Often, people approach PetRescue because they have lost a beloved pet. Dogs are such loving creatures that, when they pass, they leave an enormous gap in our lives. Sue knew that the only way to overcome the sadness of losing her canine friend was to find another companionable dog.
"I work four days a week as a court reporter and live on my own. When my old dog Jack, a black Labrador, died of liver cancer, the emptiness at home was overwhelming. The best thing for me was to get another dog straight away,” says Sue. “I had known about PetRescue for some time and went searching their website for a dog that would enjoy an indoor/outdoor lifestyle and love giving and receiving affection.”
Sue instantly adored Toby’s profile, but with a few families already showing an interest in him, she wasn’t sure she had much chance, living so far away from his foster home.
“I kept being drawn back to his profile to look at his sweet little face. I couldn’t stop thinking about him,” says Sue.
She need not have worried. Toby was soon on his way across two states, and arriving at her home in Adelaide.
"When I picked him up from the lovely dog transport man, Toby gently extended his paw to shake with me,” says Sue. “I adored him totally from that moment on. Everything about him is just soft and gentle."
Working patiently to ease away Toby’s insecurities and guide him towards the happy dog he deserved to be, Sue quickly discovered his natural talents as an entertainer and healer.
“I think the cheeky poodle side of Toby has come out. He loves to make people laugh. If he’s doing something funny, the more people laugh, the more his tail wags and he doubles his efforts!”
Toby is now a proud and fully accredited pet therapy dog with the voluntary organisation Caring Canine Companions.
“He is a natural at the nursing home. He brings a huge amount of pleasure to the lives of many old people every week, as well as staff and families,” says Sue. “The pet therapy coordinator said he’s one of the best therapy dogs she has ever encountered. Some residents respond to very little but will laugh, smile and talk when Toby visits.”
“I adore Toby and I think the feeling is mutual. He’s just a joy to have.”