Happy 9th Birthday Toby!

It doesn't seem like nearly nine years ago, I brought home a sweet little cream puppy.  He came with the name Picasso, and we renamed him Toby.  He had a fat little tummy and cried nearly the entire ride home.  He ran to meet Joey, our first dachshund who was still very much a puppy himself.  It was as if they had always known each other, and they were the best of buddies.  We lived in Florida for about a year before moving to Alaska for six years.  Toby learned to tap on the door to be let outside (and thought it was fun to tap on the door and then run over to his treats so mommy would give him one, haha).  As long as it wasn't too cold, they enjoyed playing in the snow.  Joey and Toby would run tracks out in the snow.  Toby's favorite place to be though is with his people, and can be protective of Madalyn.  He was lost when Joey passed away, sometimes wandering around looking for him.  About six month passed before we brought Rusty home.  Toby was not sure of the new guy and was sure to assert his spot of "top dog" but at the same time showed the puppy the ropes.  Toby is obedient and well mannered.  He loves car rides and waits by the door if we tell him we're going on a car ride (good luck trying to get out the door without him bum rushing by!).  He loves chicken and turkey, and he hates lettuce (but will force himself to eat it if the lettuce is in danger of Rusty eating it).  He stole a head of broccoli from my garden a few years back; he ate the whole thing.  He loves to chew on bully sticks and pig ears.  And he'll push his water bowl across the floor if it's empty.  He hates fireworks and laser lights.  If you scratch the sofa, he digs and digs.  He's always been a "lazy digger," and places his head on the floor to dig faster.  He's sweet and lovable and we are so happy to have Toby in our family.  Happy 9th Birthday Toby and here's to many more!

Toby as a puppy... look at those sad eyes!

Snuggling with big brother Joey

Inseparable

Loves his kong!

Best buddies, Joey and Toby

Digging!

 

Snuggling with Madalyn

Barks at any and all water that squirts!

"You are bringing me with you."

Both fast asleep on a car ride from NY to FL

Toby with new puppy brother, Rusty

Snuggling during a quick snooze

For some odd reason, the weens love this one flower garden and nose around in it all the time.