Tolito was rescued from an anmilal shelter a few years ago as a companion for my Babcia (Polish grandmother).

Tolito’s story was a little different, in that he was an ex-breeding dog, that had filled his purpose, was a little long in the tooth and had been ‘retired’.

Perhaps the worst part of all of that was that he’d been ‘de-barked’ too. Tolito couldn’t bark. Often you’d see him in the yard, watching the birds up in the apple tree, making all the right barking moves, but there wasn’t any sound coming out other than a muffled grunt.

Tolito died in his sleep a couple of weeks back.

Despite his challenges, he was a great companion for Babcia. Tolito made a fun photographic subject becuause of his expressive face and puppy-like excitement – despite elder-statesman status.

He was fantastic with kids and he’ll certainly be missed.

Featured in Pets are Us