TOBY’s Story i.e. This is What We Do….
In May 2017, Nine year old Toby became a forever foster for MSR. He subsequently become our Star-Mascot. To learn more about Toby and his one of a kind story, read below.
We at MSR have so appreciate everyone’s prayers and donations to Toby’s cause. He lived in a MSR family home with his brother and sister Shelties (pictured below) along with many sweet kitties too. When he became MSR’ mascot, he had a anonymous guardian angel who provided for all his expenses, for which we are most grateful!
Toby, as an 8 year old Sheltie came to Maine Sheltie Rescue in a very tragic way.
Toby was taken to the local emergency veterinary clinic Sunday, March 6, 2016, his owner having suffered a stroke 11 days earlier. Toby was home alone for those 11 days. When he was found, Toby was at death’s doorstep. Initially, the vets did not think Toby would pull through, because he was unable to stand, walk, or eat and kidney function levels were dangerously high.
Much to the surprise of those caring for Toby, he improved a little each day. After 5 days of around the clock care, Toby was ready to be transferred to the care of Maine Sheltie Rescue’s veterinarian.
Evidence supports that Toby had been neglected far longer than 11 days. Toby was seriously obese at 70 pounds: his coat, nails, and ears were in deplorable condition.
BUT Toby demonstrated a strong will to live. Maine Sheltie Rescue was committed to getting Toby healthy and eventually finding him a home where he would never-ever know again neglect.
Needless to say, the costs for Toby’s mounted, and many caring Sheltie friends helped pay for his care.
In March 2016, Maine Sheltie Rescue’s vet recommended Toby have deep tissue massage and low level laser treatments to his hind legs, to improve his strength and mobility. So Toby received this treatment that enabled him to stand and walk to his crate and want more food by mouth!! This was nothing less than miraculous. He continued to be syringe fed until over time he was able to eat enough to fully nourish himself.
At the end of March, Toby moved to his new foster home. Toby continued to have adjunct therapies to ensure a full recovery. Toby was still in rough shape. The protruding “skin flap” on his back end hanging over his tail, was adipose (fat deposit). Toby still required assistance standing and moving about, but his caretakers continued to move him and his limbs to keep his muscles supple.
In September 2016, Toby saw a Board Certified Vet to talk about all of Toby’s excess skin from his weight loss. He was now down to 50.4 – that’s over 20 pounds! It was discussed what he would have to do to surgically remove that excess skin.
We also continued to be concerned about his arthritic hips, and started him on an anti-inflammatory which he seemed to be respond to quite well. At this time we still continued to need funds for Toby as he was also having deep tissue massage, laser treatment, and water treadmill work for his arthritis. Over all Toby was really thriving, and being his happy Sheltie self. We were so grateful for his progress…
Pictures: Toby receiving Laser treatment (right) and Toby’s excess skin due to weight loss…(below)
In February 2017, though Toby was living in his wonderful foster home, he continued to be under close vet care. 
He had lost a sufficient amount of weight to be healthy, but continued to carry some excess skin resulting from his being overweight for so many years. We were noticing, however, that the skin mass was slowly going down, so we decided not to have him endure any further surgeries.
At that time, the MSR Board decided that Toby would not be adopted. He would remain a Forever Rescue. and so became our wonderful Mascot At that time, we had an Angel-donor who paid all of his expense, and he remained where he was, in his very loving MSR foster home
Toby loved being in the yard and barking at the overhead jets that land not too far away. He was fond of his 5 Sheltie siblings and was often found resting near them or sometimes using one as a convenient pillow. He was also very good with the many kitty family members. Here is a picture of him lingering in the snow (which he loved) before coming inside. (Do I really have to come IN?)
Well, he is now inside, as we said goodbye to our beloved Mascot, Toby on Sunday, June 16, 2019. He had a large mass on his lungs, along congestive heart failure – he was in really rough shape, we could not have him suffer.
He was loved by so many – if he only knew that he had such a huge fan club, which we are forever grateful for!
Toby was with us for three years & three months, and each day was truly a gift to him as it was a miracle that he lived as long as he did. He will always be forever in all of our hearts. ❤️
Toby and his FFM: Forever Foster Mom
