Toby passed away peacefully at home on June 16 last month.  We made the painful decision to let him go a week before.  Since his birthday in May, Toby's health had steadily declined.  It was harder and harder for him to get up.  His Cushing's disease was causing him lots of infections.  He also stopped eating on his own and I have been hand feeding him for a few weeks.  On June 10th, Buzz was off from school for the start of his Summer break and we took Toby out on his last walk down our street.  It was wonderful to see that he got to enjoy one last walk.  Soon after, he could not get up without our help and could only take a few steps out to our back patio.  His bark was weak but he still gave a few words to the neighbor cats each time he goes out!  We knew it was time and though he didn't go on his own, he let us know that he was just too tired and wanted to sleep.  The last thing he did before he went was snoring on my lap.  That was the best thing I could've ever ask for. 

We miss him terribly but I know that we've been so lucky to have had him for 14 years!  And I have my friend Scott to thank for that.  Thanks for making me drive back to the breeder's house to bring Toby home.  I still remember that day like it was yesterday.

The kids have been doing well.  Buzz is most saddened by Toby's passing.  But we've been showing him lots of Toby pictures and he understands how lucky we've been that Toby got to know them.

Life will be very strange without the big furry guy always at my feet.  I miss him terribly.  There are strange moments when I'm ok and moments when the sadness is so great.  But I guess that's life and we'll always remember the wonderful times we had with Toby.

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