23/10/2026
💔 TOBY.
THIS IS WHAT ANIMAL NEGLECT LOOKS LIKE. AND IT IS NOT OKAY. 💔
Take a good look at these photos. Because behind them is a little dog who has been failed by the very people who were supposed to care for him.
Toby is approximately 3–4 years old. His story is heartbreaking, and frankly, I don’t know how anyone can look at this little dog and not feel something.
From what we understand, Toby growled as a puppy while being groomed. And apparently, that was enough. Instead of working with him, understanding his fear or seeking help, he was left outside and never groomed again.
Food was thrown out to him to keep him alive, but where was the care? The kindness? The human touch? The basic responsibility that comes with having an animal?
Years of matted fur, caked in his own waste, tell their own story. Toby didn’t just miss a grooming appointment. He was left to live in conditions no dog should ever experience.
When Toby arrived at RSPCA Burwood, he needed sedation so the team could safely remove years of matted, filthy fur. The contamination had contributed to a bacterial urinary tract infection, and he also has an ongoing ear infection that we will continue treating with our vets.
Let that sink in. A dog of just 3–4 years old, living in such a state because the people responsible for him couldn’t be bothered to give him the most basic care.
There aren’t enough words to describe the anger and sadness this causes. But anger alone won’t help Toby. What matters now is what happens next.
First, a huge thank you to the entire RSPCA Burwood team — from the Inspectorate to the vets and every member of the shelter staff who played a part in Toby’s care. Thank you for stepping in, for helping him, and for giving him the chance he deserved long before now.
Yesterday, Toby came into Sweet Paws Dog Rescue’s care. And today, he is safely tucked up in a foster home with Claire and Paul, alongside his new furry foster brother, Scooter.
And this is where Toby’s story starts to change.
His foster family has been sharing little updates, and amongst all the worry and uncertainty, there are glimpses of the little dog hiding underneath it all.
Yesterday evening, Toby was very pacey. This morning, he was panting and on high alert again. Understandably, this little boy is struggling to switch off. The world is still a pretty frightening place when you’ve had so little reason to trust it.
But when Claire brought him into her office, closed the door and gave him a quiet space, something lovely happened.
Toby and Scooter had a little play, and then both fell asleep at her feet.
He is curious. He wants to sniff and investigate. He’s giving his new humans a good sniff, has worked out the dog bed, and is even interested in what’s happening on the television! He hasn’t quite mastered the art of sharing the couch with his humans yet, but apparently, once they’ve got up, it’s fair game!
And the play bow? Oh, Toby….
He’s showing us that little dog who wants to come out. The one who wants to explore, play and perhaps discover that humans aren’t all bad after all.
Toby’s foster parents are surprised and delighted by how well he’s doing with Scooter. He still has a long way to go, he is incredibly timid and afraid. We won’t rush him, and we won’t expect him to trust us simply because he’s now somewhere safe.
Trust has to be earned. And Toby has every reason to take his time.
There will be good days and difficult days. We know that. His infections need ongoing treatment, and his confidence will need time, patience and understanding. But for the first time in far too long, Toby has people in his corner who genuinely care about what happens to him.
Claire and Paul, thank you for opening your home and your hearts to this little boy. And thank you, Scooter, for being such a wonderful little foster brother.
At Sweet Paws Dog Rescue, we rescue small dogs regardless of their age, their medical needs or the work they may need to get them ready for the next chapter of their lives.
Because Toby is not the state he arrived in. He is not his matted coat, his infections or his fear.
He is a little dog who was let down. A little dog who deserved so much better.
And now, finally, he has a chance.
Toby, your job now is simply to learn that you are safe. We’ll take care of the rest 💙
