Meet the Characters
Toby
A plucky Schnauzer mix who shares his journey through puppyhood and beyond
The name Schnauzer comes from the German word schnauze, meaning a snout or muzzle — a perfect name for this dog with its cute, square face. The Miniature Schnauzer originated in the mid- to late-19th century in Germany, where farmers bred it to create the perfect dog to hunt vermin such as rats.
Toby's loving mother and his playful younger sister
Mama
Betts
Full names: Lilly and Bettina
Personalities: Protective, caring, loyal, supportive, gentle and proud
Cool fact: When puppies are born, their mother licks and cleans them to stimulate breathing and to encourage nursing. As her newborns knead and suckle, she curls her body around them for protection and warmth — hearts beating in unison. Every lick, which is a doggie kiss, reinforces the mother-puppy bond.
Sam
Full name: Sam
Personality: Friendly, happy, even-tempered, inquisitive, determined and focused on food
Cool fact: Beagles have such super nose power that they’re used to sniff out unauthorized agricultural items that are tucked away in passengers’ luggage and carry-ons when they arrive on international flights. The “Beagle Brigade” works at nearly 90 airports across the United States.
A sweet old beagle who becomes Toby’s first and best friend
Full name: Fei-Fei Ying-Ming Gu Niang, which means Beautiful Wise Girl
Personality: Intelligent, sensible, strong-minded, loyal, dignified and insightful
Cool fact: Pekingese were originally bred as companion dogs to the ancient Chinese imperial family and their name refers to the city of Peking, where the Forbidden City is located. According to one legend, they are lions that were shrunk to miniature size by the Buddha.
Fei-Fei
A Confucius-spouting Pekingese who often offers Toby some wise words of advice
Rosemary
This Irish Setter’s support and encouragement help Toby survive the animal shelter
Full name: Brandy (after adoption)
Personality: Gentle, fun-loving, playful, graceful, sociable and sensitive
Cool fact: At least three U.S. presidents owned Irish Setters when they were in the White House. Harry Truman owned Mike, Ronald Reagan had one named Peggy and Richard Nixon’s beloved Irish Setter, who learned to shake paws on command and provided a popular photo opportunity for visiting dignitaries and heads of state, was named King Timahoe.
An Old English Sheepdog whose wicked sense of humor buoys Toby’s spirits
Full name: Bentley Alistair Berkshire III
Personality: Witty, entertaining, happy-go-lucky, affectionate, independent and charming
Cool fact: The Old English Sheepdog has long been one of the most-loved breeds in Britain. Paul McCartney wrote “Martha My Dear,” a song about his three-year-old sheepdog Martha, for the Beatles’ White Album. Old English Sheepdogs now face extinction, because this iconic breed requires extensive grooming and exercise.
Bentley
Thurman
Evan
A young college student who rescues and adopts Toby
Full name: Evan Christopher Maxwell
Personality: Easy-going, responsible, compassionate, industrious, athletic and driven
Sad fact: There are around 70 million stray dogs and cats in the United States and only 10% of all dogs find a permanent home. Cruelty and neglect aside, this may be the biggest issue to be tackled in the companion animal world that can actually be solved by neutering, adopting animals from shelters and rescues instead of pet stores, “pet for sale” ads or puppy farms, and enacting change at all levels of society.
Joe
A homeless man who becomes Toby’s first human friend
Full name: Joseph Anthony Staples
Personality: Kind, good-hearted, worried, sickly, dispirited and generous
Sad fact: Well over a half-million men, women and children in the United States have no home. About 61% of homeless people are men and boys, 40% are African-Americans and 20% are children. The average life expectancy of a homeless person is just 50 years. While homelessness had been declining in some U.S. states, the number of homeless deaths in many cities has doubled since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mom
Evan’s mother, affectionately known as Mrs. M.
Full name: Heather Rose Maxwell
Personality: Caring, patient, selfless, protective, responsible
Cool fact: The word for “mother” in almost every language starts with the letter “m” or is a variation of the “ma” sound. This is because “ma” is the first sound a baby can make.
Ray
Toby’s four-legged travel buddy who turns their road trip into an unpredictable adventure
Full name: Ray-Ray Barkley Hopkins
Personality: Loving, silly, affectionate, protective and just plain sweet!
Cool fact: Rat Terriers burst onto the scene in the 1800s as tiny, turbocharged pest-control machines, purpose-bred to rid farms of all things creepy and crawly. These fearless little dynamos tackled rats, moles, snakes and just about anything else threatening the homestead, livestock or crops. And get this: legend tells of one legendary Rat Terrier who went full superhero mode, taking down more than 2,500 rats in just seven hours. Talk about a rat race!
Zack
Evan’s best friend and Ray’s dog parent
Full name: Zachary Jaden Hopkins
Personality: Supportive, reliable, trustworthy, cheerful, adventurous
Cool fact: Scientific research shows that having good friends greatly reduces stress and improves well-being. When you see a close friend, your brain releases oxytocin, the “love hormone,” creating a feeling of happiness and connection. True friendship isn’t about how long you’ve known someone; it’s about those who step into your life, say, “I’m here for you” and consistently prove it.
Amber
A laid back cat who helps Toby and teaches him that dogs and cats can be friends
Full name: Amber
Personality: Carefree, confident, sociable, humorous, clever
Cool fact: The ancient Egyptians were the first to domesticate cats around 3000 BC. Cats were worshipped as magical creatures with mystical powers and seen as symbols of divine protection. When a beloved pet cat died, family members would shave off their eyebrows in mourning.
Maddy
An abandoned elderly Shorkie who, with Toby’s help, finds her way back to her loving home
Full name: Maddy
Personality: Gentle, uncertain, anxious, courageous, grateful
Sad fact: Some people abandon dogs as they age, often due to rising medical costs, reduced mobility, lifestyle changes such as moving to pet-restricted housing or an unwillingness to meet the extra care needs of a senior dog. This is both unethical and irresponsible pet ownership.
Kanika
The love of Toby’s life and the mother of three playful pups
Full name: Kanika, which means black in some African cultures and symbolizes beauty and strength
Personality: Gentle, intelligent, caring, protective, alert
Sad fact: Every year, more than 3 million dogs in the United States are surrendered, dumped or abandoned – like Kanika – at veterinarian offices, shelters or other facilities. Only about 2.2 million of these dogs find homes. Studies and shelter data reveal that black dogs are often overlooked for adoption, a phenomenon called “black dog syndrome,” likely due to stereotypes linking them to aggression or an unfriendly appearance.
Alexis
Evan’s girlfriend and a student of marine biology
Full name: Alexis Paige Beaumont
Personality: Bubbly, supportive, passionate, artistic, independent
Cool fact: Marine biologists are like detectives, unraveling the mysteries of natural systems. Oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface and are vital to human survival, providing food, natural resources, a stable atmosphere, transportation and endless enjoyment. Sustaining these essential ecosystems requires deep biological understanding. Marine biologists contribute to the knowledge needed to protect and responsibly use our oceans for future generations.
The brutal animal control officer who is Toby's arch-enemy
Full name: Thurman Cecil Snipe
Personality: Cruel, spiteful, intimidating, foul-smelling, macho and arrogant
Cool fact: Very few animal control offers are like Thurman. Most of these “animal cops” are dedicated to protecting public health and safety and promoting the general welfare of animals and the community. Some of them have even put their lives on the line when dealing with stray animals, injured wildlife or animal owners.
Coming soon
Toby’s Triplets: Fun, Mischief and Mayhem
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