When veterinarian Oliver Reeve first met Toby, a 7-week-old poodle-mix puppy, he noticed something no one else had β the puppyβs 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.
βThis is a condition where the eyelids roll in, causing the eyelashes to irritate the cornea,β Dr. Reeve explained. βDespite 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.β
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.
βThe fix involves surgery to roll the eyelids out,β Dr. Reeve said. βIn very young puppies, we often do a temporary fix until they mature and their face develops enough for the permanent solution.β
Dr. Reeve performed the surgery, and soon after, Toby was comfortable again. The recovery went so well that Toby didnβt need the second surgery originally planned.
βHe healed quickly, and he was so much more comfortable right away,β Dr. Reeve shared. βIn fact, he didnβt need the second surgery I had prepared for.β
Though Toby faced some additional health challenges in the weeks that followed, Dr. Reeve remained dedicated to his care. Tobyβs illnesses were difficult to diagnose, but Dr. Reeve found the experience to be enlightening.
βIt was a good learning experience to be on the receiving end of an animalβs illness,β Dr. Reeve said. βIt helps you truly understand what your clients are going through.β
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.
βTobyβs favorite thing in the world is playing with other dogs,β Dr. Reeve said. βIt doesnβt matter if theyβre big or small, old or youngβhe just loves to chase or be chased. His second favorite thing is nibbling my earlobes. I donβt know why, but he does it all the time!β
At the clinic, Toby quickly became a beloved member of the team, bringing joy to both staff and patients.
βToby comes to work with me every day,β Dr. Reeve said. βHeβs adored by everyone here, and the clinic staff is like his extended family.β
Itβs been six months since Toby arrived at the clinic as a tiny, struggling puppy. Now, heβs a rambunctious, curly-haired dog, full of life and joy. His family couldnβt be happier.
βWhat I love about Toby is his carefree and joyful nature,β Dr. Reeve said. βHe stands outside with his nose in the air, eyes closed, just enjoying the wind. Heβs so happy, and itβs contagious. He feels like a little angel in dog form sometimes.β