Toby

When I was about 15-months old, Mom and Dad rescued me from the Humane Society in Denver. The Denver HS is called the Dumb Friends League (none of us living there were dumb, we just wanted a new home). The original founders, back in 1910, wanted it modeled after a similar organization in London, England, called Our Dumb Friends League. In those days, the term “dumb” was widely used to refer to animals, because “they lacked the power of human speech”. Now they know we have our own way of speaking!

After coming to the shelter, I was adopted but the people brought me back. I sorta lost count of how many times I lived in different homes.  When Mom found me, she said I was so skinny all my bones were sticking out–I guess that’s why I loved food so much. And I had a big hematoma on my head. Mom and Dad took good care of me and I was really happy they found me!

Maggie was already living there when I came to my new home. She was 3 years older than I and we shared the same birth date–October 7. We had a good life together, but she got cancer and left us in 2010. 

Sage became my new friend and we did everything together. I loved to go to the park, on long walks and teach her ‘dog stuff’. She has a lot more energy than I did, but that’s OK. I enjoyed watching her and remembering my youth. We had a couple of years together, but, when I was 12 1/2,  Maggie beckoned me to join her over the Rainbow Bridge (March 17, 2012). Sage is alone now, but Mom and Dad are making sure she has as wonderful a life as I did.

The following is my last post before going on my final journey.

The battle has raged for almost two years now. I’m tired and pretty battle-scared. My special vet gave me lots of potions, but that evil spinal myleopathy dragon has mortally wounded me. Sage has been at my side all the way and has been licking my ears lately…I think she secretly hopes there’s some magic that will help. I tell her it’s time to go over the Rainbow Bridge.

I’ve seen Maggie beckoning on the other side, so I know it’s time.

She told me my legs will work again and I’ll be able to run and play with her.

Don’t be sad, Sage. I’ll be there for you when you see something new and it scares you. I’ve taught you a lot and it’s time for me to go. 

So, in my regal status as Sir Pantsalot of the Round Bowl, I now bequeath you my sword, and all my worldly goods. Be strong, little one. I love you.
Mom here: Toby went over the Rainbow Bridge today (March 17, 2012). He fought a valiant fight, but yesterday could no longer stand on his own and progressively got worse. We knew it was time. The vet came to the house and his struggles are now over. Sage was with him to the end.

Run free, Toby. We will miss you. A lot.