They Asked the Vet to Euthanize Their Sick Puppy — He Chose to Save Him Instead
When veterinarian Oliver Reeve first met Toby, a 7-week-old poodle-mix, he immediately saw something special in the tiny, curly-haired pup — something no one else seemed to notice. Toby had been brought into Onewa Road Veterinary Hospital with a painful congenital condition known as entropion of his lower eyelids. It caused his eyelids to roll inward, making his own fur and eyelashes rub constantly against his corneas, leaving him in discomfort every moment of the day.
To Toby’s first family, the diagnosis felt like a life sentence. They saw an expensive, complex problem with no easy solution — and they asked Dr. Reeve if euthanasia was the kindest option.
But Dr. Reeve looked into Toby’s eyes and saw more than pain. He saw resilience.
“Even though he was so uncomfortable, he was still so friendly and confident,” Dr. Reeve told The Dodo. “He just radiated a joyful vibe. I was sure we could fix him and give him a really good life.”
Unfortunately, Toby’s original family couldn’t afford the treatment. But Dr. Reeve wasn’t ready to let the story end there. When they agreed to surrender Toby to the clinic, he stepped forward without hesitation — adopting him on the spot.
From that moment, Toby wasn’t just another patient. He was family.
A New Beginning and a Plan for Healing
The solution for entropion is relatively straightforward: surgery to roll the eyelids back out. In very young puppies, vets often perform a temporary fix until the puppy grows and their face develops enough for a permanent solution.
Dr. Reeve wasted no time. Toby was prepped for his first surgery, and within hours of waking up, the change was remarkable.
“He was comfortable pretty much immediately after that,” Dr. Reeve said. “The healing went so well that he hasn’t ended up needing the second surgery I had planned.”
For the first time in his short life, Toby could see and move without constant pain. His tail wagged freely. His eyes shone.
The Rough Weeks After Recovery
Just as Toby seemed to be on the mend, more challenges arose. Over the next few weeks, he developed a series of mysterious illnesses that even Dr. Reeve struggled to diagnose at first.
“It was a good learning experience for a vet to be on the receiving end of an animal’s illness,” Dr. Reeve reflected. “It really helps you understand what your clients are going through.”
Through every setback, Dr. Reeve and his wife nursed Toby with patience and unwavering commitment. Slowly, the little poodle-mix regained his strength.
A Joyful Transformation
Months later, Toby was a different dog — healthy, energetic, and full of personality. Every morning, he trotted into the clinic alongside his dad, ready to charm the staff and greet patients.
“Toby is now a vet’s dog, which means he comes to the clinic each day with me,” Dr. Reeve said. “He is adored at work, and the clinic staff are part of his extended family.”
After work, Toby’s favorite treat wasn’t food — it was a trip to the park.
“His absolute favorite thing in the whole world is playing with other dogs,” Dr. Reeve shared. “Any dog, big or small, he just loves to chase or be chased. His second favorite thing is nibbling my earlobes — I’m not sure why.”
Six Months Later: From Hopeless to Happy
It’s been just half a year since Toby arrived at the clinic, tiny, in pain, and facing a grim future. Now, he’s a whirlwind of curls and joy, living a life no one imagined he’d get.
“The thing I love about Toby is that he is such a joyful and carefree being,” Dr. Reeve said. “Sometimes, he just stands outside with his nose in the air, eyes closed, enjoying the wind on his face. He’s so happy, and it’s infectious.”
Dr. Reeve smiles when he calls Toby “a little angel in dog form.” And for everyone who knows Toby’s story, it’s clear: this was more than just a rescue. It was a second chance — and the beginning of a love that goes both ways.
