Meghan O’Connor adopted Toby from the Burnaby SPCA in July.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED / BC SPCA
November 26, 2020 - 6:00 AM
If you haven't been able to find a puppy to keep you company amidst the pandemic, this story may inspire you to adopt a senior dog in need of a home.
Toby is a nine-year-old beagle who was surrendered to the Burnaby SPCA when his original owner died.
Because of his age, Toby wouldn't typically be first pick at a shelter, but when Olympic Village-based artist Meghan O’Connor saw his photo it was love at first sight.
“He was just the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen in my life," O’Connor said in a B.C. SPCA media release.
"I knew as soon as I saw that picture I needed to adopt him.”
Soon after his arrival at the shelter, Toby was fostered by an SPCA auxiliary animal protection officer Alexander Jay. Even though he's chubby, snores, breathes loudly and needs frequent bathroom breaks, he soon became a household favourite.
"It was impossible not to wholeheartedly give him all the love and care he deserved, especially with him having just lost his previous owner,” Jay said in a release.
“He just had so many quirks and my best memories with him was always going for car rides to the park.”
Toby remained in foster care until his health improved, and O’Connor got her wish and adopted the dog.
He fit right into his new life and loves to sit beside O'Connor when she paints. They work on his weight loss with lots of walks.
“When he was surrendered to the Burnaby SPCA, he weighed 18 kilograms,” O’Connor said.
“Now he’s 15 kg. He’s shedding some pounds. He’s a little late for bikini season but he’s working on it.”
His fitness journey is being chronicled on his own Instagram page, where he has become a bit of a local celebrity.
Toby's previous owner’s neighbours and family members started messaging O'Connor through his Instagram account, wanting to know if he was OK.
Although they can't visit in person, they have shown their support by commissioning art from O'Connor to help with vet bills.
Toby is doing well health-wise, and is getting lots of attention.
“Everyone in my building is obsessed with him. Everyone wants to say hi," O'Connor said.
"He’s very lovable. He makes my day. He’s the sweetest, most adorable boy.”
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