friends’ very easily as long as they are gentle, speak softly and don’t overwhelm him with frantic activity, loud voices or rough play. Shortly, he will also be introduced to several friendly neighborhood dogs of different sizes and ages.

For now, Tato is being encouraged to simply ignore and/or to calmly watch other dogs (animals and people) who may be close or walking by. He enjoys hanging out with the human kids and people (men and women) in his foster home and will usually trot right over for some petting and love. (Unless he’s thinking about taking a nap and is already in a comfy spot- then you may have to encourage him with some tasty treats.) Often, he is happy to follow his favorite people around the house like… well, a puppy. 

 A fence is not required to adopt this sweety IF you have a very solid plan in mind to keep this boy active and busy. (A walk or two around the block every day will likely **not** be enough to keep him happy and healthy.) 

An active family who loves to spend time with and train their dogs (and who may enjoy participating in agility, herding, scent work, camping, hiking or other dog-inclusive sports) will have a wonderful time with Tato! 

Have a dog already? Tato could do great with a dog buddy to live and play with- just as long as he also gets a whole lot of 'people time' in too. 

Tato is an absolute joy to work with! He picks up new skills quickly and is very treat/food motivated. He also loves running after squeaky toys and going on car rides to new and exciting places. 

He is currently working on his recall skills, walking with a looser leash, settling quietly when requested to, waiting for permission to go through doors and other basic manners.    

Tato is doing great going potty outside- often completing his business very quickly with a prompt or two. He also is learning to sit nicely and wait for his food, keep 4 paws on the floor when he wants attention, coming when called over and leaving things alone that he would prefer to eat (like dirty socks).  Since everything is still very new to him, all of this training will likely take quite a bit of repetition and reinforcement for him to become consistent with. 

A family with calmer kids older than 8 will likely be the best fit for this boy. (Remember- puppies can go through some pretty intense ‘Chewy periods’ that may be challenging to manage safely with smaller kids. ) 

Living situations that come with breed, size or noise restrictions will not work for Tato.  

Apartments/townhouses may work, depending on the type, size and location but please keep in mind that Tato is a higher-energy pup who has an unknown adult size expectation. He also has a tendency to bark very loudly during play. 

Tato is coming from a foster home where he has been consistently worked with from day one using hand feeding techniques, treat balls with kibble inside and toys and training games that are designed to encourage puppies to work on self control and to use their minds, scent and problem solving skills. 

Consistent work is put in to encourage positive socialization and friendly adaptive skills. To the extent they are comfortable and able to handle it, the puppies are carefully exposed to the sights/sounds of a busy family household in a more urban environment. (This includes interacting with kids and people of all types, cats, small animals and backyard chickens. As appropriate, they are also carefully exposed to friendly neighborhood dogs and strangers, car rides, walking on different textures and surfaces and desensitized to many othim busy environmental stimuli.))

Please note that our adoption process includes a vet reference check on any current or previous pets you may have (had), a home visit (either performed virtually or in-person) and a 'meet and greet'. There may also be some clarification questions sent for you to answer as well. (These are based on the information you provide in your original application.)

All these steps are to help ensure that our pups are placed into families that will be a good match for their individual needs.

HDDCR requires a spay/neuter contract by the adopter if puppies and kittens in our care are too young for sterilization. This is a form the adopter signs at the time of adoption, confirming that they will get the pet spayed/neutered by a certain date. We will hold a $50 deposit on top of the adoption fee until we receive proof from a veterinarian that the dog was spayed/neutered. The $50 deposit will then be returned to the adopter.​

Happy Days Dog and Cat Rescue microchips all dogs and cats before adoption. Microchips are implanted between the shoulder blades and are another form of identification should the animal get lost. The microchips are registered to Happy Days Dog and Cat Rescue. The adopter's information is added once the adoption is complete. The adopter is responsible for a    $19.99/Year registration fee or a $45.00/Lifetime registration fee    to change information.   Dogs and Cats still need to have collar with tags should they get lost.