Friday, January 27, 2012

WHO IS TOBY?

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!
MAXMOM here...


On the 24th January, TOBY turned 18 months old!
So, who is TOBY?

TOBY is my ‘Sprinkling of MAXDOG'
He's an incredibly special Golden Retriever, who chose me on that first day of his life.
Over the last 18 months, TOBY  has grown into a vibrant, strong and demanding, 40 kg pooch. He’s a creature who has fully entrenched himself as one of our precious family members. This young animal does indeed test my patience, but he also ignites my love.
He teaches me daily that life is constantly changing and that a wonderous world exists 'out there'.
And I mustn't forget that he's a fast learner - remember how he surprised us all with his amazing stage performance in the production of  'Annie' last year.  He was only 9 months old at the time - just a baby.






Nowadays, TOBY is mainly a family dog. His training has slipped somewhat with my recent publication of MAXDOG, but he's still eager to learn and I plan to spend more quality time with him this year.

TOBY has a gorgeous, fluffy tail whose functionality is confirmed when it sweeps my coffee table clean of its contents. Our "Goofball" provides an example of energised living that I never imagined.


Our ‘Sweet Hooligan’ usurps our swimming pool, and effectively relocates it into our home after demonstrating his rendition of ‘shake’ ,’rattle’ and ‘roll’.

TOBY retrieves everything – including my underwear, and he follows MAXDOG’s tradition of running trenches in our passage, then dropping to the floor to stare at me, innocently.
You can’t ignore him; his evidence surrounds us. His tiny Golden hairs escape the clutches of all state-of-the-art vacuum cleaners.

Never fear if you’ve forgotten his food – Toby reminds us, with purpose!

Poochy arrived with a full PR Function too - should we be grateful?
 He announces visitors with euphoric applause. He showers our guests with blankets, carpets and anything he can find. All this, he does whilst grunting melodious preludes to their stay.

And when the tempo has eased, he swaggers to his corner, to fall into doggie-dreamland and occasionally enhance our ambience with healthy emissions.

Toby also provides a free gardening service for his household.
It's not often though, but when he does, you WILL notice: Clumps of grass are carefully extracted from my manicured lawn and designer holes are strategically placed - just for us!

But when I’m lonely, TOBY is immediately there – snuggling to my side and looking cute with some toy in his mouth. I have to smile and tickle his tummy.

Most Goldens come with a demeanour that oozes trust, loyalty, and life-long devotion. In Toby's case, he's been nurtured by faithful 'Aunt Tam' (MAXDOG's soulmate) for his role as my companion.  What a privilege he's had to have spent his formative years with his beautiful Matriarch:
 He’s grown from that sweet little pup....

 ...into a statuesque dog;
a perfect Golden specimen!



As anticipated, life with a Golden is always uplifting and my
 ‘Sprinkling of MAXDOG’
 continues to enrich my life!

Happy 18 months TOBY!!!
 I love you, my 'Sweet Hooligan'. 
 May you live your days, with us, in happy contentment
...and may there be MANY more!

Sending lotsaluv to you all.


17 comments:

WFT Nobby said...

Awww, Toby, what a lovely post. And although I personally am not a water-loving dog, I must say I love the idea that you can, single-pawed - relocate the swimming pool to inside the home. Most impressive indeed.
Toodle pip!
Bertie.

STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

Oh Toby you are such a darling, hooligan and all. You sound like you bring immense joy to the household and all who visit there. Well done golden boy. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory

Milo and Alfie Marshall said...

Happy 18 months TOBY! And thank you for making your mom, and us all very happy. xx

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

ღ˚ •。* ♥ ˚ ˚✰˚ ˛★* 。 ღ˛° 。* °♥ ˚ • ★ *˚ .ღ 。*˛˚ღ •˚ ˚.HAPPY 18 MONTHS TOBY!! We also wish you many more months of happiness and mischief! ˚ ✰* ★˚. ★ *˛ ˚♥* ✰。˚ ˚ღ。* ˛˚ ♥ 。✰˚* ˚ ★ღ ˚ 。✰ •* ˚ ♥

Thank-you for sharing your 'sweet hooligan' with all of us Caryl!! By the way, I read your last post, CONGRATS on such a good review of your book!!! :-))

Molly the Airedale said...

Happy 18 months, Toby! You are such a handsome boy!

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

MySpecialDoggies said...

What a handsome doggie you've become Toby! And you've brought your mom so much joy and happiness. Happy 18 months Toby.

Woofs
Nadine & golden Neeli

Millie and Walter said...

He sure is growing into a beautiful golden boy. I always love those pictures of Toby getting air over the pool. Happy 18 months Toby!

Cindy

Mrs. JP said...

It sounds like he's earning his keep! Entertainment director to gardener.
Tammy is lovely as always. I love her precious white eyelashes.
Have a great weekend.

Two French Bulldogs said...

You are one special boy. Happee 18 months
Benny & Lily

NanaNor's said...

Hi there, I love this tribute to your sweet Toby. You have made me fall in love with Goldens, now if only my hubby would. What a wonderful companion you have and I'm sure that his antics keep you young and vibrant.
Hugs, Noreen & Reggie

Beth said...

He is absolutely beautiful - plus smart and loving! You are very blessed, Caryl!
Hugs, Beth

My Dog Sam - Ruptured Disk said...

Hi Toby, happy 18 months. yay Toby and Maxmom.

The Life of Riley said...

It has been nice following your progress - 18 months seems to have gone by so fast!

Love and woofs,
Riley

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Happy 18 months Toby!
You get more beautiful- each time we see you!
Thank you for picking your mom!
love
tweedles

Scout and Freyja said...

I don't think I'll ever be able to forget Toby's birthday because he shares it with my oldest son, Dave. It will be so much fun for me to be greeted by Toby and to admire all of the blankets he will bring to me when I finally arrive in SA. He's so special, Caryl. I remember his Annie debut and how well he did for such a young boy. You have a gem, a true gem. You have been blessed.

Val said...

Happy Birthday Toby!! Been following you via Facebook and now have become a blog follower too! :)

sprinkles said...

Happy 18 month birthday, Toby!

He's a cutie!