Toby

July 2003 - December 2021

Toby, my sweet boy. My beebee.

Toby saw me through my adult life. I got him when I was 19 - I am now 37. He was there for so many big moments in my life. Leaving for college, graduating college...boyfriends, jobs, surgeries. Many different homes in different provinces. Illnesses. Heartbreak. Joy.

For the first few years of his life, Toby was a holy terror. He tormented the family pets and destroyed unending amounts of furniture and possessions. He eventually settled, and also grew into his ears.

In his middle ages, he became annoyingly affectionate (if he wasn't cuddling our faces, he would soon be cuddling our faces), so stubborn that it became a running joke, and developed a very sensitive tummy that belied his vigour for life. He was also very often quite grumpy.

In his senior years, Toby developed some pain in his teeth and was diagnosed with early kidney disease. After some dental surgery and a new diet for his tummy, he was like a new cat! The grumpiness left him, but the kidney disease remained. Toby soldiered on. Cuddles, some midnight meowing, and more cuddles were on his agenda. He was always making me laugh with his intensely stubborn choices to bend us to his will, whether it be for outside adventures (supervised!), food from our plates, or to pull out his favourite blanket...he made sure his voice was heard.

In his geriatric years, he softened. He lost more weight. The kidney disease progressed, along with a heart murmur. We continued to diligently treat both, and he begrudgingly accepted the supplements, the pills, and the needle pokes. Cuddles were still ever-present.

As so many pet owners have to do, I knew I had to make a decision soon so he wouldn't suffer. With the help of our wonderful veterinarian, Dr. Fiona Mulhern, I decided to have him euthanized at home. Dr. Nash from Sunset Veterinary came to our home and provided Toby with the most beautiful, peaceful transition. I will be forever grateful to her for that.

My sweet boy. I have said so much here but it will never be enough to reflect how much I love you. You brought me so much joy that it only makes sense to feel this much pain with your loss. I know the pain will ease, but I will never stop missing you. Thank you for choosing me so many years ago. ❤️