This is Toby our Lab/German Shepherd X.
We got him from a rescue charity a couple of years ago after we lost our last Rescue, a boxer, and were told he was 3yrs old at the time.
Our vet thinks he's about 7 or 8 now, so we were told the usual small fib to get him a home, but we really don't care.
It does make a mockery of his Romanian Birth Certificate and Passport though.
He's lovely to have around, excellent company, very loving, and great fun now he's learnt how to play. He didn't know what to do with a ball when he first arrived, but acts like a puppy now, until he gets a bit tired.
He doesn't like strangers, especially larger men with beards, or anyone carrying a bottle or stick, but of course not knowing his early history we don't know if that's a reaction to somebody treating him badly. He has a few small scars, so maybe.
We have one huge problem with him, he can't be left alone.
He doesn't 'mess' or chew anything, but get's incredibly stressed to the point of shaking and rocking backwards and forwards.
So if we are all at work he goes to a very good local Doggy Day Care, which is expensive, but has done him the world of good in respect of being with other dogs and people which has helped him come out of his shell.
I dread the day we lose him.
Last year he won second best Rescue at the Weald & Downland Autumn Country show.
Only losing out on first place to a Rescue Pug with 3 legs, which we reckon cheated!
Here he is is being shown off to the judges by a very proud Lady Nasher.