PLYMOUTH, Minn. - The bond between man and dog can be traced back 15,000 years.
Shirley Krause and Toby's relationship only goes back 14 years but that's been plenty of time for the two to grow mutual love and respect for each other.
"when I pull out the foot stool to my recliner, that's where he sits and watches TV with me," Krause said Friday, sitting in her apartment in Plymouth.
The two are inseparable. They are never seen without each other. Krause says it's been that way ever since 14 years ago when she brought Toby home. Back then the toy poodle was a pound and four ounces.
The duo are practically glued to each other. So last Tuesday when residents at the apartment complex saw Toby sitting by himself near the front door, they immediately knew something was wrong.
Krause said she was out for a walk with Toby near the back of the apartments when she fell over and passed out. She said she came to in a few moments but couldn't get up. When she woke up, she also immediately searched for Toby.
Toby was gone, near the front door, trying grab the attention of anyone he could find.
"He went right to the front door and he knows where home is so he went to get help for me," Krause said. She explained she didn't have her cellphone on her and said people would not have found her without Toby's help.
"I owe my life to Toby. He saved his mama," Krause said.
It's good to know, when you're with four-legged creatures, you never have to walk alone.
"I love him with my whole heart, my mind and soul," Krause said.