It’s with a heavy heart and deepest sympathy that we must announce the passing of Toby from our Pet Sponsor Program. He lived the very best life possible through the care of Animal League America, his loving adopters, and most especially, his faithful supporters. His human mom, Carolyn, shared this beautiful sentiment about her beloved Toby.
“Toby was that rare dog who got excited when he realized we were going back to North Shore Animal League America for checkups. He always remembered his old friends there and was so happy to see them. That was the proof that he was well-loved there. Toby loved to go to the dog run even though most of the dogs were a lot bigger. He minded his own business and simply wandered around checking out whatever interested him. Toby became a loving, affectionate pet over time. He always had to sit in my lap, whether there was room for him or not. He insisted on sleeping on top of me, under the covers. He had so many health issues: megaesophagus, hepatitis, dry skin, bad teeth. By the end, he only had four teeth left. He couldn’t tolerate the cold and absolutely refused to go out in the rain. And yet, he just kept going and going, right up until the day before he died. It was a privilege to be his owner.”
Toby joined the League’s Sponsor Program in 2007. Toby is a lovable Chihuahua-mix who came to the League as a part of their out-of-state rescue program.
Toby suffers from megaesophagus, a condition in which his esophagus is abnormally enlarged in its lower portion, which makes it difficult for him to digest food. To digest properly, Toby needs to remain vertical after eating, otherwise he may die. North Shore Animal League America’s medical staff has worked diligently with Toby to ensure that his health is well guarded, including fashioning a chair that keeps his body vertical for meal time. This special chair works like a charm and Toby’s megaesophagus has been under control since he’s been diagnosed.
Toby also has a history of acute hepatitis, which is an inflammation of the liver. This is a lifelong disease; so though it can not be cured, it can be maintained with quality medical care. Toby is on a vigorous medication schedule. He takes several medications for his various conditions. When Toby is not eating in his designer chair, however, he runs and jumps and plays just like any healthy dog. He is an adorable little character with a huge personality.