Toby’s life began in a home where, as a puppy, he was terribly abused, kicked, and beaten.  An elderly neighbor was able to rescue Toby, and for the next 5 years cared for him as best he could. The gentleman loved Toby and provided food, water and shelter, but never gave him proper medical care or vaccinations.

     As the owner aged, Toby was getting less and less care and began to eat whatever was in reach of the doghouse he was tied to with a logging chain -  dirt, rocks, and even vegetation -  just to survive. 

     The owner became too ill to continue caring for Toby and contacted our Rescue group. Toby’s first adventure was to an animal hospital because he had a fever and was in pain whenever he tried to go to the bathroom.  He was diagnosed with megacolon [the colon is enlarged and unable to function properly] which adversely impacts Toby’s ability to relieve himself. While the condition can be genetic, there is the possibility Toby’s previous lifestyle contributed to his medical issues.

     Toby has been under a vet’s care for several weeks to clean out the blockages in his colon and try various treatments and a new diet to avoid colon surgery and the inherent potential for a lifetime of incontinence.  Toby has come a long way to being healthy, but his condition will require constant supervision and special medications.

     While his condition is improving daily, the best chance for Toby is an evaluation at the Virginia Tech College of Veterinary Medicine where they will evaluate his condition and develop a special maintenance plan of diet, exercise, and medication for him.

     Throughout his diagnosis and treatments, this gentle “giant” of a dog has been a loving, sweet boy.  Despite the horrific abuse and neglect, Toby continues to win friends every day with his calm manner and happy personality.

              Toby is not yet ready to be adopted.  He will undergo more testing and procedures in the future in order to assure him every possible opportunity to enjoy a full life as a healthy German Shepherd. Toby will also need to learn how to live inside a home.

     Toby’s vet has been very generous and is dedicated to his complete recovery, but his megacolon condition requires vigilant, ongoing care.

     VGSR has established a fundraising campaign to help cover this wonderful dog’s medical expenses and hopefully, pay for the VT Vet College evaluation. 

     Please help Toby regain the chance to have a normal, pain-free life by donating generously to Toby's medical expenses by clicking the link: Toby's Tale .

Thank you, from Toby’s friends at Virginia German Shepherd Rescue!