27/08/2024
In memory of Toby❤️
The Doghorn of Polk Street is no more. Known throughout San Francisco’s Russian Hill neighborhood for his trademark bay, Toby the Basset Hound could be heard for blocks as he demanded stoplights to change faster during his multitude of daily walks.
Some compared his howl to the sound of the city’s foghorns, while others likened his bark to that of the Pier 39 sea lions. Tobias “Toby” Hinckle-Mittelstaedt was aged 16 ¾ years and was a lover of pillows and outstanding service from humans.
In his younger days, he outran his Chocolate Lab sister Nessie and led their flying zoomies and wrestling matches at home, the beach at Crissy Field, and many city parks. Despite standing only 14 inches tall, Toby was a highly-skilled burglar, stealing food off of tables, desks, and countertops four times his height to the marvel and outrage of his family.
Long before he lost his hearing, Toby pointedly ignored calls of “come,” “heel,” and “leave it” but delighted in applause and treats for his Paw shakes and rolls. He marched to his own drummer and suffered no fools. A lover, not a fighter, Toby got along well with every dog and human he met, always ready to share a meal, a playdate, or a nap.
He loved roast chicken, ear scratchies, being photographed, cuddles, naps, howling with fire engine sirens, tug of war, running, and meeting new friends. He detested riding in cars, going to the vet, swimming, being told what to do, and humans stopping to chat when he was on parade. He never understood humans’ fascination with babies, puppies, and holiday costumes though he tolerated them all with his trademark eyeroll.
Toby was a rescue who was said to have been found running, abandoned on a road in San Jose. He was adopted by San Francisco journalist Warren Hinckle and Linda Corso and their Corgi mix Delilah until Warren’s health failed and Toby came to live with Pia and her family. Toby was a pallbearer for Warren’s funeral in 2016.
Toby, Toebbers, Toblerone, Tobias, Toetoe, Mr. T, TT was predeceased by Warren Hinckle, Nessie, and Delilah and will be missed every day by his family, Pia Hinckle and Chris, Lucien, Fiona, & Simone Mittelstaedt, Linda Corso, Hilary Hinckle, Ava & Max Cane, Warren Hinckle IV; Freckles the cat; and many adoring friends, caregivers, dog walkers, groomers, and fans in the neighborhood and beyond. Hug your hounds.