R. I. P. Toby Dog

[Dueller]

Our beloved Schnauzer, Toby, was hit by a car day before yesterday. Blessedly his death was instant and he didn't suffer.

He adopted us after deciding he liked our home more than his prior owner's. Since her work schedule was hectic she graciously consented to Toby living with us.

But Toby wasn't just our dog...he belonged to the community. He roamed the neighborhood making friends where ever he went. He was known to just wander in our neighbors' homes and plop down and take a nap or make himself at home during anyone's outdoor gatherings.

He gave unconditional love with anyone he met, especially the kids in the area. He loved to ride in my old 911, standing on the armrest with his head proudly out the passenger window no matter what the speed.

He was a generous fella...on more than one occassion he showed up gingerly carrying a whole slice of pizza in his mouth to give to me much like a cat bringing a field mouse home. And he wouldn't have eaten any of the toppings or chewed on the crust. He would wait until I took it from him and stand there grinning.

He loved the forest behind our house and spent many a day and night roaming those woods. He was fascinated by the deer, but his best friend was a red fox that often came out to play with him. They would chase each other back and forth until a human would appear and then the fox would be gone in an instant.

The neighborhood is organizing a wakeand his ashes will be spread among the woods he loved so much.

What a dog.....what a wonderful friend.

RIP, Toby Dog

[DaveE]

Sorry for your grief. I hate seeing dogs running loose when I'm driving. It's too dangerous.

[lonewolf]

really sorry to hear that friend. at least it was instant

i have had my first dog from 8 weeks and is now 15years and i,m dreading the day that will eventually come
he,s the best thing i,ve ever spent money on.

RIP Toby.


Bruce

[Rikao4]

Happy trails Toby,
wishing him lots of bones, and ladies on the other side,

Rika

[notfarnow]

Sorry for your loss. Sounds like toby was an enigma. I know what you mean about dogs finding US. I feel that way about my dog Chance. He loves me, but heck, he loves EVERYBODY. Just pet his head, and he's yours.

My mother has a community dog too. She'll wonder where Dozen is, and then a few hours later the neighbors will drop her off after having been at the beach all day. Sadly, Dozen is getting old and mom has been meeting with the neighbors to decide what to do with her. The neighbors want to split the vet bills.

Again, sorry for your loss, and I'm glad he didn't suffer.

[RickM]

Sorry for your loss...he was a cute pup.

I bit the bullet and installed a very nice "invisible" fence. It works perfectly. It even comes with a remote contol for other training activities. I now worry less about my dog meeting the same fate as Toby.

[Dottore]

I am really sorry to hear this. My condolences. It's a terrible thing to lose a dog this way.

They're very special dogs - Schnauzers. What you write about yours is very atypical because they are usually highly territorial and protective. Oddly enough we also have one that could be Toby's twin. Everything you write about Toby could have been written about Jack - the guy on the left below.

Again my condolences.

[targa911S]

Oh man that's too bad. I'm so sorry to hear of his untimely death. At least he didn't suffer.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

[Dueller]

Thanks, all. for your kind condolences.

Rick, we did have the wireless fence. But ol' Toby, being a bit incorrigible and ever the free spirit, figured out that if he got a running start could blast thru it, take the lick and be free. Then he would stand outside the perimeter as if to say to us "C'mon, that wasn't so bad...now let's go have some fun." LOL

We live in a somewhat rural arae with little traffic that is bounded on three sides by creeks. We are quite a ways from a high traffic area (where he was killed) and Toby was never known to wander in that direction preferring the woods. He was almost always visible and under voice command or chilling at our house or a neighbors'. He appeared to always be aware of the limited vehicle traffic in our community.

I have beat up on myself for his death, but given his nature and spirit, I know he was happier being free.

[azasadny]

Dueller,

Sorry about your loss. Our pets become part of the family, don't they?

[Dueller]

That's so true, aza....here he is with his big sister

[kach22i]

He's in dog heaven with lots of pizza just waiting for you. Hang in there, dogs are great.