Tito (formerly Smalls) was first posted by the rescue on March 21, 2019. He was found sitting on a corner, reluctant to leave his deceased buddy's side. It is believed the friend had been hit by car, but one can only imagine what happened before this.
Did they meet on the streets? Did they escape a home together? Were they dumped? Neither dog was neutered nor microchipped, so the latter is most likely. #ThisIsHouston
Tito first went to a foster with high anxiety and lack of experience. He needed time to decompress, earn her trust, and feel safe. Time he was not given. He was then moved to a boarding facility, where to no surprise, he did not do well.
We were asked by the rescue to go check him out to see if bringing him into our home would be a possibility (we were already fostering six puppies and had a small dog of our own). During the week he was there, he was determined to be "unadoptable" and "vicious." He allegedly bit a vet tech, so they wanted to euthanize him, which I believe was purely because of his breed. We heard so many varying stories that I felt it was at least worth checking him out for myself.
My rescue case manager, Chelsey, and I went together to meet him with one of her dogs (to dog test him). If we didn't take him with us that day, he was going to be put down. We walked with him and spoke with the vet tech. For one, she said he never bit anyone. She also said he was a great dog and was just scared/anxious in the kennel.
The head vet, who deemed him vicious, happened to come outside, so we asked his opinion. His account of Tito was opposite of what the vet tech had stated. But this was the face of the "vicious" dog, so you can understand my confusion and willingness to give him a shot!
Admittedly, I was nervous to bring him home to our house of misfit mutts, given how many puppies we had. Also, my husband was in the dark on this decision. Here is a video of his homecoming and first introduction to the other doggos. He was amazing and accepting of the all the puppy kisses.
The intention was he would only be a temporary foster. He was scheduled to go on transport up North; however, he hated kennels and car rides (still does), so I don't think it would have ever been possible. Ultimately, when he was neutered, they tested him for heartworm, and the results were positive. It was at that moment we knew we had to keep him to ensure he was given the proper treatment.
The name Tito the Bandito was intended to be tongue and cheek - us scoffing about his bad boy persona. The irony is he is a sweet, loving, and loyal companion, as well as an amazing big brother to all our foster dogs. From the streets of Houston, to a dead dog walking, to a foster fail, Tito completes our home, and I cannot imagine our lives without him.
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