Toby is a Working Dog!

(Written by Rudy's Raiser)
**This post DOES include what work Toby will doing - and NEW updates about him**
Remember the post Rudy did back in December? About Toby finding a NEW job to do? After the school found out he had severe allergies - they were left with the decision to Career Change Toby - or adopt him out as a pet. I was told the school loved how Toby worked, and they decided to evaluate him for the Gifted Canine program (He'd be a service or therapy dog - maybe for an injured veteran or a disabled child). I heard in November 2010 that it was official - Toby was to be "let go" (adopted out) as a pet. And of course - he was offered back to me. It was a hard thing to say "no" I won't take my pup back, some of you guys may have said "yes" in a heart beat - but for many reasons (that can't be listed) I had to say no. I hate doing that, Toby was one of my favorite dogs.
I waited over a month watching emails closely - as I really wanted to find out who adopted Toby. I soon gave up on receiving a email and just emailed my AC, who forward my email down to the school.
I soon got this email back:
"Hi *****,
I heard back from the school with some exciting news. Toby's been adopted by ******* County Search and Rescue in Florida, which means he'll doing very important work! His handler's name is ******.
Good job!"
I've been waiting since December to post that email - but I wanted to make sure it would work out.
I just received this email this morning:
"We have just heard from the school - that the person who adopted Toby has decided to use him as a Search and Rescue dog for ******* county. What a great career for him. I'm really proud of you - this is a big win for Toby and I know he is going to make a big difference in his new job.
Thank you again for all you do for these puppies.
With much love
*** and *****"

To make a long story short...
Toby was adopted out - but instead of being adopted out as a pet (like we all thought) he was adopted by someone who decided to use him as a Search & Rescue dog - yes Toby will be working - not as a guide dog, not as a therapy dog, but as a Search & Rescue dog.
With the last email, I also received a PICTURE of Toby with his new handler/owner (pictured below). This was one thing I was really hoping for - as I really wanted to use it on his blog, so I hope you guys like it!
Though Toby isn't a guide dog as I hoped, I know he'll do amazing work with this program - and if something does go wrong, he'll do his best at whatever path he decides to take.
Thanks to all who kept through reading all his adventures (May 2009 - April 2010), we really appreciate all the comments you left for us, when we went through hard, good, and amazing times.
Hope all of you guys are having a great day - Rudy sure is... as it's SNOWING outside! (Pictures/movies coming soon).
Thanks for taking the time to read this! Congrats to all who guessed Search & Rescue would be Toby's new job!

Rudy's Raiser

Pictured below is of Toby & his new handler/owner