Mike Cantu’s life took a beautiful turn when he welcomed Toli, a devoted and highly trained service dog, into his world. For over four years, Toli has not only been a dependable assistant but also a loyal friend and constant companion, brightening Cantu’s life in every way. Toli helps Cantu with essential tasks around the house, making daily routines more manageable and even joining him on countless outings. To celebrate Toli’s unwavering support, Cantu ensures each birthday is a joyful event, filled with affection and treats just for his beloved pup.
For Toli, being by Cantu’s side is not just a duty but a way of life. As a trained service dog, Toli assists Cantu with tasks that make his day-to-day routine easier. Whether it’s opening doors, picking up items from the floor, or switching lights on and off, Toli is always ready to lend a helping paw. But beyond his skills, Toli brings an unparalleled sense of companionship and joy, making every moment shared a treasured memory.
“He’s been with me every step of the way since I got him,” Cantu shared with The Dodo. “Toli helps with anything I need, from opening doors to picking up dropped items, and even turning lights on and off. He’s truly an incredible partner.”
Wanting to show his appreciation, Cantu began a tradition of treating Toli to a shopping spree on his birthday. Every year, he takes Toli to their favorite local pet store, where the pup gets to choose a new toy. For Toli, this isn’t just about getting a gift—it’s a chance to explore, sniff, and decide exactly what he wants, with the freedom to roam the toy aisles as he pleases.
When Toli’s fourth birthday arrived in April 2019, Cantu was determined to make it extra special. Toli has a particular taste in toys, favoring plush ones with ample fuzz and fluff to tear into. Knowing his dog’s preferences, Cantu let Toli roam the aisles, eagerly sniffing each toy in sight, from squeaky balls to crinkly chew toys. After thoroughly inspecting the options, Toli finally settled on the perfect choice: a soft, fluffy rabbit with large, inviting ears.
“This has kind of become a tradition on his birthday,” Cantu explained. “He loves taking naps with his toys, especially the soft and cuddly ones.”
With his new toy rabbit in tow—fondly named Chungus by Cantu—Toli’s birthday celebration continued with a cup of doggy ice cream. Watching Toli enjoy his treat was a joy for Cantu, who takes great pride in seeing his beloved companion happy and fulfilled. The pup eagerly licked his ice cream, savoring every bite as Cantu watched with a smile. For Cantu, each lick was a reminder of the happiness Toli had brought into his life and the countless ways he’d been there as a friend and helper.
To share Toli’s joyful shopping spree, Cantu posted a video of the adventure on Reddit, and the response was overwhelming. The video went viral, with viewers all over the internet captivated by Toli’s thoughtful selection process. One Reddit user even sent Toli an extra birthday gift, a gesture that touched Cantu deeply and added even more excitement to Toli’s special day. Of course, Toli loved his surprise present, adding yet another toy to his collection.
Cantu’s love for Toli isn’t limited to birthdays. On his Instagram, he regularly posts photos and videos capturing the duo’s adventures and Toli’s playful personality. In May 2019, Cantu shared a delightful clip of Toli’s “zoomies” as he raced around a grassy field. Freed from his work duties, Toli seemed to revel in the open space, his excitement and joy evident in every bound and leap.
Beyond their day-to-day routines, Cantu and Toli also enjoy exploring together. They’ve even visited landmarks like the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, where Toli took in the sights with his usual curiosity. In one memorable photo, Toli is seen posing with a skeptical expression beside a giant turtle display, as if he’s sizing up the prehistoric creature. Moments like these highlight Toli’s lively personality and the unique bond he shares with Cantu.
When Toli’s birthday comes around each year, Cantu never misses the chance to express his appreciation publicly. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he shared a sweet tribute to his loyal companion, writing, “Happy Birthday to my best friend. You’re always there for me, day or night, lifting my spirits no matter what. I can’t imagine my life without you.”
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For Cantu, Toli is more than just a service dog; he’s a best friend, a confidant, and a source of constant happiness. Through each day and every challenge, Toli has proven to be an invaluable part of Cantu’s life. Their annual birthday shopping spree isn’t just a celebration of Toli’s life but a testament to the unbreakable bond they share—a bond built on loyalty, love, and countless shared memories.
If you’re eager to see more of Toli’s adventures and heartwarming moments, check out Cantu’s Instagram. You’ll find everything from birthday celebrations to quiet cuddles and exciting explorations, capturing the beautiful friendship between a man and his best friend.
Toledo, United States.
