Meet 1 year old, cropped docked purebred Doberman Tootsie. Tootsie is a barely 1-year-old young Doberman girl whose story is one of survival, resilience, and the slow, brave journey back to trust.
She is cropped and docked, and still just a baby—yet she has already endured more than most dogs ever should.
Tootsie was picked up in California and spent over two long months in a Los Angeles shelter—surrounded by constant noise, barking 24/7, and overwhelming chaos. For a sensitive breed like a Doberman, that environment can be devastating. Tootsie completely shut down. She stopped responding to people, retreating into herself just to cope.
The shelter labeled her “unadoptable” and placed her on the euthanasia list. Thankfully, that wasn’t the end of her story.
With the help of our incredible partner rescues in California, Tootsie was pulled to safety just in time. Now, she is finally in a quiet place where healing can begin. Eventually Tootsie made her way to Arizona with UDR alumni, Casper, and her foster family.
Tootsie has experienced significant trauma and is still learning that humans can be kind, patient, and safe. We know she was originally picked up with a male pit bull who may have been her protector—her guide in a confusing world. Now, she’s navigating life on her own, and it’s not easy. But she’s trying.
Every small step forward is a victory. We are also learning more about her personality as she decompresses. Tootsie finds comfort in her crate and will often seek it out as her safe space—it’s where she feels most secure. She is fully potty trained, but in true “safe-zone” fashion, she may choose to settle in her crate for long stretches and will sometimes need gentle encouragement to come out and engage with the world around her. For her, the crate is not a problem—it’s her refuge.
Right now, Tootsie is decompressing and focusing on building confidence. She will need a fenced yard and humans who can be super patient with her healing and bonding journey. She came so close to losing her life, and she deserves the chance to truly live it.
We won’t give up on Tootsie—and one day, she will have a family to call her own. Tootsie will need a high fenced yard and gps collar as she is a serious flight risk. Sudden noises like a car honk, siren, bangs send her into a tailspin of fear. She also prefers the company of other dogs so a home with other canines is a must. Her best pal right now is a tiny Yorkie!
