GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!
MAXMOM here...
MAXMOM here...
Hello there to all my friends across the world.
Everyday, in the world of blogging, we make new friends and welcome new readers. So often, many of the 'foundations' which we took pains to lay, in earlier blogposts, are lost in the archives.
For the benefit of ALL my readers, I thought I'd take some time today to reflect on the life of my beautiful
TOBY,
...this amazing dog who has come into our lives, only nine months ago.
---xXx---
On the 24th July 2010 this little pup made its way into the world.
This tiny little creature had a sprinkling of the great Maxdog in this genes, and was registered under the name:
This tiny little creature had a sprinkling of the great Maxdog in this genes, and was registered under the name:
RUFFITWOOD: "OUT OF AFRICA".
Eventually however, we decided to call him:
"TOBY"
... after a character in one of my childhood story books.
What a tiny little mite he was who favoured his sweet mothers front right hand teat.
Eventually however, we decided to call him:
"TOBY"
... after a character in one of my childhood story books.
What a tiny little mite he was who favoured his sweet mothers front right hand teat.
(Molly and her puppies. Toby - far left)
He was one of a litter of seven pups and was the lightest in the litter.
Despite my hurting heart at the time - from the recent loss of Maxdog - I was drawn to this little pup instantly.
Despite my hurting heart at the time - from the recent loss of Maxdog - I was drawn to this little pup instantly.
Thanks of the generosity of his breeder, I was able to visit him often and our bond began. I even got to see him within the first 24 hours of his birth. Thereafter I visited him every week:
One week...
Two weeks...
Three weeks...
Five weeks...
Six weeks..
Seven weeks..
At the end of the seventh week we were able to bring TOBY home...
He was destined to be nurtured by 'Aunt Tam' - our 10 year old Golden Retriever. Having never had pups herself, she adopted him and imbued his sweet little personality with her gentle and affable spirit. The two of them have been inseperable.
Toby started his 'Puppy Socialisation' classes in October 2010 at the age of 12 weeks, at
McKaynine Training Centre
here in Johannesburg, South Africa.
He was a quick and willing learner.
When he was still small, I taught him to 'stand' in the correct manner, in order to try him in the Breed Show ring.
Toby attended his first show in January 2011.
...and then another Breed show in February:...
In the beginning of February 2011, I was invited to train Toby up for the role of 'Sandy' in the musical production of 'Annie' to take place from the 25-28th May 2011.
I set about familiarising him with different types of settings. Together, we visited our local primary school as well as the high school. I have tried to accustomise him to various noises, people, dogs, conditions, and he caught on quickly. With the fantastic help of
McKAYNINE TRAINING CENTRE's instructors,
he is almost ready to take on this big role.
He has been attending rehearsals regularly and simply LOVES being amongst the young cast members of the
HOERSKOOL RANDBURG.
He is equally comfortable on the beautiful stage of the theatre at the
UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG
McKAYNINE TRAINING CENTRE's instructors,
he is almost ready to take on this big role.
HOERSKOOL RANDBURG.
UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG
Toby also loves swimming and has become an excellent 'dock-diver'...
The past 9 months have been both fun and challenging. Our 'Sweet Hooligan' has survived our household and is now a fully-fledged and greatly loved member. Despite his foolish antics during his puppy stage - stealing cooksisters, digging up my potplants, running trenches in my passage with his wet paws, chewing up our alarm system and bugging us at all hours of the night - he is much loved by all of us. His energy has no bounds and his eagerness to learn makes him a pleasure to teach.
Training up a pup is hard work, but each effort is an investment and brings abundant rewards.
I am just so grateful for this amazing dog who, beyond all expectations, has filled the deep void I felt after the passing of my
Maxdog.http://www.theadventuresofmaxdog.blogspot.com
I would like to give special thankw his breeder - Zeena - at
RUFFITWOOD GOLDEN RETRIEVERS,
as well as the amazing trainers at
McKAYNINE TRAINING CENTRE,
for helping shape this amazing dog.
What a blessing Toby is to our family!
He is a daily reminder that, no matter what loss we go through, there is always a new beginning around the next corner.
Wishing all my readers a
WONDERFUL, HAPPY and JOYOUS EASTER!
With love
MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA
28 comments:
I'm not even going to say how time flies. Having said that , can it really be nine months already ? He's turned into a fine looking family fellow.
Aw, Toby, puppy pictures always are fun to see. What a little golden bowling ball you were.
Slobbers,
Mango
Nine months for you Toby. Nine years for my Jake -- and I was feeling nostalgic too so I appreciate your reminiscences!!
Happy Easter to you and your family -- humans and canines.
Wirey love from the Boyz
Joan
What a grrrreat post. Toby, you certainly are a lucky pup to have such loving and caring peeps.
I know that you will LOVE being on stage in front of your adoring FANS. I can't wait.
Hi Toby
Hard to believe that you're 9 months old already:) Neeli & I can't believe that we lost Apples exactly 6 months ago today. But time goes on...
You're such a handsome doggie & we wish you & your family a Blessed Easter.
Woofs
Nadine & Neeli
Beautiful post. We are all so very happy that Toby brings such joy to your life.
Happy Easter to all.
Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara
Toby you are growing up so fast. What a beautiful and talented kid
Benny & Lily
OH, I love that trip down memory lane! Thanks. I laughed out loud at the "all paws forward - jump in the pool" picture. He has never stopped being a darling.
I just noticed the dates of Annie! That's next week!!!!! The picture of Toby and Annie is really good.
Happy and Blessed Easter to you too from all of us here in the holler...
It has been SO much fun to watch your sweet hooligan grow and learn this past year. Not quite 12 months old and look at all he has accomplished. I may be a bit prejudiced but I think that out of all the pups born in Toby's litter he got the best home with the best family and the best dog-mom in all of South Africa!
Every ending is a new beginning. Happy Easter to all of your family!
-Rottie Kisses,
-Gizmo, Bart and Ruby
What a great post! Gosh, just look at how small you were then compared to now! You was such a cutie wittle stinker. Gosh & what a gorgeous 12 week old you was!!! Gotta love that head of yours, Toby.
What a LOVELY post!! Wishing you, Toby and the rest of your family a blessed easter!
What a Pawsome post!
Max would be PROUD!
woo woos, Tessa
Beautiful post, already so many milestones. Max dog would have been so proud. Toby you are gorgeous. Happy Easter.. Hugs GJ xx
So wonderful to see photos of Toby and how he has grown (both in size and in the love you have for him). Wishing you and all your family a wonderful Easter.
Riley and his mum.
We can't believe how fast those 9 months flew by! You were such a cutie, Toby and you've grown into such a handsome boy and you're so smart for being so young!
Happy Easter!
Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch
Hi there, Every time I see Toby with you I constantly think of our dear Avril. Loved this post-he is so adorable. You have truly made me want a golden but hubby says when the time comes we need a pup that doesn't shed. My loss.
Thank you for sharing life with us. I am richer because of your blog.
Hugs and Happy Easter.
Noreen
Holy Smokes Toby! You have grown so quickly!!!!! You are still just as gorgeous too!
Caryl, how I have enjoyed this post and remembering the life of your precious Toby so far. It reminds me of the circle of life and how it continues. I know that Toby has not taken the place of your beloved MaxDog, but he has found his own special place in your heart and mine too. Thank-you for sharing him with us!!
What GReat pics!
We know Max is smiling from beyond The Rainbow Bridge!
Hey Toby!
Wow, great puppy pix! What a cutie. And you're a star! Cool. Love that pix of you taking the leap!
Grr and Woof,
Sarge, COP
We have watched Toby's journey transpire before our eyes.
Not only has he accomplished all these things you mentioned ,but he has also healed heart.... mine.
Our puter was broken for few days,, so now we are trying to get caught up.
love
tweedles
What a lovely recap. Beloved Maxdog must be very proud of young Toby.
Happy Easter dear friends!
Love Milo and Alfie xx
Hi Maximom, thanks for a wonderful post. I have only gotten to know Toby recently and his story so far is lovely. It makes me yearn for a puppy to love and cherish again. Have a happy Easter. No worries, love Carol.
That was a lovely post!
Have you all have a wonderful Easter!
take care
Clive and Murray
Top to bottom: Beautiful. It was very special to see and read this posting...
and Happy Easter to all of you!
Beautiful tribute to a beautiful dog! I am so happy I "met" you both and have enjoyed watching Toby grow into the amazing dog he is today. Thank you for sharing your lives and adventures!
Suka and K
I love seeing the retrospective of Toby's life - from a fluffy yellow ball of fur to a handsome almost grown-up Toby! I am so glad that you found him.
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