RIP TOBY

If you follow us on Instagram, you may have seen what a nightmare our vacation had turned into.
While walking on the beach, a South African Mastiff got out of his harness and attacked my dad's dog Toby. With 4 people trying to pry the mastiff's grip off Toby, he just wouldn't let go. When he finally freed little Toby, he had broken his back and most ribs. And ultimately killed Toby. Toby passed away at the local vet. We were there for his last minutes. We got to say thank you and love you one last time.
This is a blog dedicated to our Tober.

Toby helped me overcome depression after my mom passed away from cancer. I was sixteen when my mom lost her battle with pancreatic cancer. Being an only child, the house was so quiet without my mom. I wanted a companion and started looking online. I saw Toby's little face and I felt like this little rat had to be mine. I drove and picked him up without getting my dad's permission. It was an act of rebellion. 
Instantly, Toby filled up our home with love. I thought Toby would be a great cuddle dog, but I was wrong. He didn't like the cuddles. He was so odd and funny that he made me laugh at a time I needed it the most. He liked to get stuck in between clothes hangers, loved chasing rabbits and loved walking the neighborhood.
When it was time for me to go to college, my dad was so upset. Toby and I will be embarking on a new adventure together. But my dad begged and said, "not Toby too." And I knew then, Toby was not my dog. He was my dad's. 
Coming home on school breaks to see Toby and my dad became such a treat. He became so attached to my dad and would get upset when I came home because that meant he had to share my dad's attention. Toby was my brother and we had the funnest brother/sister relationship. If my dad and Toby were sitting on the couch, I would go and sit in between them. Toby would always chase me away because his spot was closest to my dad. And  I had so much fun getting him back. If he went outside to pee, I would find my dad and make sure I was the closest one to my dad and chase him away.  This game continued till the end.

​He not only helped me overcome my depression, he helped my dad overcome his. He mended our hearts. He was a good dog. He didn't deserve to pass away like this. My dad didn't deserve to see his best friend die in this vicious way. But we can not change that.
What we can do is count our blessings that Toby was our dog. He will forever be our dog. And he will be forever missed. 
I love you Toby. 
<3
Rest easy my little rat.