Thoughts

Happy Birthday Toby!

Toby was so small!

Three years ago today, Toby was born into a litter of puppies. He was the runt and when he came home with me, he was malnourished and sickly. As an inexperienced pet owner I thought he was just understated and shy. For the first week I was in over my head. There were moments where I wanted to bring him back.

Today, Toby is my partner in Holiday Music crime.

I have not written a song without Toby by my side. When I warm up and sing, Toby is right there next to me howling along. He tries to match my keys and timbre, which is impressive. Despite how annoyed I get, I realize he was raised to think this is his job. He enjoys music a lot. When there is a song he likes, or if I’m playing or singing something pretty – he will sit and look up and listen. When there is a horrible noise, he will walk into the other room or face the corner of the apartment. He has a favorite song, Emeli Sande’s “Next To Me.” When we are in a car or listening to the radio, he always sings along. Good song Toby, good song. As if you know the words.

As studio dogs come, Toby is pretty awesome as he doesn’t bark or cause a commotion. He seems quite at home in any studio we travel to.

More importantly, through Toby – he has taught me to be a more compassionate and caring person. I love animals more than I ever had in my life. Admittedly I never understood pet owners until I had one in my life.

There isn’t a day that goes by in which I don’t thank God I have Toby. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t feel like the luckiest person in the world to have such a great dog.

Here’s to you Toby. Happy Birthday buddy!