I barely remember my parents. My humans took me when I was only two months old. That’s when I met Toby. He was the boss of the house, and although everyone called him Toby, I called him Little Boss
Toby’s character.
Toby was already smaller than me back then, all white and fluffy. I wanted to put my paw on him, but he wouldn’t allow it—his status wouldn’t permit it. He had long been a member of the family; everyone respected him, let him do as he pleased, and he lived by his own rules. What a good dog he was! He almost reached 17, which is like over a hundred human years. I still miss him.
Training with treats
He taught me so much. The humans used to put us side by side and give us commands. Toby knew that following commands often meant a tasty treat, so he was the first to obey. I didn’t realise it at first, but seeing him enjoy the treats after obeying, I learned the secret: do what the command asks.
I caught on fastest with the “Speak” command. I don’t usually like barking, but what wouldn’t I do to please the humans—and to earn a treat? Soon, I began outbarking Toby, happily barking so much you couldn’t even hear him!
Toby’s status in the house
As I grew, Toby became smaller, but he remained the main dog of the house. He loved to emphasise his special status in every way.
From puppyhood, I was taught not to go into the kitchen. The humans knew I would grow big, and they didn’t want me near their plates. Toby, however, was allowed—and he was so tiny, he barely showed up there. The humans had a tradition: leaving empty bottles on the floor. Whenever one rolled, they would shout, “Toby!” Even now, if a bottle moves on the floor, everyone yells “Toby!”
Toby was tiny, but even our giant Baloo treated him with great respect. Baloo wouldn’t even touch the water bowl until that little white fluff quenched his thirst. No matter how hot it was, no matter how much he wanted to drink himself, Toby was the boss!
Kitchen story continued
My training started with boxes blocking the kitchen. I had to sit behind them, sniffing the delicious smells. At first, the boxes were too high to climb. Later, I knew perfectly well: the kitchen was off-limits.
But Toby? He walked past me ten times during breakfast or lunch. Each time, he’d stroll in, stop, turn to me, and ask with his eyes: “See who’s the boss here?” I didn’t mind—he was little, but still my brother!
Sleeping together
Toby liked sleeping next to me. Often, he’d snuggle close, sometimes even rest his head on me, and I didn’t mind. I usually lie next to his little bed, though I quickly stopped trying to fit into it myself.
Toby’s adventures I was told about
Even before I arrived, Toby had many adventures. My owner told me that after acquiring the house on the island, he had to leave for the mainland urgently. Despite ghost stories, his wife stayed alone with Toby. Late at night, the peacefully sleeping Toby suddenly jumped, staring at a dark corner, and froze. Luckily, nothing appeared—but you can imagine how frightening it was!
I’ve heard a lot of other interesting things about Toby. He ran away from home six times. The last one ended with Toby being arrested by the police and spending the night behind bars.
