Tim McLean is a semi-retired writer and editor living in Oro Valley and the owner of two Scottish terriers.

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As a volunteer walker at the Pima Animal Care Center, I regularly see scores of abandoned and/or neglected animals. Some are adopted; the destiny of many more is euthanasia. You want to save them all, of course, but one 3-month-old mix got to me.

Dumped one night in the center's parking lot, "Toby" shared a kennel with three other pups of varying ages. He was sweet-natured, affectionate and irresistibly winsome, with warm, intelligent eyes. We bonded on the spot. Despite having two Scottish terriers at home, I decided to "foster" Toby. But who was I kidding? This pup was special, a keeper.

At home, Toby seemingly could do no wrong. Shyly playful, he got along beautifully with the Scots, being appropriately deferential with Holly, the alpha female. A little gentleman, he walked beautifully on a leash, most likely for the first time. He relieved himself only in the backyard. What could be wrong with this picture?

The next day, the other shoe dropped. Toby became lethargic, declining food and then even water. Ashley, a veterinary technician, and Signe — both dedicated volunteers at the Pima Animal Care Center — came to the house that evening. Toby tested positive for parvo, the deadly and fast-moving canine viral disease that thrives in Tucson's warm climate. He was failing fast; at one point his temperature spiked at 107 degrees.

Despite an IV drip to stave off dehydration and my all-night vigil of temperature-taking, ice baths and more fluids, at 5 a.m. the next day I found Toby unresponsive, lying in a pool of his own liquid excrement and drooling. His temperature was only 98.2; at that point, he was probably suffering from shock and organ failure.

Toby died on the way to the emergency animal hospital. He probably never received puppy shots and was infected when he was abandoned at the shelter. His normal 50-50 chances for survival with parvo were no doubt diminished by the vaccination routinely given to incoming dogs. The vaccine can cause an existing parvo infection to flare into full-blown disease. He had also received de-worming medication — another assault on his compromised system.

This castaway deserved better. But so do all the Tobys out there, and they are legion.

To limit new generations of unwanted pups, do neuter your dogs, and do make sure they're vaccinated against highly contagious and deadly canine diseases such as parvo and distemper.

Don't get a pet on a whim or for all the other wrong reasons, such as a child's Christmas or birthday present — a living toy to amuse a toddler too young to share in the animal's care.

Don't get a pet if you're not committed to the ongoing responsibilities that come with it. You would not believe the number of people who dump hapless animals merely because they're moving and it's inconvenient to take them along.

Don't get a dog for "security," relegating it to a lonely backyard existence. Dogs are sentient, sensitive creatures needing regular exercise and social interaction. Do report observed cruelty, neglect or abandonment.

And if you care about unwanted or neglected animals, do think about volunteering at a local shelter. As the recently reported budget and staffing constraints at the Pima Animal Care Center suggest, the need is greater than ever.

So long, Toby. You were a little gem, and you're missed. On your way out, I hope you knew you'd found a home where you were loved and cared for, however briefly.