We had the pleasure of welcoming Toby into our home yesterday, and this sweet little gentleman has already made quite the impression. A mature Shih Tzu–Poodle mix, Toby is the kind of dog who doesn’t need to bark to be heard. He carries a quiet presence that fills the room in the most peaceful way.
From the moment he arrived, it was clear Toby wasn’t your typical excitable newcomer. He didn’t shy away from us like some dogs do in a new environment, but he also didn’t dive headfirst into the chaos created by our younger, more energetic guests. Instead, he followed us from room to room with gentle curiosity in his eyes—quiet, observant, and completely endearing.
Thanks to his loving parents, Toby came freshly bathed and smelling like he just stepped out of a doggy spa. His coat was soft and clean, and his calm energy immediately set him apart. In fact, he made such a good impression that my wife, who’s usually strict about bedtime boundaries, made a rare exception and let him sleep beside her on his very first night. And true to form, Toby was a perfect guest—he didn’t make a sound or stir at all, sleeping peacefully through the night.
One of the most heartwarming surprises came from Lula, one of our more reserved guests. Since her arrival, Lula had kept to herself, showing little interest in anyone or anything—until she met Toby. The moment she saw him, something sparked. She perked up, followed him into the yard, and even chased him around for a bit. It wasn’t a wild game, but it was the most lively and engaged we’ve seen her. Somehow, Toby’s calm demeanor drew her out of her shell in a way no other dog has been able to.
Toby has been slowly exploring every corner of the house at his own pace. He’s not in a rush—he simply moves with the grace of a dog who’s seen a bit of life and knows there’s no need to hurry. His temperament is undeniably gentle, and though he occasionally bursts into a short-lived zoomie, it’s never too wild—just enough to remind us there’s a playful spirit in him.
If there’s one area of concern, it’s his appetite. His parents let us know he’s used to being fed in the afternoon with his food left out for him to graze. That’s a bit tricky here, where leaving food unattended turns into an open buffet for the rest of the pack. So far, Toby hasn’t touched his regular kibble and has been very selective with snacks. He occasionally nibbles on a Milk-Bone or enjoys a dental treat, but that’s about it. We’ve tried mixing in canned food, beef jerky toppers, and even omega oil—but no luck yet. We’ll keep trying different combinations to make sure he’s getting what he needs, and the good news is that he’s drinking water regularly and staying hydrated.
Toby might be soft-spoken, but he’s already made a big impact in our home. Dogs like him remind us that sometimes the quietest guests have the most to say—if you just take the time to listen.
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