This is Toby (Tri-Umph That's The Sweet Truth). Toby was born on March 2, 1998 and brought great joy into all of our lives after the death of Ivan. He and Bonnie were constant companions and playmates. Toby loves to herd their ball around the yard and to play catch with his squeaky ball (with which he serenades us with great symphonies). He and Ruby were best of friends and playmates.
For years he was an incredibly healthy dog. But in November of 2005 he developed immune mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), a condition where his white cells attack his red cells. He spent 5 very scary days in and out of the vet, including a weekend at the emergency vet. As a result of this, however, he had to have his spleen removed.
In September of 2009 he had to have a toe amputed due to a tumor (a basal cell carcinoma of the right fore paw, 2nd digit, distal phalanx for those who know what I'm talking about). He had developed some kidney problems that we thought were related to this. However, by January of 2010 we discovered that he had a large renal cyst on his right kidney. Because of the size, shape and location surgery was not an option. However his nephrologist felt that he could be treated and live comfortably for several more years.
In April of 2010, though, his symptoms became worse. We had to use a more agressive drug therapy and started him on 150 ml of Ringer's every other day. At first he accepted this, but became increasingly unhappy and we found it difficult physically and emotionally. Finally, in early June, he stopped eating. We tried everything and he'd eat it for a meal or two but then refuse. On Saturday the 8th he hadn't eaten since Thursday evening. We took him for a short walk to one of his favorite spots and he ate a couple of handfuls of rice and chicken, specially cooked up for him. Sunday evening he ate some sausage, but we knew it was time.
We spent Monday with him and Ruby. Toby was still very happy and reasonably active for a 12 year old (early 70s to you and I). It was a very nice day and we lounged around outside in our newly completed garden. He really enjoyed the garden and sitting on the bench. Until I started taking pictures.
We had made a vet appointment for late that afternoon. Dr. Oliver did some blood work and we discussed treatment options. But when his lab results came back a few minutes later his numbers were through the roof, some 10 times normal. It was a difficult decision, but then he quietly laid on the floor and we knew it was time.
We will always miss him. He was quite possibly the best looking Corgi we have ever seen.
Here he's wearing a Corgi-L t-shirt from circa 1996. This is a kid's size M, probably a better fit for a Cardi. That's attention hog Ruby at the bottom of the picture.
