When officers from the Dallas Police Department spotted a tiny, shivering pup huddled beside a dumpster, they knew he needed help fast.
What they didn’t know was exactly what kind of animal they were rescuing.
The little fluffball was clearly scared and alone, but when the officers looked closer, they started scratching their heads. His pointed nose, sharp eyes and thick fur looked a little… wild.
They called Dallas Animal Services for backup, but even the experts were stumped.
“The responding animal services officer brought him back to the shelter, where many people commented that he looked like a little coyote!” said Marlo Clingman, spokesperson for the organization.
At first glance, the mystery rescue could’ve been a stray puppy — or maybe a young coyote — or even a mix of both. No one could say for sure.
To settle the debate once and for all, the team decided to run a DNA test.
“His eye color is consistent with a domesticated breed, but we are curious what the DNA test results will show,” Clingman explained.
It’ll take a few days before the results are in, but one thing’s already certain — whatever Toast is, he’s completely adorable.
That’s right — his rescuers gave him a name: Toast. And while everyone waits to uncover his true identity, Toast is settling into life with a loving foster.
“Toast is great! He’s a fluffy little pup with a big personality,” Clingman said. “Our wildlife animal services officer, Jacqueline Sutherland, is going to foster Toast while we await the DNA test results. What happens next will determine whether we can adopt out Toast or if we need to find other placement solutions.”
For now, Toast doesn’t seem too worried about the mystery. Whether he turns out to be a dog, a coyote or something in between, one thing’s for sure — he’s safe, loved and already winning hearts everywhere.
