Lost a few of my friends recently, one of which was fourteen-year old Toby. Toby was a good dog, came to me like the rest of the animals on Broadway have – through my oldest daughter, Emily. Seems Em loves ’em a bunch, but after a few days is ready to move on. I keep the pet and raise them as family. Maxwell rests in a plastic urn on top of the hutch in the dining room and Toby will join him there. All of them have shown unconditional love, as I have for them.
I have close to fifty dogs, cats, gerbils, rabbits, slugs, and other assorted creatures buried in the back yard. All well loved and now they make good fertilizer. Fact is, the last one buried out back was a little critter who couldn’t stop running out the door whenever it was open. Hit by a car right in front of the house. Shortly after, Em brings Toby, a red-haired chihuahua pomeranian. Toby and I became fast friends. I’m pretty sure he was a reincarnated old, grouchy man, preferring to keep to himself rather than socialize. I don’t think he had a Facebook account.
Anyway, Toby got up in years and we made his life comfortable as he went through the debilitating things an old man or dog goes through. Ultimately, we had to say goodbye to Toby and I am left with his sister, Cleo, a chihuahua papillon. Cleo misses Toby and the both of us carry on as best we can. Toby completed the circle and while he has gone on to play with Max, his next door neighbor, Carly, and other friends in doggie heaven, I carry a memory or two with me in my pocket and pull them out when the weather is rough.
Thanks Toby for allowing me to be your friend.
Toby (L) and Cleo stand guard in case any loud children attack.
Did you enjoy the post above? How about a link to other relevant posts?
Standin Next To You ; Carry Forward ; Old Friends
