'A true legend of a dog': Kildare families mourn loss of Toby

Locals have expressed their sadness following the sad death of a unique dog.

Toby the dog was known to many in the Glenbarrow area in Co Laois - which was popular with Kildare families.

Toby having tagged along on hikes and joined in on picnics for almost two decades.

Local man Jack Friel posted a touching tribute to Toby on The Falls at Glenbarrow Facebook page, which has garnered almost 1,000 likes.

Pictured: Toby the dog

"He may have walked with you and your kids, made friends with your dog, he also wouldn’t see you stuck if you needed help finishing your picnic.

"He may have even camped with you or stayed by your side walking the Slieve Bloom Way, if you shared a sausage with him he wouldn’t let you out of his sight!" he shared.

"He had a great life and always had a wag of his tail for a new arrival in the car park. He was our neighbours dog but everyone had their Toby story. A true legend of a dog!!.

"He will be sadly missed by all who met him! Rest easy Toby," Mr Friel finished.

Hundreds of comments were left beneath the post, each sharing their own touching memory of Toby the dog.

Pictured: Toby was known to those far and wide who have been to Glenbarrow

From Laois and further afield, hundreds of people reminisced on the company Toby provided them with, both on their walks and during their meals afterwards.

"Toby was the king of mountain, great walking buddy," one user wrote.

"I remember being stuck behind him as he headed down to the cafe one morning, me and about 10 cars and he set the pace, 2 miles per hour ! He was a lovely part of the furniture up there and loved by all," someone commented.

"The most gentle, loveliest dog ever! He will be missed so much by everyone that passes," another person said.

"Rest easy Toby. He met me and my sister on our hike on the way down, we thought he was lost but then realised he knew the track better than us. We will miss him," someone wrote.

Toby's comfort will be sadly missed by many.