We patiently waited over a year and a half for our first Akita and our boy arrived at the perfect time in our lives, two months into Grant's diagnosis of cancer.  Appropriately named, Paradise's the Force of One (AKA Toby Bear), Toby forced us to laugh, smile and look towards the future in a time of great trial.  As a pup we took him so many different places for his socialization which included our local Radiation/Oncology Waiting Room, nursing homes, a fire station to hang out with the fire fighters, an elementary school and neighbors' homes.  Where ever we took him he always received numerous invitations to come back.  But it was his visit to the Radiation/Oncology Waiting Room that really touched our hearts.  

At just six months old, he marched into the waiting room.  It was there we saw the joy he brought to people in pain and despair.  Unruffled by wheel chairs and walking devices, Toby shared several kisses with the secretaries, inspected the room and then plopped down in the middle of the room to be petted. We continue to enjoy sharing Toby with family, friends and our local community.  He is a member of a Pet Visitation Team to nursing homes and memory centers where he is known as the team's "Gentle Giant". He is currently working towards his Companion Dog Title.  But most of all...he is our devoted companion.

Toby's mom "Jodi" has written a children's book called "Learning To Read With Toby The Akita".  Jodi uses this book to help her second grade class learn to read.  Toby is a true ambassador to our breed!