Toby Kehler
May 12, 1998 – January 2, 2009
(Sire: Avalon’s Saxon Knight; Dam: Avalon’s Delaware Delta)
Darn, Toby, you didn’t quite make it eleven years, but we had a great time along the way. You were our kids’ “welcome to Colorado” gift – their first dog! You were also the entire family’s first dog. We picked you up at Avalon Kennels in Loveland, CO on July 25, 1998 and brought you home during a major hailstorm. You were so scared in your kennel while we were driving through Denver in the hail! Soon after you were home, Neil and Karen decided on your name – “Toby!”
From your youngest days, you were a loyal friend – you loved to please. In your first few years, you went with me every Friday morning to climb the Manitou Incline. It didn’t matter if it was blowing snow and six degrees outside, you were always eager to go. Remember how people used to joke: “Hey, that’s no fair…you’ve got a dog pulling you up!” That was our little secret, eh? You even learned to drink water from my Camelbak hose – folks got a real kick out of that! On the way down Barr Trail, you loved chasing those black squirrels and slithering around on the ice. Remember that time we got caught in a whiteout at the top? Holy smokes, we had no business up there that day. That was a scary one, but we stuck together and made it down safely! Those were some great days that I’ll remember forever. I think I had as much (or more) fun than you; after all, you were my first dog too.
Holidays and birthdays were a blast. You loved to help open the gifts and tear off the bows! It’s funny, you never bothered them under the tree, but you knew exactly what to do when the time came!
Toby opening Christmas presents with Karen (2002)
Well after almost eleven great years, you were called away with cancer. It was just your time, I suppose. We had all hoped you could have been with us longer, but it wasn’t to be. We’ll miss you, Toby. I know you’re playing with an endless supply of bones and dog toys right now…and eating your favorite treats (“BONES”)! Toby, you got all those squeakers out of the toys yet?!
Christmas 2006 – Toby and his new trout!
Hanging out with us on the deck, Summer 2007
Toby and Neil, December 8, 2008
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