Toby - In Loving Memory

It was a year ago today that Toby was put to sleep because of a combination of health problems. He was 17 years old. Toby was presented to me on one of my birthdays and he proved to be the greatest gift ever.

I often teased that he had more dog tendencies than those of a cat. He came when I called him, he learned to beg for his treats, and he understood other commands like "Toby, get the bug!". But he was all cat with a purr that sounded like a diesel engine, but comforting just the same.

Toby was a great hunter, a trait common to the American Shorthair. In his early years he would wait patiently by the fireplace, listening to birds caught in the chimney. Many times I came home from work to discover the remains of a poor unfortunate fowl, always left under the same chair in my bedroom.

And what a fabulous bed partner he was! He wasn't a lap cat, but he did like to snuggle. He would find his comfortable spot on the bed, close to me, and slip off to happy cat dreams. When Robin entered the picture, Toby often left my side and stayed close to the man of the house.

Toby was so good to my grandchildren. Little ones sometimes don't know how much pressure to apply when petting an animal. Toby patiently allowed them to do whatever they wanted. If he had enough of it, he quietly slipped away. There was no biting and no spitting. He was such a good boy and absolutely no problem until old age began the wear and tear on his body.

Besides his gentle temperament, Toby made us laugh. All cats have their antics, but one stands out clearly in my mind. Angela and Clayton had just married and were spending a few days with me. Someone had given Clayton a feathery honeymoon accessory and to his dismay, Toby found it in the opened suitcase. Here comes Toby into the den with this slip of a garment with feathers attached. We all doubled over laughing. I have the picture, but I'm sure Clayton is glad I don't know where it is at the moment. If I did, it would be posted. Better seeing it in Toby's mouth than having Clayton model it for us.

Here's to Toby. I've missed him so much but he gave me 17 years of unconditional love and I will never forget what he meant to me. That little guy really grabbed my heart.