Toby

I'm not sure I could ever pick one picture that would fit all of the facets of who I thought Toby was as my best friend for the last 11 years. But, I chose to attach one that I think shows one of his sweeter sides, when he would come stretch using my leg and just look up at me and melt my heart. I believe that he definitely knew when I needed that. He was also always there to just lay with me when I needed that too. He was feisty, though, too. We would growl at each other and fight with much ferocity. He always made his opinion known. He did not like when I parked the car and he was in the back seat. It annoyed me to no end, but I would give almost anything even just to listen to him barking non-stop in the car or waiting for me to serve him his food for just a few more moments. He was not everyone's cup of tea, but he was mine no matter what. I had him during college where he survived quite a few house parties, then through a struggle of finding what I wanted to do for my career, many first and last dates, all the way to my early 30s, now, where he was a part of my life as a newlywed. Quite literally, though, Toby was barely ever not with me just watching me do whatever I'm doing. We were the center of each other's worlds! I will always appreciate the time I had with my best friend, and I'll always remember him.

I love you, Tobias.

Thank you Dr. Rikh for giving Toby the opportunity to greet one last person with a little wiggling pom tail and show you how he loved people and wanted all of their love and affection (if he was feeling well, he would have heard a lot of barking if you stopped petting him). And for guiding us through the process with compassion. I'm glad I got to say goodbye to my best friend at home and while holding him in my lap with my wife nearby.