Toby, the dog I never trained.

[Katyusharocket]

My Toby crossed the bridge yesterday with help from his vet. For what it was, he couldn't have passed more peacefully. He started out as my daughter's dog, but came to live with me early in his life. He went blind in 2020, after his optic nerve inflamed and stopped working. I never did train Toby, he just naturally never caused problems and fit into my life very easily. He was always the fun police at home and at the park. I miss him a lot. He lost almost all of his hearing in recent times and then he had more trouble processing smells in the last weeks. It started to become clear that he wasn't looking forward to much in his days, other than mealtime. Katyusha and Zastava seem to miss him, too. It's going to take a few weeks to find our new grooves and balances in life. Here is Toby in a few photos.

 

[LifeofRubie]

I lost a Tobie many years back so always have a soft spot for "Toby's." I can tell from his pictures that he was a certified Very Good Boy

Run free, sweet boy hopefully he's spending his days over the rainbow bridge keeping everyone in check

 

[Coco Loco]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your good boy.

 

[Katyusharocket]

I can tell from his pictures that he was a certified Very Good Boy

He really was. I forgot to mention his bravery and confidence. Even after he went blind, he never flinched for anyone to touch him or to try to go just wherever he wanted. Blindness slowed him down and made him cautious, but he'd be darned before it stopped him from exploring new spaces. He just kept going wherever the rest of us went.

hopefully he's spending his days over the rainbow bridge keeping everyone in check

He had his fellow fun police officer, Champ, from our Doberman meetup group, waiting for him at the other end of the bridge, I am sure that together they are doing a fine job of it

 

[MichiH]

Matt, I am so sorry about Toby. I know this was weighing on your heart for awhile. Run free sweet Toby boy ❤

Prayers and hugs to you and the girls during this difficult time

 

[Sunje]

So sorry to hear of Toby's loss. Doesn't matter how old they are--they never stay long enough.

 

[JanS]

We've already discussed it but I know just how hard it is. You made the most responsible decision though when his quality of life just wasn't what it always had been.
Run free sweet Toby and say hi to our loved ones over the bridge.

 

[jazzies mum]

It's the toughest decision we have to make for our dogs but the right one. Hope you all find peace. So sorry.

 

[Ddski5]

Wow…
That was an old soldier right there that endured and overcame. When one sees them persevere through life like that, you can understand why they do it…it’s because they love and care for their master that much.
That’s something really special.

 

[MyBuddy]

I'm so sorry! My heart aches for you.
RIP Toby.