When veterinarian Oliver Reeve first met Toby, a 7-week-old poodle-mix puppy, he noticed something no one else had — the puppy’s resilient spirit. Toby arrived at Onewa Road Veterinary Hospital suffering from entropion, a painful congenital condition where the lower eyelids roll inward, causing the lashes and fur to rub against the eyes. His initial family feared the condition could be life-threatening, but Dr. Reeve believed Toby had a chance.
“This is a condition where the eyelids roll in, causing the eyelashes to irritate the cornea,” Dr. Reeve explained. “Despite his discomfort, Toby was still so friendly and confident, radiating a joyful energy. I knew we could fix him and give him a good life.”
Unfortunately, Toby’s family could not afford the treatment, but Dr. Reeve refused to give up on him. When the family decided to relinquish Toby to the clinic, Dr. Reeve adopted him and began working on a treatment plan.
“The fix involves surgery to roll the eyelids out,” Dr. Reeve said. “In very young puppies, we often do a temporary fix until they mature and their face develops enough for the permanent solution.”
Dr. Reeve performed the surgery, and soon after, Toby was comfortable again. The recovery went so well that Toby didn’t need the second surgery originally planned.
“He healed quickly, and he was so much more comfortable right away,” Dr. Reeve shared. “In fact, he didn’t need the second surgery I had prepared for.”
Though Toby faced some additional health challenges in the weeks that followed, Dr. Reeve remained dedicated to his care. Toby’s illnesses were difficult to diagnose, but Dr. Reeve found the experience to be enlightening.
“It was a good learning experience to be on the receiving end of an animal’s illness,” Dr. Reeve said. “It helps you truly understand what your clients are going through.”
After Toby recovered from all his ailments, he began to grow and develop a playful personality. He spent his days at the vet clinic with Dr. Reeve and enjoyed trips to the park after hours.
“Toby’s favorite thing in the world is playing with other dogs,” Dr. Reeve said. “It doesn’t matter if they’re big or small, old or young—he just loves to chase or be chased. His second favorite thing is nibbling my earlobes. I don’t know why, but he does it all the time!”
At the clinic, Toby quickly became a beloved member of the team, bringing joy to both staff and patients.
“Toby comes to work with me every day,” Dr. Reeve said. “He’s adored by everyone here, and the clinic staff is like his extended family.”
It’s been six months since Toby arrived at the clinic as a tiny, struggling puppy. Now, he’s a rambunctious, curly-haired dog, full of life and joy. His family couldn’t be happier.
“What I love about Toby is his carefree and joyful nature,” Dr. Reeve said. “He stands outside with his nose in the air, eyes closed, just enjoying the wind. He’s so happy, and it’s contagious. He feels like a little angel in dog form sometimes.”