After Toby lost all his extra weight, something unexpected happened.
He kept a little extra skin.
Just enough to create tiny flaps that gently slid down when he sat.
Nothing dramatic, just a subtle, adorable sag that gave him a slightly baggy look.
Amira, at two years old, found this absolutely fascinating.
Toddlers do not need logic.
They need curiosity.
And Amira had plenty of that.
Whenever Toby sat in front of her, she would reach out with her tiny hands and begin what she believed was a massage. It was part petting, part poking, part pressure point therapy, and part experimental squishing of the mysterious poodle skin folds.
She took her role very seriously.
She concentrated.
She studied the flaps like a young scientist in training.
And she always made sure to apply a surprising amount of toddler strength.
Now, anyone who has ever lived with a dog knows that when a dog shows you his back, he is giving you his trust. It is a vulnerable position. A sign that he feels safe.
So for Toby to sit down, turn his back to a two year old, and allow her to perform this strange, improvised chiropractic session was a big deal.
But here is the part that still melts me.
Toby seemed to actually enjoy it.
His eyes softened.
His breathing slowed.
He leaned into her tiny hands just enough to show he appreciated the attention, even if her technique resembled dough kneading more than massage therapy.
And part of me truly believes Toby sat in front of her on purpose.
As if he would quietly position himself, waiting for his little human to give him the world’s most chaotic but heartfelt massage.
Sometimes she pressed too hard.
Sometimes she poked the wrong spot.
Sometimes she drummed on his back like it was a bongo.
But Toby let her.
Every single time.
It was one of the cutest things I ever witnessed.
This tiny little girl pouring all her love into those clumsy little hands, and this gentle poodle offering his trust and his warmth right back.
Two souls communicating without words.
One learning how to love.
One knowing exactly what love was.
Classic Toby.
Patient, trusting, and quietly requesting his daily toddler massage appointment.