Topper is yet another of the thousands of dogs left at a shelter when his family's home was foreclosed. Even in a high end beach town, he didn't stand a chance. We received an ultimatum - 'you have to take him now or he's on the kill list (they say euthanasia, but its kill) today'. Even though he was hunched over, wouldn't look his rescuer in the eye, we weren't going to leave him.

The minute he got into the parking lot, he held his head high and was eager to get in the car. He got to go straight to a foster home since there was no room in boarding (no room in foster either but he's been squeezed in). He met all the other foster dogs - some young, some middle aged, some old & cranky....he walked right in, wagged his tail and settled down in the living room.

We know that Topper had a family before and he probably lived inside as he is very comfortable in the house. He's not bothered by other dogs and really, he just wants someone to love him and take him for walks. This is a real gem of a dog!

Update 10/26/10

After three weeks in a foster home, Topper has a decidely different outlook on life! No longer hunched over or depressed, he is a proud, happy dog. Topper tends to be on the serious side and will fret a little bit, whining quietly if he isn't sure what is going on. Every day this gets better - to the point that he now plays with the youngest member of his foster pack.

Topper bonds closely to his human caretakers and follows them from room to room. He has an entertaining habit - if he is standing where you want to go, instead of moving out of the way, he runs backward to make sure he's right there with you. He loves to sleep on the couch or hang out in the kitchen - wherever the action is, Topper likes to make sure he is observing the goings on. Topper will bark if there is something going on which makes him a great protector! He won't bark if there isn't a reason. Topper knows a number of commands and is totally housebroken.

He would love a home that enjoys daily walks - he does fine with other dogs of all sizes too - he'd probably do fine with cats if properly introduced.