Farewell Toby!

Today was a gloomy, depressing day and not only because it was damp, windy and raining all day. Today we had to say goodbye to another friend and part of our family.


Grandma and Grandpa's cat Toby came to them many years ago as a stray, looked over the place and decided that was going to be his home and he never left.

He was such a cool cat, friendly to everyone and always looking for attention from anyone and everyone who stopped in to visit.
He was a real character and became a part of our family. Whenever any of us stopped in at Grandma and Grandpa's it was just part of the routine to ask "so where is Toby?". You could either find him him relaxing in the sun room or sleeping under the covers in "his bed" in "his room" (the spare bedroom). If he happened to be outside and you left your windows open, most likely he would end up searching through your vehicle. When we had big family get-togethers he always came out to greet everyone, strutting out as if to say, "here I am, now the party can begin". This picture was taken in August at G & G's 50th anniversary party. That day was the first sign he gave that something was not right . He didn't seem to be himself and from there he slowly got sicker and sicker. Not wanting to eat, losing weight, etc.. After vet visits, bills, pills and a lot of work he kept going even though most of us can't believe he lasted as long as he did. He was a tough old guy but eventually it got too bad and he is finally at peace with no pain or illness. We never got an answer as to what exactly was going on or what exactly was wrong but it finally took over and got the best of him.
We will all miss him but there was such a special, strong bond between him and Grandma that I think it will take some time to get over this one. He was a very special cat and although we are all glad he has no more pain there will be an empty void for a while at the Manning house.

GOODBYE TOBY! WE WILL MISS YOU!