Welcoming a puppy into a loving household for their very first time is a moment filled with unadulterated joy. For a dog enthusiast, the thought that their only concerns from now on will revolve around playing games or curling up for cuddles is priceless!
When Carlie Cahill first encountered Toad, he was a tiny puppy among a large litter, taking his first steps alongside his siblings in a foster home in Oklahoma. However, as time passed, all of his siblings were adopted, leaving Toad alone.
As a devoted dog lover, Carlie couldn’t bear the thought of Toad feeling lonely. So, she chose to take the most compassionate step!
Finding the Perfect Companion
Before making the decision to adopt Toad, Carlie frequently visited him at her mom’s home. Once Toad’s mother gave birth, the shelter rescued her and placed her with a foster family—Carlie’s mom.
The mother dog gave birth to ten healthy puppies, with nine quickly finding their forever homes as they matured and gained strength. Unfortunately, Toad was the only one left, and Carlie was determined to change that.
She officially adopted him when he was about six months old, and from that day forward, they became the best of friends!
“I believe he was around six months old when I officially brought him home—I met him right after he was born since my mom fostered (and eventually kept) his mother! He has been by my side for most of his life,” Carlie shared on Instagram.
At that time, Carlie was living in a college dorm, so she opted to rent an apartment for her final semester without anyone finding out, just to have Toad with her. Toad responded with countless goodnight kisses and his cheerful demeanor!
Though he has now matured into a large, strong Staffie, he has always been a gentle soul. He greets her friends with enthusiasm and a wagging tail every time they walk through the door.
The wonderful news is that Carlie’s mom chose to keep Toad’s mother, allowing them to continue their play dates until his mom relocated out of state.
Even afterward, Toad maintained his cheerful demeanor, knowing that Carlie was always by his side!
An Affectionate 80-Pound Companion
Toad has his adorable little quirks, like bumping into cars, despite having perfect eyesight. He also gets startled by everything when out for walks—even falling leaves!
Yet, he is incredibly protective of his mom. He often requires a proper introduction to new people, as he doesn’t let just anyone approach Carlie easily. But once he warms up to someone, he transforms into the most affectionate lovebug!
“Toad is just a large baby. He believes he’s a lap dog, despite weighing 80 pounds. He’s a very cheerful buddy,” Carlie mentioned in an interview with GeoBeats Animals.
Carlie has recently welcomed a senior Chihuahua named Link, and Toad is overjoyed! He embraced Link heartily, believing he finally had a lifelong playmate!
“Toad was incredibly thrilled when I introduced him to Link, and they bonded remarkably well,” shared Carlie.
However, his excitement soon diminished when he realized that Link preferred solitude, though Toad’s affection did not wane.
“Toad has been trying to engage Link in play, which is quite sweet, but Link just isn’t interested in playing back,” she added.
Presently, Toad and Link relish their home in Oklahoma, enjoying countless cuddles with their mom.
This Staffie has transformed into a big boy, but he has never lost his playful spirit. He continues to enjoy games, going for walks, and embarking on new adventures each day—most importantly, his mom ensures he receives abundant love.
To follow the adventures of Toad and Link, check out their official Instagram.
