Dog Team Profile

Toby & Boni!

Toby and Boni are one of SitStayRead’s beloved dog teams, helping young readers build confidence, comfort, and joy through reading.

Certified Good Boy

Meet Toby

Toby is a sweet, fluffy ball of love. He has been a volunteer for 2.5 years. Being with the kids makes a day brighter for Toby and Boni. They love seeing shy and fearful kids coming out of their shells. And those kids say really funny things. 

Blue animal paw prints of various sizes scattered on a plain white background, with the largest print on the left and smaller prints trailing to the right.
An older person sits on a stool indoors, smiling at a small white dog standing on hind legs and holding its leash.

Toby’s Adoption Story

Boni first met Toby in January of 2022, while she was volunteering at PAWS. When she was ready to adopt, she would walk and play with various dogs thinking they were 80-90% the right one but not perfect. But when Boni looked in Toby’s eyes, she thought “Ding!Ding!Ding! He is 110% the right one for me!”

Toby’s Personality

Like every SitStayRead reading dog, Toby has a personality all his own. From his favorite activities to his quirky dislikes, these little details are what make him such a memorable companion for the students he meets.

Red heart icon with a white paw print in the center, symbolizing love for animals or pets, on a light gray circular background.

Toby’s Favorite Things

Toby loves his home, his basket of toys, treats, routine, cuddling up close and following Boni around everywhere. 

Blue cross with a white paw print in the center, suggesting a veterinary or pet care symbol.

Toby’s Least Favorite Things

Toby doesn’t like going to the vet, getting bathed, groomed, brushed, or going in the car. 

Illustration of a hand reaching to pet a dog's head with a red heart above the dog, symbolizing affection or care for animals.

Toby’s Perfect Day

The perfect day would start with Toby waking up and seeing Dave, the building engineer at their home who loves Toby and gives him treats. Then Toby would go for a romp at his “Happy Place” in Lincoln Park, where he runs off-leash and smiles from ear to ear.

Cartoon illustration of a person with brown hair and a blue jacket sitting next to a gray dog wearing a red collar.

Toby’s Nicknames

Toby has several nicknames: Tobster, Toblerone, Toby Wan Kanobi are some of Boni’s favorites. 

An adult reads to two children sitting on a colorful classroom rug next to a small white therapy dog.
An older woman and a young girl sit on the floor. The girl reads a book aloud and smiles, while the woman, holding a stuffed dog, listens attentively.
An older person sits indoors, petting a white fluffy dog while a brown dog stands nearby. Shelves, papers, and art supplies are visible in the background.
An older woman and a man sit on the floor with two young children and a fluffy white dog, surrounded by children’s books in a well-lit room.

Meet Toby’s Human

How Boni Found SitStayRead

Boni started as a Book Buddy at SitStayRead about 3.5 years ago, just before adopting Toby. About 6 months later, Toby went through the certification process so he could join Boni at reading events. Now, Boni will alternate between a Book Buddy and a Dog Team, bringing Toby along with her sometimes, and sometimes letting him rest at home. 

Meet More SitStayRead Dog Teams

Every SitStayRead dog team brings a unique personality to the program, but they all share one important role: helping children feel more confident as readers.

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