Every so often, nature surprises us with visitors we might never expect, and sometimes, those visitors make themselves right at home. That’s exactly what happened to one woman, who discovered a small toad on her patio and watched as he returned again and again. This wasn’t just a short stay; her loyal toad became a regular, visiting her home daily for nearly three years. Finally, she decided it was time to do something special and unique to show appreciation for her dedicated visitor: she would build him his very own “Toad Abode.”
This heartwarming story of unlikely companionship began when TikTok user @OwnedByPickle, known to her followers as The Caretaker, noticed a little toad hanging around her back door regularly. Rain or shine, he’d be there, especially during wet weather when he sought shelter from the elements. Over time, her little visitor grew accustomed to the space, transforming her patio into his own private hangout. Though she didn’t know exactly what drew him to her home, she was delighted by his persistence. After nearly three years of regular visits, she decided to do something special for him.
The idea for the “Toad Abode” was born, a tiny sanctuary right on her patio. She envisioned it as a place where the toad could safely rest, drink, and perhaps even invite some friends along. To keep the project simple yet functional, she headed to a local dollar store to gather supplies. She selected a paint tray for the foundation, which would serve as the base for his cozy new home. To add a personal touch, she adorned a small ceramic pot with waterproof stickers and placed it in one corner, giving the space a bit of character and charm.
The Toad Abode was thoughtfully designed with the little toad’s comfort in mind. Alongside the pot, she placed a shallow water dish filled with stones, providing an ideal spot for her toad to take a refreshing soak whenever he wanted. She added mulch, a few marigold seedlings, and, in a finishing touch, positioned a small lamp in the corner to create a warm glow at night. This small but inviting space was crafted with care, a testament to her growing affection for her amphibian friend.
Initially, the toad seemed unsure about his new home and mostly lounged in the water dish, seemingly indifferent to the rest of the setup. But with a few adjustments, his curiosity was sparked. The Caretaker noticed that he often trampled over the marigold seedlings, so she decided to replace them with hardy succulents, which could withstand his frequent visits. She also added coconut fiber and more decorative stones, arranging them in a pathway leading up to the water dish, creating a visually appealing environment that complemented his natural instincts.
Her efforts paid off – the toad finally began exploring his new space. The Toad Abode became his sanctuary, a place he could return to after his nighttime wanderings. Word seemed to spread in the toad community, as he soon brought friends along, and they, too, enjoyed the Abode’s comforts. As the Toad Abode gained popularity with the local toads, The Caretaker decided to expand the setup to accommodate these new visitors, even creating a smaller, separate “Toadling Hydration Habitat” for young toads. This way, toadlings could safely gather, drink, and rest in a space designed just for them. The addition was a success, with the younger toads making use of the new habitat.
As the story of her backyard transformation gained traction on TikTok, The Caretaker’s followers were captivated by the tale of the Door Toad, as she affectionately called him. Many viewers were invested in the toad’s journey and eagerly suggested names for the little creature who had become a viral sensation. She received many creative ideas, eventually narrowing down the list to several favorites: Jade, Jelly, Doora, Doorean, Dill, Agnes, and Tilly. In a playful twist, she decided to let the toad choose for himself. She placed each name on a sticky note, arranging them on the patio. To her delight, the toad hopped towards one note, selecting his own name. And with that, the Door Toad officially became Doora.
With her new name, Doora continued to capture the hearts of the Caretaker’s followers, who tuned in for regular updates on her life and adventures. Doora’s activities included late-night wanderings, during which she explored the patio and occasionally brought along friends, giving her fans a peek into her life. The Caretaker lovingly documented each new development, sharing videos of Doora’s cozy nights at the Abode and her encounters with other toads.
As Doora’s fan base grew, The Caretaker decided to expand the Toad Abode to accommodate her growing social circle. The upgrade included more dirt, coconut fiber, another succulent plant, and two additional water dishes. Although these new features offered extra space for visiting toads, Doora remained loyal to her original Abode, preferring its familiar comforts.
Today, Doora’s adventures are followed by thousands, and her story continues to grow as more people become inspired by the bond between The Caretaker and her unexpected friend. This small sanctuary has become a cozy, welcoming space for Doora, a tiny testament to the possibility of connection between humans and nature. And as Doora’s visits go on, she reminds us that even the most unlikely creatures can bring joy, curiosity, and a touch of magic into our lives.
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@ownedbypickle How can we make this a better toad hangout? Suggestions welcome! #fyp #doortoad #toad #toadsoftiktok #toadhabitat #toadtok #toad #toadgarden #toadlove #oasis #patio #doortoad #toomuchtimeonmyhands ♬ original sound – OwnedByPickle
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