A New Chapter in Toto’s Life
Some things just go together, like peanut butter and jelly or beer and pretzels. Here at SASHA Farm, we have a few of those pairings: Miles and Zevon, two Katrina dogs who were rescued together and are rarely seen apart for more than a few minutes; Dino and Butchie, two goat friends who arrived together and follow each other all over the pasture looking for volunteers to beg for treats; Harold and Jane, our generous cat barn volunteers. And of course, Monte and Dorothy, the sanctuary’s founders, fit nicely into this category.
There are two others here, though, who might just be the most famous pairing. I’m speaking, of course, of Monte and Toto. Toto is a little brown mixed breed dog who came up from Mississipi on a van full of other Katrina refugees. Just a puppy at the time, she quickly won over first Dorothy, and then Monte, and eventually snuggled her way not only into a cushy forever home on the farm, but right into Monte’s heart, pickup truck, and bed! Around here, we rarely see one without the other. She’s a joyful little dog who lives life to the fullest whether she’s romping in the yard with her best dog friend Max, a Doberman who outweighs her by about 80 pounds, or helping put a stray rooster back into the chicken pen.
Toto truly lives to be Monte’s right-hand dog. Several times a day, Monte’s blue-green pickup comes up the driveway with a little brown dog smiling broadly out the driver’s side window as she sits perched on Monte’s lap. Toto is not a girl who is content to sit passively in the passenger seat looking pretty. No, Toto’s a girl who likes to drive! Seeing the pure joy on her little face, it’s impossible not to smile back at her.
Therefore, I’m sure you can imagine the shock and sadness we all felt here this week, especially Monte, when we learned that Toto, at only two and half years old, has a rare invasive form of cancer. Monte found a lump on her neck that turned out to be a very swollen lymph node. It was removed and biopsied a few days later, and the grim diagnosis was made by our regular vet. Toto has an upcoming appointment with an oncologist to get a better idea of the right course of treatment for her particular case. Radiographs have shown a few points of concern already, so we may be gearing up for quite a battle.
As of now, Toto is Toto. Aside from the itchiness of the surgical site, she’s as happy as ever. She’s still performing both her duties as Monte’s loyal assistant and as a real farm dog, keeping predators at bay and announcing the arrival of visitors and volunteers. Our main concern is for her quality of life, and all decisions made with regard to her treatment will be made with her wellbeing in mind, both short-term and long.
Financially, this could hardly have come at a worse time for the sanctuary or for Monte and Dorothy. Monte, as most of you probably know, is still off work recovering from a serious semi truck accident this spring. Mabel, an older farm dog, was treated for a malignant tumor earlier this summer. (She’s doing well so far, and was especially lucky in that the form of cancer she had rarely metastasizes.) Zevon, one half of our happy-go-lucky Katrina dog pair, was hospitalized last week with pancreatitis. Max had to have a biopsy on a lump that thankfully turned out to be nothing of concern. One of our goats has a tumor that needs to be removed and biopsied as soon as we can arrange it. Due to the drought, our pastures haven’t produced enough grass for the horses, cows, goats and sheep, and we’ve had to feed hay all summer, while the cost of hay has nearly tripled. This winter will be rough financially because of that.
If you have been considering a donation, now is the time. You can even earmark it towards Toto’s treatments if you’d like. She could use a few good sponsors right now.
I’ll keep everyone updated on her progress. In the meantime, while you’re visiting, please treat her as you normally would. No sadness, no tears. As far as she knows, life is going on around here as it always has, and we don’t need to confuse her by grieving before it’s time. Of course, an extra treat or two is perfectly acceptable. 
August 28th, 2007 at 7:35 pm
Extra hugs for Toto!!!! That’s a great picture
August 29th, 2007 at 9:28 pm
I’m so sad to hear about Toto, but I’ll think happy thoughts only until we know otherwise! That picture of her and Monte is one of the most heartwarming photos I’ve ever seen (and I’m married to a photographer!). You can see the love in his face and the pure, undiluted doggy-joy on hers at being in her buddy’s arms.
August 31st, 2007 at 7:50 am
Awwh Toto. That is indeed a special photo. I personally love Toto because she followed me around like an escort the first visit (sort of…I think she was just around everywhere. She even let me carry her in my arms - I was hoping to bond with the animals in some way the first day. She made it REAL easy.
Not sure this is the right spot on the site, but I am donating some furniture to. Prices have come down.
Antique Dresser $250
https://post.craigslist.org/manage/410284286/qduki
Antique Kitchen Table $100
https://post.craigslist.org/manage/410279519/unfrn
Contemporary Chair and Ottoman $150
https://post.craigslist.org/manage/410277317/2ww55
September 5th, 2007 at 7:54 am
That photo is precious!
My daughter and I have just started volunteering at the farm, but I have already fallen in love with a lot of the animals, especially Toto. She’s just so spunky and happy! If there is anything I can do to help with fundraising, please let me know. I have already posted a Fall Festival flyer (printed from the web page) at work, which I hope will help.
September 8th, 2007 at 7:40 pm
Don’t think I’ve ever seen a happier dog!! Monty looks pretty pleased himself. How beautiful!
November 21st, 2007 at 11:21 pm
I love Toto’s face! My friend came to your farm with me, and Toto made her feel right at home. My friend is 10, and I am 12. My whole family is vegan, and I am too! I love what you’re doing. We love to volunteer at Sasha Farm. We want to have a farm someday. We’ll say a prayer for sweet Toto.