When veterinarian Oliver Reeve first met Toby, a 7-week-old poodle-mix puppy, he saw something special that others overlooked. Toby had arrived at Onewa Road Veterinary Hospital suffering from a painful congenital condition known as entropion, where his lower eyelids rolled inward, causing his eyelashes to rub against his cornea. His original family saw his condition as life-threatening and couldn’t afford treatment — but Dr. Reeve believed Toby had a chance.
“This condition causes the eyelids to roll inward, rubbing the lashes and fur on the cornea,” Dr. Reeve explained to The Dodo. “Despite his discomfort, Toby remained friendly and confident, exuding a joyful energy. I was certain we could help him and give him a good life.”
When Toby’s family decided they could no longer care for him, they left him at the clinic, and Dr. Reeve immediately made the decision to adopt him. He then began planning his treatment.
“The solution involves surgery to roll the eyelids outward. It’s not difficult, but for very young puppies, we often do a temporary fix while they mature and their face develops, before performing the permanent procedure,” Dr. Reeve said.
After the initial surgery, Toby’s improvement was almost immediate. Dr. Reeve soon realized that the second surgery he had planned might not be necessary.
“He was comfortable right after the surgery,” Dr. Reeve said. “His healing went so well that we didn’t need the second surgery I had initially expected.”
Although Toby faced further health challenges in the weeks that followed, Dr. Reeve remained committed to helping him recover.
“It was a valuable learning experience for me as a vet,” Dr. Reeve reflected. “Being on the other side of an animal’s illness really helps you understand what your clients go through.”
Thanks to Dr. Reeve’s dedication, Toby eventually recovered from his illnesses. As the months passed, Toby’s playful puppy personality flourished, and he began spending his days at the clinic with Dr. Reeve, even enjoying trips to the park after work.
“Toby’s absolute favorite thing is playing with other dogs — big or small, old or young, he just loves to chase or be chased,” Dr. Reeve said. “His second favorite thing is nibbling on my earlobes. I’m not sure why!”
At the clinic, Toby became a beloved fixture, bringing joy to both the staff and the patients.
“Toby is now my clinic companion, and he’s adored by everyone here,” Dr. Reeve shared. “The clinic staff have become his extended family.”
Six months after Toby first arrived at the clinic, weak and struggling, he is now a happy, lively pup, full of energy and enthusiasm for life. His family couldn’t be more grateful to have him.
“What I love most about Toby is his joyful, carefree nature,” Dr. Reeve said. “He’ll stand outside in our yard, eyes closed, nose in the air, simply enjoying the breeze. His happiness is contagious. It’s truly a gift to be around him. He may not be an angel, but sometimes he feels like one in dog form.”
