Toby had a long life and was such a character. Never without his ball he filled our lives and shared his with love with us.

Toby shared his life with Monty, Riley, Darcy and Ripley and adored and accepted everyone. Even the ones that holiday with us were welcomed by him. As he grew older he mellowed into quite a character. After Riley died he started to lose his hearing and began to stay much closer to me. Once or twice if I turned a corner too quickly he would panic as calling him had no effect.

Toby at 12 weeks

Toby, Riley & Darcy - 2003

However, hand signals worked very well and I am pleased to say we never lost one another. Sometimes he would fall down holes when out on walks and carry on as if he'd meant to do that!

Amazingly enough Toby would be out with younger dogs for hours on Hampstead Heath and kept plodding along. If we went downhill he would speed by with his tail wagging for propulsion! If ever there was a foot soldier, Toby was one!

He went downhill very quickly, refusing food but he kept his dignity right to the end. All our lives have been made richer for knowing Toby and I was blessed to have been able to call him "My Dog".

Toby, Riley & Darcy in 2003

Toby's 'posh' name was Pelemium Oak. That was apt as Toby was indeed an oak in our lives, strong and long lived.

Toby in January 2006

Rainbow Bridge
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....

Author unknown...