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Our beloved dog Toyah passed away at home in February 2022 having reached 14 years of age.
We adopted Toyah from Dogs Trust Shrewsbury in March 2012. We were Toyah's third rehome from them so we knew we had a special responsibility to make sure we were her forever home. We needn't have worried! Although she cried all the way to her new home on adoption day, within 24 hours she settled into her new dog bed, gave out huge sighs of contentment and rewarded our hugs with lots of tail wagging. She'd obviously decided to stay with us!! With her striking looks, we became well known on our daily walks. Almost every time we ventured out, someone would stop us and comment on what a beautiful dog she was. Once she settled in, Toyah also became the scourge of cats, postmen and doorstep callers with her very loud and throaty bark. Our postman found it hilarious that Toyah would bark furiously at him whilst wagging her tail at the same time.
Toyah was a very active dog and loved visiting our local National Trust properties. She must have sniffed at almost every square foot of Dunham Park and Styal Country Park. She also came away on numerous holidays with us to Anglesey and spent many happy hours walking in Newborough Forest and on the nearby beach.
When our parents had to move into residential care, we took Toyah along to the care home for visits. She lit up the day room when she walked in. The residents would wake up, smile and hold out their hands to stroke her. She made a wonderful therapy dog.
Toyah was even guest of honour at our daughter's wedding!
In later life, arthritis affected her. Our super local vet (Barrington Lodge) prescribed medication and pain relief to allow her to carry on with a semi-active life although her daily walks became shorter and shorter. Eventually though she found walking extremely difficult so we took the very sad decision that it was kinder to call for help in assisting Toyah to rest in peace. Another wonderful local vet (Eternal Paws) came to our home and helped Toyah to peacefully slip away whilst she was fast asleep in her dog bed surrounded by her favourite toys. With sirloin steak for breakfast followed by two very short walks, she had the perfect last day.
RIP beautiful Toyah, we dearly loved you and we know you loved being a member of our family too because you told us so every day in your own doggy way.
Tom and Deborah
