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
