Toby you are free now.....*Last picture added*

[pitc9]

Hey Toby!
I hope you heard me talking to you last night!
You've left such an imprint on my life.

What a wonderful, long and full life you lived, you were an amazing dog Toby.
It's no wonder mom and dad and I will sit out on the deck and just look out back where your grave is and no one says a word. We just sit in silence and remember you and the life you lived. I feel honored that I was the one chosen to send you peacefully on your way to the bridge. Bringing you the peace you so deserved was the most rewarding thing I've ever done in my life.

In the beginning of your life I saved you from the shelter and in the end of your like I saved you once again from needless pain and suffering.
We were blessed to have you in our lives; you truly are one of a kind.

Mom and dad are still gone all the time at car shows for a few days to a week at a time; you know how they are in the summer time!
We never had to worry about watching the house when they were gone because you were there!

I have to tell my PT friends here a story about you.

A few years back, my parents were out of town and a friend of theirs that had been to the house several times and had met Toby, stopped by to drop something off to my dad. When the guy pulled in the driveway Toby wouldn't let him get out of his truck!! He called her name and tried to get her to calm down, but she kept her fur raised and teeth showing until he left!!
She knew she had to protect the house even if it was someone that had already been to the house several times!

[pitc9]

Hey T!
We all still miss you so much!
Once in a while the kids still ask where you are.
When they ask we go back to your grave and we talk to you.

I saw an ad in the paper the other day for Shepherd/Lab puppies and I called on the them but they were all gone already. When I hung the phone up I started crying. I know we shouldn't get another dog just like you, but you were the perfect dog Toby!! You were perfect!!
Mom and dad have been going to the local shelters looking for a dog, but so far haven't found one.
I know they'll never be another Toby, but we can at least try to find one close to perfect!
A few weeks ago the kids, Kimmy, mom, dad, Rick and I were in the woods and we found your rat!!!! Oh I was so happy Toby! The kids and I walked right over and put it on your grave! I was so happy to see you with your rat again!
Last weekend mom, dad and I were sitting out in the woods and had a fire. Mom and I were getting cold, so we started walking to the house. As we were walking towards the house Dad said "If Toby were here, we'd stay out here for another hour or so."

I love you and I'll miss you forever.

[crow_noir]

*hugs*

I still make sure Yellow (a yellow hockey ball that was one of King's favorites) is always near King's collar and dinglies.

You comment about finding Toby's rat made me smile and sniffly (correction: teary eyed) all at once.

[dukedogsmom]

Tears here, too. Finding the rat was bittersweet. I hope Toby leads your parents to the right dog for them soon. Sounds like your dad, especially, needs another companion. They don't take away the hurt but they can make you forget it, if only for a brief time.

[cyber-sibes]

(((hugs))) Such sweet memories. Of course, dear Toby was standing outside near the fire with you - you just couldn't see him.

[jennielynn1970]

Big hugs and thoughts going out to you. Toby was a beautiful girl. I grew up with German Shep. dogs and mixes and just adore them. I hope that your mom and dad find a dog that will fill the void in their hearts left by Toby. They'll know when it when they meet him or her. The pics of Toby with her rubber rat made me grin. She was a special girl.

Hugs to you!

[cloverfdx]

{{hugs}} On the way for you and your family Angie.