Toby passed away today after complications this last week with a tumor on his heart ventricle which caused bleeding in the sac surrounding his heart. He went quickly today on the way to the emergency vet.

He was a devoted companion to another friend Randy for 7 years. He will be missed by many. Fly high, Toby, Fly High – you were loved and will always be missed.

Mitakuye Oyasin — we are all related…

Still I Rise – Maya Angelou

You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt

But still, like dust, I’ll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?

Why are you beset with gloom?

‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells

Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,

With the certainty of tides,

Just like hopes springing high,

Still I’ll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?

Bowed head and lowered eyes?

Shoulders falling down like teardrops.

Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?

Don’t you take it awful hard

‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines

Diggin’ in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

But still, like air, I’ll rise…… “