Toby the Beagle: You Gotta Love Happy Endings

Toby the Beagle was the sole inspiration for Patch starting our regular feature on Greenbelt animals in need of adoption. Yet, week after week, he sat in the shelter with no takers. It was heartbreaking.

His last vet check had him weighing in at 35 pounds. Then his human mom, Diane Kilby, passed away on April 20, 2011. And, by the time he was turned over to the Greenbelt Animal Shelter, he weighed about 25 pounds.

At the shelter, Toby waited for a new home and visibly mourned for Diane. Kim DeAngelis, manager of the Greenbelt Animal Shelter, said he was clearly depressed. To some potential new families, Toby was too much of a risk. He was lackluster and also an older dog.

Despite this, DeAngelis and animal control officer, Susie Root, refused to put Toby to sleep or give up.

Word of the shelter's older beagle tenant eventually reached Linda Craze, with Beagle Rescue, Education and Welfare of Northern Virginia (BREW). Craze took one look at Toby's photo on the animal shelter's Facebook page and decided to rescue him. She told the friend she splits a house with, "I cannot let this dog die in the shelter."

Cruz is now trying to adopt out Toby, but she said she will keep him until he finds a permanent home or passes away. Look for Toby's picture to be posted on BREW's website in the future. He'll be looking for sponsors.

Just a little while ago, Craze sent this picture of Toby lounging peacefully with her dog, Pixie Louise. Compare it with   less than one month ago.

Craze translated the happy Toby's latest message for those who have been rooting for him:

It's me, Toby. Just wanted everyone to know that I am living in Woodbridge, Va. with Pixie Louise and her mom. I have my very own doggy bed, good food for my always empty tummy, a doggy door to a big back yard with lots of trees and plenty of TLC.

Pixie's mom, Linda, came to the shelter and claimed me for BREW. She took me to their vet, Blue Ridge Veterinary Associates of Purcellville, Va. They gave me a physical, and I was going to have my teeth cleaned, but they discovered I have congestive heart failure (early stages). 

They sent me home with medicine for my heart and an antibiotic to take before getting my teeth done. I have been taking my medicine every day and my dental is scheduled for Tuesday, June 21. 

It only took me two days to learn the doggy door. Pixie Louise lets me share the sofa for naps. I have been busy inspecting the trash cans and making sure there are no crumbs on the floor. I got my head stuck under the sofa looking for a dog biscuit Pixie dropped, so Linda tucked a rolled up blanket around the bottom so that won't happen again. She said that I may be 15, but it's like having to puppy proof the house all over again because my nose gets me into trouble.

Love, 
Toby

P.S.  I'll be on the BREW website soon.