Tobey Healey and Jennifer Fialka
Recorded
August 18, 2025
39:11 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id:
mbb000671
Description
Wren Fialka (56) speaks with her friend and client Toby Healey (53) about his life and his dog Smokey. Wren Fialka is an advocate for unhoused citizens in her community in Wyoming.Subject Log / Time Code
Wren Fialka mentions that Toby Healey has so many stories and starts with how they met.
Toby recalls when he and and his dog Smokey were hiking throughout the US and returned to Wilson, Wyoming. While he was in a store, someone stole his pack along with his identification, money, and a gun. He had to call the sheriff's office due to the gun being stolen.
Wren speaks about their colleague, Jersey Jenny, who connected them.
Wren recalls how her organization "Spreading The Love Commission" was able to provide Toby with a new pack, a tent, and more. Toby shares that he regained his faith in humanity after meeting Wren.
Wren speaks about Toby's dog Smokey, who has a human face whose eyes look like he is wearing eye liner.
Toby explains that he had decided to end it all and commit suicide. His plan was to "blow his head off."
Toby shares that he had thought about it and he was looking at his gun when he heard an awful howl. He walked behind a porta-potty where he saw this puppy tied up. Smokey was about 5lbs. Toby says that coyotes were surrounding Smokey. He shot three coyotes and rescued Smokey. He reflects that Smokey saved his life and he then saved Smokey's life in turn.
Toby explains that went to the military after getting in trouble. He was offered the choice of joining the military or going to jail. Toby joined the armed services when he was 17.
Toby speaks about his travels and mentions that people didn't start thanking service members until after 9/11.
Toby says joining the military saved his life. He wishes that more young people in trouble were given this choice.
Wren speaks about Toby writing poetry. Toby speaks about his friend Percy Collier and a poem he wrote, "The Ballad of Three Finger Joe." Toby recites a poem.
Wren asks Toby what he values most in life. Toby says his dog, Smokey. He shares that Smokey only barks at shady people.
Participants
- Tobey Healey
- Jennifer Fialka