Adopt a Dog: Toby the Beagle

This new regular feature is dedicated with love to Toby the beagle, friend of Diane Coleman-Kilby, who left this world to go on to a place her Greenbelt American Legion Post #136 family calls Post Everlasting.

I met Diane my first week in Greenbelt. From day one, I could tell that she really loved Toby, and it was easy to see why. Toby is a gentle soul, who is all about the love. Kim DeAngelis, manager of the Greenbelt Animal Shelter, where Toby is staying, reported that she's never seen him act aggressively towards a person or animal.

"He is just adorable," DeAngelis said.

I can't help thinking that the lucky person who adopts Toby will be a beneficiary of Diane's gratitude.

DeAnglis said she was told that Toby is 14.

But, as the apple of Diane's eye, he was very well cared for. He's up on all his shots and is neutered, DeAngelis was happy to report, adding "He just needs somebody to love him."

So this one's for you, Toby, and for you too, Diane. I still remember her standing out on her porch giving out short, right-on-target comments. Diane wasn't one to mess around with fluffy talk, but when she spoke, it was worth listening. I remember those funny one-liners too, and that laugh — who could forget that. Her laugh was sincere, like Diane.

The Greenbelt Animal Control Facility/Shelter is located at 550A Crescent Road, at the rear of the Greenbelt Police Station. Shelter hours are Wednesday from 4-7 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon and by appointment. (301) 474-6124.