Toby's Story
The Abused, Dumped Dog
On Memorial Day weekend (2023), some turd dumped this big, beautiful, ridiculously sweet pit bull at the church across the road from us. For 3 days, he stayed where he was left, being a good boy, but also hooooooowling all of the time. I started talking to him from in our yard. He would bark but also listened to my voice. He would not come to me but I took him food and water daily, talking to him every time. I had to gain his trust.
The Rescued Dog
After 3 days, we were able to get him with cat treats. Stinky does the trick, lol. We were not going to keep him. (Ha - God's plan) We were told that if he went to animal control, they would put him down (unaltered male, black, pit). So, we tried to find other home options. But, it became evident that he had been too traumatized to leave the place he suddenly found as home and with our family, who adores him. He does enjoy a good game of chase with the cats, however, ugh. But, we are working on desensitizing him to them. Baby steps but it's working! After seeing the scars under his chin, the bb's stuck in his skin, and the fear at certain things and movements, we realized how much abuse he had suffered and how beautiful it was to have gained his trust and see his transformation.
The Family Dog
This dog wasn't going anywhere! He was amazingly gentle and patient with our wild child dog, Blue, who did NOT want a brother. When Blue would fuss, he'd just ignore her and go about his sweet way. No food aggression, whatsoever. And, he only chews on his own toys. Blue slowly started trying the 'pounce to play' move and then realized that this new boy could be fun to have around. Within two weeks, they were great friends. Now, you'll often find them laying beside each other in the yard while absorbing some sunshine or you'll hear them playing a 'mouthy' game. Toby also quickly became Mommy's baby and a loved family member by all. Truly just one incredible, amazing dog! Shame on whomever chose to abuse him rather than see that. But, I'm so, so thankful he is here! God truly blessed us when He entrusted us with this boy's precious life.
The Dog gets a special Name
I kept hearing the name Tobias pop into my head, over and over, definitely not a name I ever remember hearing. But, I knew that was his name - Tobias. And, that we would call him Toby. I didn't know any more - but, Toby just fit so perfectly with this happy, happy boy. Out of curiosity, I looked up the meaning of "Tobias" to find that it is, "Ya is Good." Ya is another name for God. So, Toby's name means GOD IS GOOD. No way on earth I could have picked a more perfect name. God protected Toby before he even got to us and wasn't about to stop now.
The Hero Dog
On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, Toby protected me from TWO rattlesnakes. In the process, our hero dog got bit in the face 2-3 times. I rushed him to the Emergency Vet (be sure to read the "Rattlesnake Ready" page). With 18 hours, Toby's head swelled to about three times its' normal size and he was bleeding from inside and outside of the mouth. His blood work was off the charts. And, his rear feet were knuckling, meaning neurological damage caused his toes to curl under when walking (or making an attempt) instead of the pads. I was told he was in grave danger and may need to make life-ending decisions. Instead, after three rounds of Antivenin (ant-venom) and a snake-bite-educated vet, Toby was saved! Such a miracle boy! After 4 long days, my boy was ready to come home!!
Everyone at the ER vet raved about how amazingly sweet Toby was, no matter what. To have been through ALL he has been through and to remain sweet and happy through it all, is just an absolute inspiration.
For the next 3 weeks, he needed 24 hour care. So, Toby and I both slept on the floor near the door, on memory foam dog beds. Exhausting but worth every second and every back and neck ache, lol.
The Treatments
The only place in the CSRA with anti-venom is Blue Pearl Emergency Vet. (I did find out that Wilkes County Veterinary Services DOES carry anti-venom! And, it's absolutely worth the drive, in both vet care and cost.)
Toby spent four days and three nights in the ER Vet/ICU. He received three doses of Antivenin (anti-venom), to which he miraculously responded. After going from "in grave danger" to survival, Toby was ready to come home!!! We had our miracle. Just as Toby's name implies, God is Good!
Toby's back feet still knuckled under, which means walking on the tops of his feet. His entire rear end was too weak for him to walk or even stand on his own. So, he must have help with everything, including outside bathroom trips. Thank God we already had installed a ramp! His poor mouth just dripped and smelled horrible and every time he would drink, the water ended up blood red. This was from the tissue damage to the outside and inside of the muzzle. For four weeks, we took the 1.5-hour round trip drive, every other day, to Wilkes County Veterinarian Services in Washington, Ga (fantastic, BTW), for cold laser therapy on the dead tissue on his face. It absolutely helped! Defying the odds again, Toby did not lose any internal mouth tissue, as expected. He was left with one heck of a warrior scar on his face. And, he sure is happy to show it off in exchange for belly rubs. LOL - but, seriously. ha
The Cost of Saving the Hero
You know what they say, medical bills pile up quick! Boy did they ever! Toby's ER/Vet bill totaled $7021. The total for the vet visits was $551. Payment for both was due when services were rendered. Thankfully, we were able to get CareCredit. However, I was unaware that this eliminated the grants available for emergency vet services, as they will only directly pay toward an outstanding vet bill. Lesson learned. The total for Toby's medical bills was a mind-blowing $7572 (not including any other home-care needs or travel expenses). Now, THANKS to ALL who generously already donated, we've raised $4910 leaving a balance of $2662. Whew - follow all that?
That said, to raise the funds to pay the bill, we have opened Toby's Merchandise Store. Additionally, we will be posting affiliate links to Toby's tried and true, favorite products. These things cost nothing extra to you, Toby gets a (very small) percentage of the sale. Every click through his links before you make a purchase will help us get that bill paid in full. Once we do that, we can concentrate on spreading awareness and creating smiles through wags and belly rubs :)
The Love
Toby saved my life!!! In return, I stepped out in faith and did everything I could to make sure this precious hero boy got the life he deserves. Beyond just saving me from a snake, I know this boy has a purpose in life. For starters, we are using Toby's story as a way to educate pet parents on how best to be Rattlesnake Ready. We love sharing Toby and his inspiring story with you. Please Follow/Subscribe to Toby's pages on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
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How else can you help?
SHARE Toby's story and posts. INVITE others to join the FB Group. PRAY for full healing, the finances to cover his medical care, and the right doors to open for Toby to serve.
God was good to Toby when he protected him during the events that caused his scars. God was good when he had the turd drop him at the church. God was good when he let Toby know he could trust us enough to come home with us. God was good when he provided a perfectly patient playmate for Blue. God was good when he provided me with the intense love that only comes from a dog. God was good when he protected me from those rattlesnakes - minutes later and it could/would have been me! God was good when he saved my boy from, "Toby is in grave danger. You may have to make life-ending decisions today" to home and healing. God was good when he provided the funds to even get Toby's treatment/hospital stay. God was good when he provided all of the right docs needed to save Toby's life and quality of life. God is good in that Toby is healing miraculously! God was good when he gave us our selfless hero, Toby! Toby = God is Good 🖤
Thank you so much for your love of Toby, support, and prayers!
Diane, AKA, "Toby's Mommy" 🖤