So what does Toby mean to me?

Toby is one of the few remaining things in life I still take joy in. Of everything in the world that seems to turn to shit when I so much as hope for it, Toby is firm ground upon which anyone could stand.

I find the greatest moments of happiness in tossing his tennis ball about...in watching his big ass try to manuever the stairs...in taunting him with bits of ham or turkey or chicken to make him produce the most curious sounds. When my sister says the dog sings, she doesn't lie.

I'd like to record him, going "wah wah wah wah" but I know he's not much for performing. Toby is just as candid as anyone. Often, I'll be typing on the computer, and he'll be sitting behind me...and suddenly, I'll catch a whiff of an errant gaseous emission. Naturally, knowing the functions and lack therein of my own bowels...I turn an eye to this salt-and-pepper mutt and glare. He offers up the most penant look...even a little sigh.

At that point, I start scratching his butt or his belly...until I'm overwhelmed by a desire to toss him around, sweep his legs out from under him...I've never enjoyed horseplay as much as I do with this particular dog. He stalks like the might hunter, until, once more, his big ass becomes a hinderance.

I'm very thankful my sister chose Toby that day. I understand that, in terms of most "possessive" terms, he is "her dog". But I like to think, much with every animal this family has ever adopted, that Toby has become one of us...an equal, even. I don't think anyone here would want to imply ownership of someone as remarkable as Toby.

And oh, to watch the way Toby would interact with Wolinda, before she passed on... Toby would get all riled up and want to play...leap his way over to Wolinda...who would proceed to swat at his big nose and hiss. Toby got the message quickly who was boss around the house. :D

A smiley emoticon. I miss Wolinda still...dearly and desperately, and not a day goes by that I do not still think of her, and want to cry. But Toby has helped to ease that pain, as well as many others. He is a rich, loving and genuine soul. And anyone who debates that animals possess no sentience would instantly redirect their opinion after spending just a short time with Toby.

Love ya, ya mutt.