Although actually our fourth basset, Toby was my first "Heart Dog" and still holds a very special place in our memories. I fell in love with his mother, Megan, and pleaded with Cathie Spencer of JerCat Bassets to reserve a male puppy for me. Nearly a year later, the anxiously anticipated litter finally arrived. Toby lived up to the dog I wanted and needed and was able to greatly contribute to the quality and style my dogs carry to this day.

Toby finished his championship with style before he was two year of age. He acquired three majors, including a specialty win, and went Best of Winners for all of his points. He was shown on a limited basis as a special, and was awarded several Best of Breeds and one Specialty Best In Show.

Used sparingly as a stud, he sired several champions and obedience title holders, and many more pointed get. As our foundation stud dog, his influence is still being felt in the succeeding generations that are currently in the ring.

At age eight, Toby went back into competition and achieved his Companion Dog obedience title. We worked hard (or at least I did) to obtain his Companion Dog Excellent degree, but he was retired short of that goal at age 9 1/2. This was prior to the lowering of jump heights for our breed, and the title was just not worth a spinal injury. His daughter, JerCat's Rivendell My-T-Fine CDX, did manage to gain this elusive achievement. Toby did, however achieve his Canine Good Citizen Award at age 10 1/2.

Toby passed away at age eleven.