Pet: Toby
Owner: Sherolyn Earle
Toby is a one-year-old Miniature Australian Shepherd that his home in Franklinville to come to live in beautiful New Bern. His dad, Sunny, was a toy, and mom, Indi, was a mini. Toby is a combination of the two and weighs about 27 pounds.
“It’s so easy for his new ‘mom’ to pick up and cuddle him,” says Sherolyn. “Toby will chase and retrieve just about anything you throw his way. He has a favorite stick and squeaky toy, but toss something lying around and he’ll bring it back—unless it is food, and then you’re out of luck. It’s all his.”
When he is not with his mom, Sherolyn, Toby enjoys his three days a week with all his buddies at the All American Pet Resorts daycare in New Bern. “He knows the exact route down MLK Blvd. and the closer we get to the resort, the more squeaks of excitement are heard. He loves his time there, but after five hours, he’s ready to come home for a much-needed nap. Toby also went through 18 weeks of training at Pet Smart. He was a bit of a show-off for his trainer, Brittany, during his classes. However, once home, he was as stubborn as a mule. Training is a work in progress. He will entertain you by providing his paw for a shake, and he does a great twirl if you hang a little treat over his head,” she says.
When it comes to food, Toby will try just about anything. Aside from his regular diet, he likes his training snacks and carrots.
This year Toby entered the America’s Favorite Pet contest competing with over 60,000 dogs. He made it to the semi-finals and came in 3rd out of less than 200 dogs in that phase of the contest.
“Toby is my best friend,” says Sherolyn. “I’m retired, and he packs so much energy; he keeps me on my toes so I don’t slow down. He likes going everywhere with me, but his favorite place to visit is First National Bank. He’s a bit of a celebrity with the staff. It’s the only place I can go to and let loose of his leash so he can visit all the offices! He’s not just special to me, but special to so many others. My daughter tells me that dogs don’t understand sentences, but I talk to Toby all the time. And he understands me. As his ‘parent,’ I think communicating in a way that we both enjoy is just fine. I get comfort, and Toby likes the attention. Of course, I throw in as many kisses and cuddles as I can muster up. In return, I get the same.”