Meet Tater Tot, affectionately known as Tay Tay, a lovable bundle of joy with a big smile, sweet eyes, wiggly tail and endless enthusiasm!

Although very shy when she first joined her foster family, Tay Tay is now thriving and absolutely loves being around people and other dogs! She is polite and calm for meetings and greetings (but may be initially timid around very large dogs she doesn't know).

Whether it's playing fetch, running around a yard or dog park, or lounging on the couch with her favorite humans, Tay Tay is always in her element. While she enjoys her playtime, she equally loves a quiet snuggle session. She rarely barks and only occasionally from her crate if she needs something. Tay Tay considers her crate a safe space and even enjoys eating meals there at times.

She knows Sit, Wait, and Leave It and is eager to learn more basic commands. Intelligent and treat-motivated, she enjoys training. Tay Tay responds well to a happy, upbeat tone of voice and loves to be serenaded, no matter what you sound like! An enthusiastic chewer, she enjoys keeping busy with chew toys, puzzle games, lick mats, and anything filled with peanut butter or cheese.

She does well on a leash and is cooperative when putting on a non-slip collar and harness, which are essential given her Houdini-like ability to back out of a regular collar. With new people, she may show some low confidence and trail behind on walks, occasionally offering happy, light jumps. Encouraging words and consistent movement help her overcome this quickly.

Tay Tay does a great job of self-regulating and has well-balanced energy: playful outdoors, relaxed indoors. She will do best in a quiet home in a calm neighborhood with a family that complements her active lifestyle. She may excel in agility training -- she's quick, athletic, and always up for a challenge.

While a fenced yard is ideal, it's not required as long as she has a doggie friend for company and regular opportunities for outdoor exercise. Tay Tay would do well with older children who are gentle and loving. She coexists in her foster home with several cats but due to her prey drive, cannot live in a setting with small kittens, other small pets, or small livestock.

A sweetheart with a heart full of love to give, if you're looking for a happy, energetic, and snuggly companion to bring joy to your life, Tay Tay will be the perfect fit!

HISTORY
Tay Tay was found as a stray in a rural county.

HEALTH
Tay Tay is up-to-date on vaccinations, microchipped, spayed, and heartworm negative.

PHYSICAL
Tay Tay has a beautiful shiny black coat with white on her mouth, neck, chest and toes.

IAR subsidizes post-adoption professional training with Eliana Cellucci at Project Paws (https://projectpawsdogtraining.com/) to encourage a life-long and successful bond between the dog and the adopter. Group classes for puppies and adult dogs as well as private training sessions are provided at a substantial discount to IAR adopters.