Meet Toby: The “Assistant Chaplain” with a Heart for Chapel—and Squirrels
From a California pup at Gail’s Doodles and Aly’s Puppy Boot Camp to St. John’s Episcopal School’s beloved therapy dog, Toby (short for Tobias—“God is good”) is stealing hearts in Chapel, one Bible story reenactment, tug-of-war match, and squirrel chase at a time.
How did Toby come to be a part of your family?
Toby came from Gail's Doodles and Aly's Puppy Boot Camp - both are in California. Chaplain Shannon Newsom adopted Toby to be the St. John's Episcopal School's "assistant chaplain" and therapy dog as part of our Student Formation Program. Toby is short for Tobias, which is the Hebrew name in the Bible meaning "God is good."
What is special about Toby?
Toby looks somewhat like the Muppet Fozzy Bear! He's very discerning/sensitive to anyone having a hard day. He joins primary and lower school students in Chapel by playing roles from the Bible - for example, he played a lion in the story Daniel, and the whale in the story of Jonah and the Whale. Toby knows and understands what it means when he receives praise. He loves to play chase and tug-of-war with humans and dogs! Toby likes to play fetch but is easily distracted sometimes!
What is Toby's favorite things to do?
His favorite toy is his tug-of-war rope and hiis favorite thing to do is chase squirrels!
Any funny stories about Toby?
Toby was a hot dog for Halloween and he kept trying to eat his own buns!!