Foothills Animal Shelter Announces Passing of Shelter Mascot

(GOLDEN, CO – September 23, 2019) – Toby, the inspiration for Toby’s Pet Parade and Fair and Foothills Animal Shelter mascot, passed away today.  

Following his adoption from Foothills Animal Shelter, Toby enjoyed a life of love and second chances with his new family. One of his roles was as Foothills Animal Shelter’s mascot and ambassador dog, where he could meet with school groups and bring smiles to visitors’ faces. At 15-years-old, Toby attended his final shelter event, the very parade named after him.  

Toby, an Australian Shepherd, was 11-years-old when he was found running the streets of Westminster with his mouth taped shut with electrical tape. Toby was brought to Foothills Animal Shelter for care and recovery. To honor Toby, the shelter created Toby’s Pet Parade & Fair as a fun-filled community event to raise the critical funds needed to support and care for homeless pets like him. 

“We are saddened to learn of Toby’s passing,” said Amanda Plank, Director of Development & Community Engagement for Foothills Animal Shelter. “Everyone at the shelter is grateful for the time spent with Toby, and for the love of his family who gave him such an incredible life,” she said.  

Toby had been the victim of suspected animal cruelty when he arrived at the shelter in 2015, and it’s because of community support that he was able to find hope and a path toward recovery. The shelter is inviting the public to honor Toby’s legacy by making a gift to the Animal Relief Fund (ARF). The ARF helps animals in dire circumstances access critical medical care. To make a gift in honor of Toby, please visit www.foothillsanimalshelter.org/ARF  

“Toby was a true light in our lives, and we will always honor his legacy by helping animals in need every day,” Plank said.