Sponsor a Dog

Toby joined the League's Sponsor Program in 2007. Toby is a lovable Chihuahua-mix who came to the League as a part of their out-of-state rescue program. Toby suffers from Megaesophagus, a condition in which his esophagus is abnormally enlarged in its lower portion, which makes it difficult for him to digest food. To digest properly, Toby needs to remain vertical after eating, otherwise he may die. North Shore Animal League America's medical staff has worked diligently with Toby to ensure that his health is well guarded, including fashioning a chair that keeps his body vertical for meal time. This special chair works like a charm and Toby's Megaesophagus has been under control since he's been diagnosed.

Toby also has a history of acute hepatitis, which is an inflammation of the liver. This is a lifelong disease; so though it can not be cured, it can be maintained with quality medical care. Toby is on a vigorous medication schedule. He takes several medications for his various conditions. When Toby is not eating in his designer chair, however, he runs and jumps and plays just like any healthy dog. He is an adorable little character with a huge personality.

Toby's Updates

4th Quarter 2009
Toby continues to surprise us with his determination. Although he suffers from Megaesophagus, a condition in which his esophagus is abnormally enlarged in its lower portion, which makes it difficult for him to digest food, he has learned to live with it better than most of us could! To digest properly, Toby needs to remain vertical after eating in his human baby chair. In addition, he has a history of acute hepatitis, which is an inflammation of the liver, but he takes his medication without any hassle. He simply wants to run, jump and play just like any other healthy dog. Thankfully, that’s exactly what he does.

3rd Quarter 2009
Toby is still due for a routine check-up and will be coming to the Animal League's medical center soon. Toby's last scheduled appointment was cancelled due to his rigorous summer schedule! He's been frolicking at the beach; accompanying his foster mother, Erin, to family barbeques and taking long naps in the shaded grass in the backyard. Hey, we do want him to live a dog's life! We also want to take this opportunity to reach out to Toby's Sponsors and all the Sponsor Program donors to say thank you for helping these special-needs pets live their best quality of life possible. Without your support, saving pet's lives would not be possible.

2nd Quarter 2009
We are pleased to report that Toby is doing well! No news is indeed good news on the condition of his Megaesophagus, which his foster family says remains under control, thank goodness! It seems that this was one of the best seasons for Toby in terms of his condition and his behavioral issues. He's more approachable and friendly not only towards other dogs but towards people too. As with most of our beloved Sponsor Program special-needs pets, once their conditions are treated and they begin to show improvement, they play and act just like most other normal dogs. Toby has had a wonderful transformation over the years in the Animal League's care which wouldn't have been possible without the support of Sponsors like you - thank you!

1st Quarter 2009
Toby is having a wonderful start to the New Year! Toby received many thoughtful gifts from his Sponsor Pet Parents during the holidays. He's such a happy dog who has so much energy even though his condition remains an ongoing hurdle. He loves to run, jump and play just like any other normal dog. He enjoys being outside, even in the snow. However, the snow can't be too high or you'll lose tiny Toby in it! He brings his foster family great joy. Whenever they talk about him, they always express thanks and appreciation to Toby's Sponsors for their love and support which enables Toby to live the best quality of life possible.

4th Quarter 2008
Toby enjoys going outside to play ball. His family is working on getting him to bring the ball back to them (right now he goes after it and chews...and chews!). He and playmate dog Ellie like to sleep next to each other and cuddle. He continues to eat meals in his special feeding chair and his food is mixed with chicken broth so it goes down easier. Amazing little Toby was chosen as one of the Animal League's Sponsor Program pets to feature on the We TV website pet lovers forum. This extra exposure of our life-saving Sponsor Program will hopefully bring more awareness to special-needs pets like Toby and add to his impressive list of kind-hearted and generous Sponsors like you!

3rd Quarter 2008
Toby is doing great! He and the other family dog, Ellie, play together every single day. Sometimes, Toby likes to sit in the sun and relax while Ellie runs frantically around the yard. He is happy and healthy and very lovable. He is getting much better at bringing the ball back when he plays fetch with his foster mother. So far, it has been a great summer for Toby. He seems to be enjoying and appreciating all that life has to offer. His foster family adores him and believes that Toby is well aware of how much he is loved and cared for. Thank you to all the Sponsors who see to it that Toby has the life he deserves.

2nd Quarter 2008
Toby's health is under control and he seems to be getting stronger from his outdoor play. His foster mom reports that his temperament has improved as well. She describes Toby as a happy little guy that she loves to have around!

1st Quarter 2008
Toby's owners were a little worried about him, fondly nicknamed, “Chalupa”, because he had an upset stomach. They brought him to the League for a check-up and he seemed in good spirits as he greeted some of the staff with sloppy, wet kisses right on their faces! We hope Toby feels better soon, so he can get back to playing with his best friend Ellie – a Jack Russell whom he has bonded with. They are such good friends that Toby even lets Ellie share his new toys - a set of balls that he loves to carry around in his mouth and push around with his nose!

4th Quarter 2007
Toby has been having a wonderful time. He loves being part of a family, and other than having to eat meals in his special chair; he's just like any other dog. Toby's health has been right on track, and we know he's looking forward to jumping in a pile of beautiful harvest-colored leaves. Thanks to our generous supporters, Toby is able to remain happy and healthy and be part of the family he's always wanted.

3rd Quarter 2007
Toby is a new man these days, more playful and less cranky than he was in the past. He has settled into his routine of sleeping, eating and being loved. Not a bad schedule, either!

2nd Quarter 2007
Toby may be new to the sponsor program, but he is certainly not new to North Shore Animal League America. Toby is a young Chihuahua mix who came to us as a part of our out-of-state shelter rescue program. Toby has megaesophagus, a condition in which his esophagus is abnormally enlarged in its lower portion, making it difficult for Toby to digest his food.

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