Sunday, July 24, 2011

HAPPY FIRST BARKDAY, TOBY!

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!
MAXMOM here...

Exactly a year ago, a little pup arrived in our lives.  A soft, cuddly little creature, endowed with an abundance of wrinkles and who reminded me of a frothy, foamy, soft, cream-cake.


 Although my heart was still heavy from the loss of Maxdog - two months earlier - I decided to open myself up to the experience of another dog in my life.  This particular litter presented a unique opportunity - a pup with a direct genetic link to my Angel Maxdog. 

He was a beautiful pup, but so tiny - weighing in at only 300g at birth.  He was the lightest of the litter of seven pups.  I saw him for the first time when he was only 24hours.  He attracted me like a little magnet and, as I held him in my hands and got that first wiff of puppy-breath, I knew that he'd eventually be mine. Somehow, Maxdog had passed on this special gift to me.

The little pup was registered, the following week, as

"RUFFITWOOD: 'OUT OF AFRICA"

What an apt name, I thought - from 'Out of Africa' , there would come another dog, possibly like Maxdog, which I could share with my blogging friends around the world! These little ironies don't get lost on me.  Never-the-less, we decided to call him by the every-day name of..

TOBY

It was a carefully selected name, from one of the characters in my childhood story books and it reminded me of the innocence of youth and the hope of what is still to come.

TOBY came to live with us at the age of seven weeks.

Like all puppies, he filled our lives with yapping, joyful energy, sleepness nights, poo's all over the place and unbridled joy.  Our home was alive again and this infiltrated through to AUNT TAM' - who had suddenly brightened up at the possibility of a brand new playmate. KING TOFFEE was also suitably impressed and opted to climb off his throne for a while to experience some of the fun. 

But it was AUNT TAM who took him under her paw and instilled a measure of canine discipline.  This tempered his spirit and provided some secure boundaries.  Simply put - she adopted him and taught him her gentle ways.

Puppy classes were fun.  TOBY thrived in the companionship of canine company, as well as the small challenges which were put to him. His social skills were fabulous and he caught on quickly.  I applied myself to teaching him well - early obedience - which complimented our home and our pack.

 He graduated from puppy classes and went on to complete his elementary obedience too.

At the age of six months, I was asked if I would like to train TOBY up for the role of SANDY in the production of ANNIE.  I jumped at the opportunity.  Under the careful tuition of Shannon McKay, we  achieved our goal and at the age of 9 months TOBY took to the stage. He loved the children and performed like a little star.  I was so proud of him and knew that this experience could only serve to enhance his social skills and his obedience.

We've had fun this year! We've attended dog shows, swam a lot, gone on excursions, enjoyed our daily walks and got on with the day-to-day demands of our lives. 

TOBY has fitted beautifully into our household.  All the dogs get on well together.  He continues to be a blessing in my life.

So, on this day - 24th July 2011 - I would like to wish my special, 'Sweet Hooligan...

A VERY HAPPY BARKDAY, TOBY!

Live well!  Learn well!  Be healthy too!

But most of all, make the most of every day and...

LIVE LIFE TO THE MAX!

Sending lotsaluv to all our friends across the world!


36 comments:

Rob said...

!!!HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOBY!!!
I hope you have a party and am looking forward to another year of adventures.

Piappies World said...

Happy 1st Barkday, Toby, Happy 1st Barkday, Toby Happy Barkday Happy Barkday! Happy 1st Bakrday, TOBY!!!

We are so happy to have met you as soon as MaxMom introduced you to the world and we continue to share adventures today. Have lots and lots of love and fun!

Love,
Piappies Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Wai-Pai, Wai-Max & Forgie

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! Happy 1st Barkday TOBY!!! have a FUN wonderful day celebrating. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

How Sam Sees It said...

Happy 1st Birthday, Toby! You've have brought so many people so many smiles, including your Momma! We've enjoyed watching you grow, and we look forward to seeing what adventures you will have this year!

Sam

Barb said...

A very, very Happy Birthday sweet Toby. Lots of pats and hugs from me. Have a fun year ahead.

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

HAPPY FURST BARKDAY TO YOU TOBY!!!

I can hardly believe it has been a year already. Butt what a grrrreat year you have had!!!!

Angel Tucker, Daisy and Leo said...

Wow, can't believe little Toby is having his first birthday. Happy Birthday, handsome boy.

Tucker and Daisy

Curt Rogers said...

Now you've done it; you've made me want a puppy again, what with all those adorable photos. Curses!

Happy birthday to a remarkable boy, and to his remarkable family, too. May all the blessings of the universe rain down on you all.

♥I am Holly♥ said...

Happy Birthday sweet Toby!!! One year old already....it seems like the other day you were just a little puppy!! I know you will have a fabulous birthday and have lots of treats and toys. I send you hugs and kisses from VA!!! Lots of love, Debbie & Holly

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Happy Birthday, Toby - hard to believe it has already been a year. Have a wonderful day and an even better year.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Anonymous said...

Happy Barkday Toby!!!!!!

Woooo Hooooooo

It really does not seem like it has been a year all ready!

woos, Tessa

Stewey said...

Happy 1st Birthday, Toby!!!
Stewey

rottrover said...

Happy Birthday, Toby!! WOW that year zoomed by! Hope your second year is as fun as your first!!

-Gizmo, Bart and Ruby

verobirdie said...

Happy birthday Toby. You were a cute pup, you are a gorgeous dog!

hisqueen said...

Happy 1st Birthday Toby!!.. It continues to be a joy to watch you grow and be a hooligan!! Your mom inspired us to adopt a puppy shortly after our young Brittany passed away very unexpectedly. We weren't sure if we could love another puppy so soon after but realized that we would show respect and love to our lost Max by rescuing another puppy. Our new puppy was born just 2 days before we lost our own MadMax. He came to live with us when he was 11 wks old. He too is a little hooligan and has recently discovered shoe laces.
Happy Happy Happy 1st Birthday to You!!!
Thank you Maxmom for continuing to share your lives with us.

Two French Bulldogs said...

Happee Birthday sweet Toby
Benny & Lily

NanaNor's said...

Happy Happy Birthday Toby. The year has gone by so quickly because you have filled it with so much life. I have loved watching you grow and mature and you have certainly blessed your family and your humans. I can only pray that when the time comes for us to get a pup that she will have some of your gentle loving characteristics.
Much love to you today.
Noreen & Reggie dog

Becky Andrews said...

Happy Happy Day, Toby. What a beautiful tribute to you. You are indeed living life to the Max.

Mrs. JP said...

Happy Birthday to Toby from all of us in the holler...

TimberLove said...

Happy Barkday from Wyoming Toby!! Pawty like a rock star baybee!!
RA, Isis & NukNuk

The Life of Riley said...

Happy Barkday Toby! What a Golden 1st year you've had with lots of love from Maxmom, and her blogging about your antics and activities making people all around the world smile.

Sending you lots of love and woofs,
Riley

Molly the Airedale said...

You have had a fabulous year, Toby! Happy 1st birthday to you!

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

The Oceanside Animals said...

hello toby its dennis the vizsla dog hay thank yoo for the nice comment for trouble the kitty!!! and happy birthday!!! ok bye

STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

Hi Toby, Happy Birthday my friend. Wow one year old. What a wonderful year you have had. I hope you get lots of yummy treats and a special cake too. No worries, and love, Stella

Asta said...

My Sweet Sweet Fwiend
HAPPY BIWFDAY DEEW BOOTIFUL BOY!!!!!
I know that Maxdog had a paw in sending you to youw family
You gave them joy and hope again adn completed the family.
It's amazing how quickly time has passed, but you have accomplished so vewy much aweady. I know all of us and youw family and Angel max awe vewy vewy pwoud of you.
I am so pwoud to be youw fwiend and see you gwowing and matoowing and bwinging such joy wif evewy day of youw life. Youw aunt Tam and King toffeee can be tewwibully pwoud of passing all theiw skills and wisdom to you.
May you continoo to have good helth and youw zest fow life and joy fow many many,many yeaws to come
smoochie kisses
ASTA

FiveSibesMom said...

Happy First Birthday, Toby!!! Enjoy your day and here's to many, many more happy barkdays!!!

Chloe and Cecil said...

Toby, Happy Birthday...you are a very handsome young man!

Natural Momma said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
and I love the pictures of him!
Gorgeous dog!

I appreciate your visit and comments on my blog today! I am following you on GFC ;o)

~Rebecca~
Mod'N'Natural
NaturalMommas.blogspot.com

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Happy Birthday sweet Toby!
We love you!
love
tweedles

WFT Nobby said...

Happy Barkday Toby! Is it really just a year? You've done so much. When you could have just settled for looking cute!
Toodle pip!
Bertie (just back home and catching up, after my time in the 'special vacation residence').

Milo and Alfie Marshall said...

Sorry we are a day late (mom has been taking a blogging break) but we are sending tons of love to the beautiful birthday boy. We can hardly believe a whole year has gone by since that adorable Toby-pup arrived. Smoochies.

We will always miss Max-dog but we know in our hearts that he arranged this special puppy gift for you, such was the love he felt and still feels for you.

Enjoy and be happy!

Emily the Springer said...

Happy Birthday beautiful Toby! Hope you had an awesome day yesterday.
Love, Emily and mom Vanessa

brooke said...

Im a couple days behind, but happy 1st birthday TOBY!!!

KB said...

I cannot believe that it's been an entire year since Toby was born. He has had such a full and happy year. Most of all, he's brought such love into your life. You and he are both very lucky.

Happy 1st Barkday, Toby!!!!

MySpecialDoggies said...

Belated birthday wishes sweet Toby! We can't believe that a year has already passed & you've accomplished so much in your life!

Neeli is sending you extra licks.

Woofs
Nadine & golden Neeli

Lisa said...

Happy, Happy First Barkday, Toby. Stay lovely.

Lisa from Learn Bass Guitar Online