Toby's Story

Toby was 12 years old when he was turned into rescue. We were told that the owner was abusive to him and her son in law took Toby away from her. But Toby's medical issues got so bad that the son in law turned him over to Westies Rescue of Missouri. So here is a senior westie losing his home and very sick..... Toby had erlichia, a tick born disease. He also had a bad yeast infection on his skin and in his ears. He had a lump on the side of his face and on the base of his tail. He was black on his back and part of his front lags. He was so itchy that he almost didn't have any hair on his tail. He was a little anemic and his thyroid wasn't working right.

I fostered Toby at first and fell in love with him. So on March 12th, 2007 at 13 years of age he became a member of our family. But Toby has a special gift. Toby visits a nursing home on a weekly basis. He loves to sit in the residents laps and let them hug and squeeze him. He tries to get some to pet him and I think he will win them over soon. He has 6 very special ladies that ask about him all the time and they look forward to his visits.

Then we discovered Toby also is very patient with special needs children and young adults. We are guardians of our special needs great niece, Angela. Last year we had to place her in a group home. Toby and her were pretty close and he misses her. But when she comes home for visits he's by her side all the time. I thought Toby being close to Angela was just a family thing. Toby and I went to pick her up for Easter. This was the first time he was able to visit the group home. The kids loved him. And he loved them. He held very still for the little crippled hands to pet him. When they called his name he would trot over to see them. One little boy is scared of dogs. He wouldn't pet Toby, but he watched him and grinned. He followed Toby around. On Monday following Easter we took our Angela back to the home. Toby went trotting in and went through all the rooms looking for the kids. Well, they were in school and I believe he was disappointed.

It's amazing to me that this dear senior canine....even though he was sick and abused has the gift to relate to special needs children and the elderly the way he does. When I get out his T-shirt he knows he is going to see his special friends. He runs for the door and barks and whine until we get in the car. When he sees them....his head is high and he is just trotting along....happy!

This is the first time that I have adopted a senior westie. Am I scared that I will lose him soon to Rainbow Bridge? Yes, I am....but Toby has given me so much in the 17 months that I have known him......well, it's a lifetime of love and memories. He is so filled with love and joy.....well, it certainly rubs off on us as well. Hugs,
Carol
Please don't litter
Fix your Critter

P.S. Toby is now 15 years young and still going pretty good. His blood work comes back okay with a couple of things to keep an eye on...but nothing major.  Toby loves to to rides on Herb's scooter. He wears a harness, goggles, and a motorcycle helmet. If it's chilly he has a bomber jacket that he wears. He is quite the site and is always having his picture taken by people along the street or at the gas station. He whines at Dad until he gets to go. This summer we are planning a motocycle trip to Michigan. Toby and all his fursiblings will be going along. We are testing a couple of options for the pups to travel in. Please click to see a video of Toby's scooter ride.