Toby, a Belgian Malinois mix estimated to be five or six years old, has figured out how to open the door to the house and let himself out into the yard. He was not the dog his owner went looking for.
Toby's story began at Godbey Creek Canine Rescue in Mocksville, North Carolina. His owner had applied to adopt a different dog when the rescue reached out with a special request. Would she consider meeting a very special boy who was not even listed on its website, and who had a complex history?
Something about Toby's story, and the chance to meet him, was enough for her to say yes.
A rainbow on the drive home
After they spent time together, the decision was clear: Toby was going home with her. As she drove back toward Charlotte with her new companion, she looked up and saw a beautiful rainbow stretched across pink clouds over the city.
Toby was going to be her dog.
About a year and a half later, Toby has settled comfortably into his new life. He has found some favorite things, including Chuckit! balls and freeze-dried beef, which are apparently excellent motivators. He still enjoys the classic canine pursuits, too, namely chasing squirrels, bunnies and raccoons whenever the chance comes up.
A student who opens doors
What really sets Toby apart is his love of training.
"He loves training... and goodness is he smart," his owner says.
That intelligence is occasionally very convenient, as the door trick shows. When Toby wants something, he finds a way to make it happen.
Training has also helped Toby build relationships with other dogs. Through it, he has met plenty of canine friends, and several have become especially memorable. Among his favorites are the pit bulls who have come through his life, particularly Rue and Hammer. Those friendships show how much a rescue dog's world can expand when he is given patience, training, love and the chance to connect.
From an unexpected phone call at a rescue to a rainbow-filled drive home, Toby started out as the dog no one was expecting to meet. Today he is home, loved and surrounded by plenty of balls, treats and four-legged friends.
This story appears in the October 2026 issue of Stroll Quail Hollow.