Toby Found His Way Home

Toby after going to the Groomer!

Meet Toby. He came to us as a tiny, injured pup—turned in to a shelter in Northern Florida with no microchip, no history, and no chance. He had been placed on the euthanasia list because the shelter didn’t have the resources to care for him. But fate had other plans.

We were there that day to pick up two other dogs. When we saw Toby—fragile, sweet, and barely hanging on—we knew we couldn’t leave him behind. We brought him back to Big Dog Ranch Rescue and immediately admitted him to our veterinary clinic.

Toby had a suspected spinal injury and a broken femur. His condition was critical, and he was too weak to be around other dogs. He spent over a month in our clinic, receiving the specialized care and attention he so desperately needed.

That’s when one of our amazing adoption coordinators, Valyrie Ellis, stepped into foster Toby until he was ready for a forever home.

Soon after, Lynne Singerman came to Big Dog Ranch looking for a small dog to keep her and her senior dog company. Valyrie suggested Toby—but Lynne had concerns. She worried he might not be able to manage stairs, require lifelong special care, or even be afraid of her five parrots.

Because we care deeply about each and every dog, Valyrie personally drove 30 minutes to Lynne’s home to introduce Toby to the environment and see how he’d do.

And Lynne said, “He surprised us all.”

Not long after, Lynne became his foster mom. She took him to her own vet, to a specialist, and even treated him to a grooming appointment. She showed Toby kindness and patience—giving him the time and space to heal, both physically and emotionally.

Lynne took him on special outings, catered to his needs, and slowly but surely, Toby began to thrive. He learned to climb stairs, followed all her house rules, bonded with her senior dog, and even got along with her parrots!

By the third month, Lynne knew in her heart what we had all hoped for—Toby was home. She made it official and gave him the forever family he’d been waiting for.

As Lynne beautifully said,“Toby is a miracle, made possible by Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the many people who refuse to give up on the voiceless.”