Saturday, February 25, 2012

Today It's About Toby

Today was all about Toby.  He was past due for his six-month senior wellness exam, so off we went to the vet and to spend the morning together.  The assistant that took us back is new to the practice and I'd not met her before.  Looking at Toby and his portly figure, she felt the need to lecture me on his diet and nails that were a little longer than they should be.  I told her that Toby was 'full figured' when he came to us, and I thought that he looked so much better.  I even pointed out that he was almost 4 pounds lighter than he was when he was last seen.  I also remarked on how much stamina he has, and that he even manages to run a little now. I don't think she really heard what I said because the scolding continued.  Toby and I politely sat there, pretending to listen, but daydreaming of what we would do afterwards. 
Because of scheduling conflicts, this was the first time that my usual vet was meeting Toby.  She has taken such wonderful care of all of our dogs, and also Toby's companion, Bubba, so she was anxious to meet him.  We talked very briefly about his weight and moved on, discussing how he was adjusting to life without Bubba.  She knew I had been worried about him when Bubba first passed away.  I think how Bubba felt was mirrored in how Toby felt and acted too.  But he has started to blossom in the last month doing things I've not seen him do before. He really seems happy and relaxed.  We left the office feeling the same way.  

56 comments:

  1. What a sweet boy. I need to drop some pounds too, Toby. Don't worry too much about it:-)

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  2. Hooray for Toby! And you for giving him such a nice life.

    Kisses,
    Stella, Jo and Zkhat

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  3. kim, i just love your heart and all you do for these wonderful pups...

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  4. I think Toby looks wonderful. I mean look how happy he is. And who doesn't need to drop a few.
    Lookin good Toby, lookin good.
    Blessings,
    Goose

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  5. More to love?

    Hugz&Khysses,
    Khyra
    PeeEssWoo: I wonder if I should add green beans to MOM'S diet?

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  6. I like Toby just the way he is. Looks pretty happy to me.

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  7. You know how I feel about the Chub Brothers. As sad as I am about Bubba's passing, I'm equally elated that Toby is finding his way to a new life of his choosing. You go Big Boy.

    A lecture about his weight from someone you don't know? Reminds me of when Woodstock speaks: ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' chocolate pie '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''Toby, cookie '''''''''''''''''''''''''''etc.
    Don't worry, I'm not sure I understand it either....BOL

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  8. Toby looks great and he is happy! That is what is important. Toby has gone through a lot- just like you have... And as you said,, he is feeling better.
    Those techs just need to mind their own business - especially when they can see how well cared for animals are!
    You look great Toby!
    love
    tweedles

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  9. Toby's smile in the last picture says it all, Kim!

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  10. A little fat is just our way of storing up energy. We keep it handy, then when we need to run hard and play tough, we can outlast the anorexic dogs. Fat is our way of telling the world we are loved and that we earn our treats by being better than average.

    Mogley G. Retriever

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  11. Toby looks great. So glad he is doing well.

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  12. Hi Kim, I'm just home from a short vacation and catching up with you and the "kids." Toby looks perfect to me!! Just loved catching up with all the pups! Everyone seems so happy. My Sugar goes Monday for her dental work. I think her teeth have been making her sick. I'll be glad to get that behind us.

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  13. I agree with you that Toby seems to have blossomed as of late. Perhaps he was worried about Bubba. He definitely seems more playful (at least in your posts) and in that last photo he looks positively HAPPY!

    You're such a good Mom...

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  14. That person who gave you the lecture about weight is the very reason, I choose to go to the Dr. only if I am in dire straits!!!
    Wouldn't you have loved to reply that you were totally unaware that Toby needed to lose a few pounds and that you were totally unaware that too much weight is unhealthy. Do you think she might have gotten the point or been so proud to have enlightened you!!!???
    In that first picture, I just love that sweet contented face. That is what matters.
    Thanks for having the correct perspective and caring so well for all of your babies.
    Sophie's and Gus's Mom

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  15. Great news for Toby. Some people just jump right in with the latest problem for animals and just don't listen.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

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  16. Glad the visit to the Vet went well, did you let your colleague know that!...why are people such 'know all's' when it comes to other peoples dogs!...love the pics, give him a hug from me.

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  17. Toby looks great !!...so nice you do this all for the dogs !!..you are such a kind woman with the greatest heart !!..love from me....xxx...

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  18. I often look upon such assistants with disdain, they obviously feel they have superior status - even when it is clear they lack the qualifications and experience of the actual vet.

    My Kirra is somewhat rounded and continues to enjoy her outdoor pursuits with a gradual weight reduction.

    I pay for the professionalism and kindness of a vet, not for an obnoxious assistant.

    Toby looks stunning and really handsome and is is clearly loving life.

    Love from Kirra -x-

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  19. You are doing such a wonderful job with your beautiful dogs Kim...I don't think,that with all your experience,there's much you don't know.Love to all the gang! :0)

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  20. Oh how lovely to hear an update on Toby - he looks great! I don't know why some vets feel the need to lecture experienced dog people when they could teach the vet a thing or two - grrrrrrr :-) Hugs to Toby and an wave to little Toddy! xxxx

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  21. Hey, I'm a mini schnauzer from Australia and I've just become your newest follower. I don't know why we haven't met before! I love your comments about Toby and the vet and the weight stuff - my mum is always worryin' about my weight too - but I just LOVE food way too much!

    Tail Wuggles, Rubie

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  22. Woof! Woof! Mmmm the weight issue for being a senior ... I learned that I'll be on a diet throughout my senior years. Toby kinda looks like me on a side view. Lots of Golden LOVE to the Golden Pines Gang. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

    Oh! Love the Todd got a FB page. We've been busy and have not played with Pinterest lately. Golden Woofs

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  23. I just want to get in there and cuddle with this beautiful Toby!

    Thank you so much for loving these dogs like no one else could.

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  24. Glad to hear things are going so well for Toby. :)

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  25. It's hard when someone criticizes our dogs - especially if they don't know the story! So many times I've had to bite my tongue!

    Sam

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  26. He's just full-furred is all. I would have told that tech to shut the hell up. :-)

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  27. Toby is definitely one lucky dog to have you and the others in his life. I'm sure he felt good knowing you were there by his side to defend him. He looks so happy in the last picture, smiling like all animals should be.
    He looks so healthy and his coat is gorgeous. I would love to see all your animals and play with them all day.

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  28. Toby sounds like he's doing great! Sometimes I think the new assistants just have those lectures bred into them. It's great you and Toby could just politely daydream while she carried on. LOL! Toby's a lucky guy. :)

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  29. always amazing to me what the ignorant human ego feels it has to impart! hahahahaha. so irritating. if she only had an inkling whom she was talking to... what you've been through... what you've handled with grace and dispatch... and sheer courage... what you continue to do...
    dear god... the mind boggles.
    now i want to just slap her!!!!
    am i the only one, or do toby and lucas look like brothers?!!
    he is precious mom. they all are.
    love,
    tammy j

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  30. Nothing like 'going over' the charts for the day, eh! A lesson learned maybe for her.
    Toby looks great and so fortunate to have you 'stand up' for him, Kim.

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  31. Hooray for Toby :o) I'm sure he felt very lucky to get to spend so much time with you!

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  32. Hey Toby, give Kim a big, wet, slobbery kiss from all of us at DogDaze! She has a heart of Gold!
    xoxo

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  33. Why thank you, I have no dog experience and needed to have you point out the obvious~! DUH!!! LOL

    Toby looks perfect in every way...and having lost a few pounds under your great care, it sounds like he is doing wonderful...you can just see it on his beautiful face!

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  34. We love your handsome smile, Toby! Bart has really blossomed in many ways since Gizmo went to the Bridge. It's really nice to see!!

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  35. I'm so glad to hear that Toby is doing so well after losing his friend.

    Good for you for tuning out the voice of the no-nothing tech. There is one at our practice that I try to avoid, but if we get stuck with her, I too tune her out.

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  36. Silly assistant, surely they know by now what you do for those gorgeous dogs?!

    Toby is absolutely gorgeous and you're doing everything just right for him - his smile says it all!

    xxx

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  37. Hi Kim, What joy to read this report on Toby, I'm so glad he has doing some things he hasn't before. Ignore the vet-tech(I probably would have said something back to her, she's lucky it was you), I get pretty protective of you and your pack my friend. He looks so beautiful. My hubby said that when Reggie came home from the kennel, he acted like a puppy. These old guys are pretty darn special. Hope you have a wonderful week.
    Hugs, Noreen

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  38. Toby is so handsome and what a shiny coat. I'm so happy he is got a really good report. Sounds like you have a very supportive vet. Did you guys go play wheh you got home? Such a sweet picture of him riding in the car.

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  39. Toby and our Max would have a grand time together! Max has that same portly figure...the two of them would probably spend the day talking about food! Hah! Hugs and big doggy kisses!

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  40. Kim, Toby is beautiful and if that vet asst. only knew from whence he came...

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  41. Oh Toby! Your smile says it all. Sweet, happy, love.

    Big hugs,
    Sierra Rose

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  42. Well I think Toby is handsome! Poor guy needed a little credit for the pounds lost (like a good boy cookie). :)

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  43. I make it a point to turn a deaf ear (while maintaining a smile) as the assistant goes about his or her lectures about this or that. One of them tried to tell us that the girls needed flu shots. When we asked our vet, he said there had not been any flu reported in dogs outside of Florida and he didn't see the need for it.

    I am so glad Toby came out of his funk after Bubba died. I suspect little Todd had a lot to do with that. And of course the love you and your husband gave him.

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  44. Toby was doing great with you and he's looks great in his coat :)



    Dog Shock Collar

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  45. I realize not knowing you or Toby, the first vet likely stuck to the textbook -- but let's face it, dogs don't usually fall into those nice little categories. I think Toby looks great and you just continue doing what you are doing. :)

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  46. You are such a sweetheart with all your care for these puppies Kim. Such wonderful love you give them.

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  47. You are much nicer than I would have been to the assistant. I am sure she thought she was helping, but without knowing Toby's history, was it really helpful? I probably would have felt the need to complain...lol.

    Love the pictures you posted of Toby. Trained on Sat with a Golden who has the same white face that Toby does. I will have to snap a picture next time we train with him. He is a regal fellow. He still runs 100+ yard marks and blinds. Pretty awesome.

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  48. I'm so glad that Toby is blossoming! What a sweet sweet boy he is.

    My vet is weight-obsessed too. Believe it or not, K has gained 4 lbs since starting chemo... so we've been told to cut her rations!

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  49. You are such a blessing to Toby!!! Seems he has the same problem as the rest of us as he ages.

    God bless and have yourself a magnificent day sweetie!!! :o)

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  50. Toby is beautiful & most of all,happy,you gave him that,bless you,bless you too for allowing dogs to be dogs-the previous post on Todd just digging a hole to China made me smile...phyllis

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  51. Toby looks perfect to me. A little extra fluff here and there never hurt anyone! :)
    xo Catherine

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  52. Toby lost 4#? Great, I wish I could! He does look lots happier.

    Am trying to "catch up" but I believe it's a lost cause.

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  53. Happy to hear Toby has such a good report on his senior check-up. And it's so good to see that he is blossoming after his loss of Bubba.

    As a courtesy to the vet, whose business is at stake, mama will tell him or her if a vet tech is acting inappropriately or overreaching, to give the vet a chance to correct the problem instead of having annoyed clients, some of whom may leave, and never know why.

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  54. Hey there Kim,
    You are doing a wonderful job with Toby!...
    Sounds like that Vet assistant is simply not the 'listening' type. Besides, with all your wonderful work with these elderly pups, do you really have to explain? Doggie angels know best in these circumstances!
    Sending lotsaluv
    Caryl and pups in SA

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!