Toby

Toby is a male Labrador Retriever born on 7/23/04

Distinguishing Characteristics: Toby has big brown eyes that say “I’m starving, please feed me” and a calm, sweet, gentle soul full of love.

Do you have any canine housemates?
Yes. Her name is Callie and she is 3 years old. She was adopted in December 2010. I’m playing it cool with her until she has better manners and calms down. She has a lot of energy…not as relaxed as I am.

How did you join your family?
I was born in Kansasville, Wisconsin which is a small town in Racine County. My mom was looking for a boy that she could take with her to work every day, so I was chosen because I was the quietest pup.

Do you have any “jobs”? Tell us about them and what you like most about them.
When I was in the office with Mom, I delivered the newspaper to the person everyone calls “the boss” but he always welcomes me with such happiness and affection that I call him “one of my best friends.” I carry boxes to the trash and letters to the mail box outside. I’ve been a member of Canine Therapy Corps since 2006. I enjoy helping people with their recovery and try to make their hard work a little more fun. My favorite program is an annual visit every summer at a camp for kids. The kids are so great and I love spending time and having fun with them. I also work with Safe Humane Chicago. Every Wednesday I go to the IL Youth Correctional facility and work with the guys there. They taught me a trick my Mom worked on for a long time and couldn’t get me to do. So thanks to the guys at IYC I can now roll over. I’ve helped at police roll call training (I think it’s so cool that I can go inside the police station), team assessments and tabling events.

Do you have any “hobbies”?
I go to agility on Tuesday nights. At agility I’m known as ‘the happiest dog in the world.’ This is where my favorite instructor-friend Stacey is. She gives me so much love and affection. Stacey says it’s all about having FUN and when a mistake is made it’s Mom’s fault. My second hobby is Rally Obedience and I have earned four titles. I think that Rally is more fun than formal obedience so I hope we keep competing in more trials.

Do you do any tricks? What is your favorite?
High five, shake, roll over (especially when I’m at IYC), spin (dance) and a very quick bow, if you blink you could miss it. I can also wait with a treat on each of my front paws until I get the OK to eat them...this one is tough but the payoff is yummy! My favorite trick is to quietly bark, I know it best as “telling a secret.” Everyone really seems to like it, so I enjoy it too.

What is your favorite toy?
Football. My Dad taught me how to play football when I was a pup and we have a really good time together when we play.

What is your favorite treat?
I LOVE everything!

What do you like to do when your parents aren’t home?
I am very lucky because I’m not left home alone very often, but, if I am home alone, I take a nap on the big bed or sofa until someone gets home.

Is there anything you would like to tell us about your work with Safe Humane Chicago or anything else?
I really enjoy visiting with children and adults and helping them learn that dogs can be gentle and loving. I love everyone and make sure they know by giving them big leaning hugs.