Many pet owners look forward to returning home from work to their eager furry companions. Take Roman, for instance—a Chicago-based optometrist who also runs a medium-sized transportation business. Typically, his dog Toby is waiting for him when he arrives home, prompting Roman to frequently glance through the window in anticipation.
This charming and dependable routine continued for eleven years.
However, Roman recently faced an incredibly tough situation: Toby, his faithful dog of many years, had passed away.
The content dog that used to wait for him has disappeared from his window.
Despite Toby’s absence, Roman finds himself glancing up at the window every day when he returns home from work. It feels futile now, as he knows he can no longer see his beloved pet watching for him.
Fourteen years ago, when Toby first met his dog, he was only two years old. During their initial encounter, Toby left a mess in Roman’s living room, leading Roman to believe that Toby was a troublesome child. At first, the two didn’t hit it off very well.
Smart Toby is an incredibly affectionate dog. He often exhibits mischievous and cunning behavior to grab Roman’s attention. Roman finds this frustrating and frequently argues with Toby over minor issues.
Roman’s fiancée finally convinced him to let Toby go, advising him to “just treat Toby like a human child.”
In response, Roman tried to change his behavior around Toby, but he was caught off guard when the dog reacted in a similar manner, almost as if he understood the shift.
Over time, Toby and Roman developed a deep connection that went beyond the typical relationship of a man and his fiancée.
A few years later, Roman divorced his fiancée and decided to give the house to Toby, unable to bear the thought of living without her.
Throughout the years, Toby has been the one constant in Roman’s life, remaining by his side as friends and family came and went.
Thanks to his time spent with Toby, Roman never experienced loneliness.
As an optician, Roman usually works long hours, ranging from 8 to 10 each day. Over time, Toby grew accustomed to this routine.
Each day, he would settle by the window, eagerly awaiting Roman’s return from work.
When he spots Roman’s car approaching, Toby jumps with excitement, eagerly bobbing his head as he anticipates the moment Roman opens the door.
Even if Roman is away for a short while, Toby is just as happy when he comes back.
This faithful waiting has continued year after year through the changing seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Every year, Toby patiently waits for his master to return home.
In Roman’s eyes, Toby is a remarkable dog who can never be replaced. He has a friendly disposition and gets along well with everyone, especially children.
Sadly, Toby suffered from dilated cardiomyopathy and faced numerous health challenges. He underwent three major surgeries before being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and renal failure in October 2018.
By February 2019, Toby’s condition had deteriorated to the point where he could no longer swallow.
Not wanting Toby to endure any more suffering, Roman and his friends said their goodbyes and decided to take him to the vet for euthanasia.
For a long time, Toby was believed to be gone.
However, Roman found it impossible to stop staring out the window, always feeling as though Toby was still there with him, never truly absent.
Toby decided to give Roman the best friend anyone could wish for, hoping to fill his life with happiness and vibrant moments. Toby looks quite similar to all the other adorable little ones in the area. Even though they can sometimes be a handful, they are always there as a loyal companion.
Over time, they grow into our dearest friends and, in many cases, become a part of our family.
