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2/17/2022

Good-bye Sweet Toby

This was a hard week for my husband and me as we lost our dear pup Toby.  Some of you know that we have had our malti-poo, Toby,  for about 11 years, after we inherited him from our daughter. He was diagnosed with kidney disease about a year and a half ago and we thought we would lose him at that time. However, with prescription foods, supplements, and periodic subQ fluids given at home by me, he lived a happy life up until about two weeks ago. He began losing weight, but was still eating and drinking, and even barking at the squirrels in the backyard. That changed on the weekend before Valentine's Day and we knew we would have to say good-bye soon. 

Anyone who has loved a pet knows the hole that is left in our hearts. There will never be a pup like him again. Here he was just last week in his flannel pajamas, which I made for him years ago.

Rest in peace sweet boy.


 

  

7 comments:

  1. Oh, so very sorry, Karen! I know too well the pain of losing a beloved pet and the empty place in your heart that is left behind. You gave Toby such a loving and happy home, and were so devoted in caring for him with his various health issues. Not only did he bring joy into your lives, but you brought happiness, security, and contentment into his. Hang on to all the wonderful memories.
    I love the photo you shared of Toby in his adorable pajamas!! He looks so bright-eyed and mischievous. That's the Toby that will live on in your heart!
    Sending hugs and prayers during this time of loss.
    <3 J

    jwoolbright at gmail dot com
    HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com

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  2. I am so sorry Karen! You will both be in my prayers! Such a sweet photo! Much love to you!!!

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  3. Oh, no, I am so sorry to read this, Karen. Your photo of Toby in his pajamas is precious. What a gorgeous furbaby he was! I am crying now right along with you, as I know the heartbreak of losing a beloved furry member of the family all too well. It definitely leaves a hole in your heart. Please take the time to grieve, and be gentle with yourself. We found it helpful, after a time, to remember and talk about funny or cute things our cats did and we could laugh about them. We still do this almost every day. Pets are part of our lives for many years, and they are beloved members of the family. Giving Toby the extra love and attention with medications and fluids draws you even closer, I think. Thank you for sharing your heartbreak with us. I send lots of love and hugs to you, my friend.

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  4. Karen, my heart aches for you over the loss of your dear sweet Toby. Sending huge hugs! Darnell

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  5. Oh Karen, I'm so very sad to read this. I'm lost what to say right now but I know for sure there was so much two-way love between Toby and his human family that he will live on in your hearts always. Sleep in peace darling Toby - such a beautiful little boy. With love and hugs from Di xxx

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  6. I came back for another look at sweet Toby. I think you know that Dudley has long. glorious peach coloured ears. I ought to say had really, after his bath the other day, Len discovered the most horrendous matt in his fur on one ear, right down to the skin. And that couldn't be good of course. Neither of us knew it was there despite all the grooming and we couldn't couldn't de-matt it either -so the option, rather than risk scissors lopping off part of his ear, was to gently use the trimmer. Of course, then he was lopsided - and the upshot is that his ear is now matt free - but his lovely long flowing glorious peachy ear hair had to go for now - on both ears so he at least looks even! But, looking at your photo of Toby, Dudley isn't much shorter 'ear wise' really and we hope he will soon be returned to his previous silky glory. Poor Dudley - he probably has no idea - although he does grab a brown paper sack to put over his head when he ventures out in daylight!

    With love and hope you're coping OK my friend!

    Di xxx

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    1. Oh no! I'm so glad you discovered that matt because it can actually cause injury and infection if let go too long. One of the drawbacks to having a dog with that lovely long hair is that it does matt badly. That's why we ended up keeping Toby clipped short. I would discover matts every time I bathed him, and sometimes had to use a sewing seam ripper to get under it, and then finish off with a pair of hair cutting shears. He had enough fur that it was fairly well blended in, but there were times I had to trim the other side to match. Poor Dudley is probably hoping he doesn't run into his pal when he's out on his walk! Don't know if you remember that I mentioned Toby also had peach color in his ears as a pup and young dog? It eventually disappeared as he aged, and I'm thinking it's like people going gray (or white haired). His puppy photos show that peach color quite clearly.

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