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Toby
Paul Ford is a man on the road, seeking to put distance and time between himself and events that turned his life inside out – and not for the better. Toby is a big dog, lost and far from home. A chance encounter brings them together and sends them on a journey to reunite the dog with his family, a trip that just might help Paul find his own way home as well. But this will be no ordinary road trip, and when it’s done, Paul’s life will never be the same.
155 pages, Hardcover
Published December 4, 2021
878 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Watson
20 books30 followersI am a writer living in the Sonoran Desert of the American Southwest, to which I relocated from my childhood home in Illinois. I have a B.S. in plant biology from the University of Arizona, and have in the past worked as a laboratory technician for that institution. Most recently I worked for Steward Observatory, as an inventory coordinator. Among other things, I am also a student of history, natural history, astronomy, and backyard horticulture.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
November 24, 2024
This is such a sweet, feel-good story! It was so realistic that I kept having to remind myself it was fiction. I loved reading about Toby and Paul's adventure. I have a pittie and I saw so much of her personality in Toby's description. Toby is a book that made me feel as though there is hope for mankind ... as long as he or she has a dog like Toby at their back!! ❤️️
May 25, 2021
This is a sweet dog lovers story which I enjoyed. Wanted to give the book four stars, but the writing was a little flat and the author could have easily added tension in different areas that would have made the book better. I also found one or two of the scenes unrealistic. The author did have me pulling for Toby and Paul as it became clear the rescuer was actually going to be rescued himself. I would read something else by this author.
October 14, 2021
If you're looking for something that is a morning's or afternoon's read, that is certain to give pleasure and bring a smile, and you love dogs, this short book may fill the bill. I started it before dawn this morning and finished as I drank my last cup of breakfast coffee on my patio listening to my birds. Toby is a great dog from first page to last, AND he doesn't get sick or die. It's not great literature; the story is sort of predictable, and the humans are not terribly complicated. But I felt good after reading it. The 5 stars are all for Toby.
June 28, 2021
A sheer delight to read.
A thoroughly well told tale of an awesome and unexpected friendship between a man and a dog.
Such a heartwarming story, I loved every minute of it. This story, though fictional, had some really good insights into dog behavior. The adventures of Paul and Toby were quite entertaining, the bear story in particular.
Its clear the author did his research and understood not only dog behavior, but also the foibles of well-meaning humans who sometimes get it both right and wrong. There was some subtle advice interwoven in the story about handling a large breed dog, and that I appreciated very well, having been a large breed owner myself.
The descriptions of a tornado were extremely accurate, and I thought the story moved along at a very good pace with friendships made along their journey.
Truly enjoyable with a very satisfying ending. I was pleased to see the bad guys get their come-uppance.
I really appreciated the other reviewers who shared enough of the story that I knew it had the kind of ending I would like.
I definitely would recommend this book and give it a full five stars.
A thoroughly well told tale of an awesome and unexpected friendship between a man and a dog.
Such a heartwarming story, I loved every minute of it. This story, though fictional, had some really good insights into dog behavior. The adventures of Paul and Toby were quite entertaining, the bear story in particular.
Its clear the author did his research and understood not only dog behavior, but also the foibles of well-meaning humans who sometimes get it both right and wrong. There was some subtle advice interwoven in the story about handling a large breed dog, and that I appreciated very well, having been a large breed owner myself.
The descriptions of a tornado were extremely accurate, and I thought the story moved along at a very good pace with friendships made along their journey.
Truly enjoyable with a very satisfying ending. I was pleased to see the bad guys get their come-uppance.
I really appreciated the other reviewers who shared enough of the story that I knew it had the kind of ending I would like.
I definitely would recommend this book and give it a full five stars.
November 12, 2020
This is a nice little book. Nice as in easyto read and a decent written format. I like tht he preaches a bit about dog fighting and dogs that you give up can end up as "bate"to teach fighting . The descriptions of the country and the trip were well done. Good ending. (Dogs are NOT allowed to die in "My" books! ;<). Worth a read if you like this type of book.
March 1, 2022
Not what I thought it would be but still an interesting book about a lost dog.
May 12, 2022
A feel good lost dog story
Paul is a man who's life has blown up so, sad and lonely but financially secure, he hits the road for an extended driving/camping excursion. Toby is a frightened and starved dog lost by his family on a camping trip months earlier. Their paths cross and the resulting story is one of the best I've ever read.
Paul is a man who's life has blown up so, sad and lonely but financially secure, he hits the road for an extended driving/camping excursion. Toby is a frightened and starved dog lost by his family on a camping trip months earlier. Their paths cross and the resulting story is one of the best I've ever read.
March 21, 2024
Animal stories can hardly miss, and this is also the case with Toby’s story. This dog hero didn’t fail to warm my heart, so his story was a pleasurable read I enjoyed traveling through.
March 4, 2021
Really enjoyed this book. It's a quick, easy read, but still profoundly moving in many ways. And with a most endearing main character, Toby the lost dog. Dog lovers will easily recognize so much about Toby and the bonds he shares with his humans. If you have a pooch, it's definitely a "must read."
April 19, 2024
Too much bad language
This is good story, but the bad language is a spoiler.
I wish authors would use all words that don't offend.
This is good story, but the bad language is a spoiler.
I wish authors would use all words that don't offend.
November 16, 2022
🖊 My review: This is a pleasant novel to read. The plot is plausible and the writing is choherent.
🔥 Dénouement: Easy.
🔻 Genre: Dog fiction.
✔️ Published in 2020.
💠 Setting: United States.
👁 Point of view: Third person.
🖋 The writing style: Coherent and clean.
🗝 What I learned: A new story entered my wheelhouse.
💫 What I like best: It is a nice dog story.
📌 Would I read this again? No, once is enough for me.
🤔 My rating 🌟🌟🌟
◼️ Fun fact: The book cover is attractive.
🏮 Media form: Kindle Unlimited version.
🔲 Excerpts :
🔥 Dénouement: Easy.
🔻 Genre: Dog fiction.
✔️ Published in 2020.
💠 Setting: United States.
👁 Point of view: Third person.
🖋 The writing style: Coherent and clean.
🗝 What I learned: A new story entered my wheelhouse.
💫 What I like best: It is a nice dog story.
📌 Would I read this again? No, once is enough for me.
🤔 My rating 🌟🌟🌟
◼️ Fun fact: The book cover is attractive.
🏮 Media form: Kindle Unlimited version.
🔲 Excerpts :
🔸 One of my neighbors played his guitar each evening; didn’t mind it a bit, as the lad was quite good.
🔸 Elaine noticed this and crouched beside Toby, one arm around him. “It’s okay, boy. You’re home, and now Paul has to go home too.” Toby uttered a low “ah-rooo,” that sounded more like a moan, and whined. I gave him one last pat on the head, got into the SUV and backed out of the driveway. The Vernons were shouting and waving. Toby stood there watching, a picture of woe.
January 25, 2020
A Feel-Good Adventure
Thomas Watson breaks from his usual genre and style in this book, and it works wonderfully. Part Hero's journey, part home-spun travelogue, the reader finds themself rooting for an unlikely pair of heroes as they travel across the country. The text introduces us to Paul Ford, a man in search of meaning after a bitter divorce. When he rescues a lost pit-bull (or is rescued by him), he resolves to return the dog to its family. Adventure ensues, as they face criminals, harsh weather, and the glaring eye of unwanted notoriety. This book reminded me of Mark Wallington's Boogie Up the River with its leisurely pace and travelogue style.Likewise, the story is defined most by the titular character, Toby, just as Boogie defines Wallington's work. It almost seems that both authors convey that we are defined almost as much by the animals which grace our lives, as how we choose to live. This is a fine book for all ages, and will leave you with a smile. Buy it. I did.
Thomas Watson breaks from his usual genre and style in this book, and it works wonderfully. Part Hero's journey, part home-spun travelogue, the reader finds themself rooting for an unlikely pair of heroes as they travel across the country. The text introduces us to Paul Ford, a man in search of meaning after a bitter divorce. When he rescues a lost pit-bull (or is rescued by him), he resolves to return the dog to its family. Adventure ensues, as they face criminals, harsh weather, and the glaring eye of unwanted notoriety. This book reminded me of Mark Wallington's Boogie Up the River with its leisurely pace and travelogue style.Likewise, the story is defined most by the titular character, Toby, just as Boogie defines Wallington's work. It almost seems that both authors convey that we are defined almost as much by the animals which grace our lives, as how we choose to live. This is a fine book for all ages, and will leave you with a smile. Buy it. I did.
March 23, 2021
This is a feel good book and one I looked forward to reading each night before bed. The dog does not die!
Paul and Toby meet by chance. It is discovered that Toby was separated with his family so Paul volunteers to transport Toby several states over. Along the way, the two experience several exciting/scary events. The dog does not die!
Even though this is a feel good book, there is still plenty of action and adventure. I especially enjoyed the section where Toby and Paul stop over in Amarillo at a dog friendly hotel. We've been through Amarillo several times with our dogs so one motel in particular came to my mind. In the book, a tornado blows through Amarillo during their stay....ironically enough, a tornado tore up an RV park in Canyon (near Amarillo) at the same time I was reading that section of the book.
This book is suitable for any age. I really enjoyed it and recommend it highly. Dog lovers will really enjoy this book.
Paul and Toby meet by chance. It is discovered that Toby was separated with his family so Paul volunteers to transport Toby several states over. Along the way, the two experience several exciting/scary events. The dog does not die!
Even though this is a feel good book, there is still plenty of action and adventure. I especially enjoyed the section where Toby and Paul stop over in Amarillo at a dog friendly hotel. We've been through Amarillo several times with our dogs so one motel in particular came to my mind. In the book, a tornado blows through Amarillo during their stay....ironically enough, a tornado tore up an RV park in Canyon (near Amarillo) at the same time I was reading that section of the book.
This book is suitable for any age. I really enjoyed it and recommend it highly. Dog lovers will really enjoy this book.
November 24, 2020
This book is a dog lover’s dream book. It is a most heartwarming dog story. Paul Ford is the character in the book. He is camping in a New Mexico campground and befriends a stray dog that the forest ranger and camp host couldn’t catch. Paul finds out the dog was lost by a heartbroken family from Illinois who had to return home w/o their beloved pet. The local Veterinarian contacted the family and Paul agreed to take the dog named Toby home to Illinois. The family started a blog in hopes of finding their lost pet. Paul continues to write the blog in telling about his adventures with Toby. And adventures they were.The author has a great way and easy story telling way of relaying their adventures from New Mexico to Illinois. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and almost finished it in one sitting.
April 4, 2022
At just 188 pages, the book ended much too quickly, but satisfyingly.
Paul, the protagonist, after his ex-wife is jailed for embezzlement from his SF tech company, no less, sells his shares of the business to his employees and hits the road. Ostensibly. to discover himself, or rather, redirect himself.. he ends up at a campground in New Mexico.
He's certain he's being watched by a bear .. or worse, and comes to learn it's a dog. Skittish and scared, and, of course, hungry.
The dog's story; disappearing from his family's campsite under suspicious circumstances, months prior. Paul learns his name is Toby, and begins to just talk to him when he was near. Eventually, he gains his trust.
Paul offers to undertake the responsibility of taking Toby 'home' to Illinois.
A bittersweet 'buddy' book, Paul and Toby are unlikely, but perfect, road trip partners.
Paul, the protagonist, after his ex-wife is jailed for embezzlement from his SF tech company, no less, sells his shares of the business to his employees and hits the road. Ostensibly. to discover himself, or rather, redirect himself.. he ends up at a campground in New Mexico.
He's certain he's being watched by a bear .. or worse, and comes to learn it's a dog. Skittish and scared, and, of course, hungry.
The dog's story; disappearing from his family's campsite under suspicious circumstances, months prior. Paul learns his name is Toby, and begins to just talk to him when he was near. Eventually, he gains his trust.
Paul offers to undertake the responsibility of taking Toby 'home' to Illinois.
A bittersweet 'buddy' book, Paul and Toby are unlikely, but perfect, road trip partners.
June 17, 2024
4th-6th
Fiction
Paul's life had taken an unexpected turn, leaving him sad and lonely but financially secure. In search of solace and a new purpose, he decided to hit the road for an extended driving and camping.
The story is a reminder of the impact that a simple act of kindness can have on both the giver and the receiver. It shows how, even in our darkest moments, we can find light and hope through the connections we make with others, human or animal.
Paul and Toby's journey is a testament to the idea that sometimes, when we are lost, we find ourselves in the most unexpected places and with the most unexpected companions. Their story is a heartwarming tale of redemption, illustrating that healing often comes from opening our hearts to others and allowing their presence to transform our lives.
THIS HAS TO BE ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I HAVE READ IN A LONG TIME!!!!!
Fiction
Paul's life had taken an unexpected turn, leaving him sad and lonely but financially secure. In search of solace and a new purpose, he decided to hit the road for an extended driving and camping.
The story is a reminder of the impact that a simple act of kindness can have on both the giver and the receiver. It shows how, even in our darkest moments, we can find light and hope through the connections we make with others, human or animal.
Paul and Toby's journey is a testament to the idea that sometimes, when we are lost, we find ourselves in the most unexpected places and with the most unexpected companions. Their story is a heartwarming tale of redemption, illustrating that healing often comes from opening our hearts to others and allowing their presence to transform our lives.
THIS HAS TO BE ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I HAVE READ IN A LONG TIME!!!!!
November 5, 2021
I love dogs
Which is why I hated this story. There are so many breeds to choose from, and he opted to write a pitiful story about a pitbull. They have killed and maimed so many people and other people's precious pets. Farmers hate them because they attack and kill their livestock. They're good until they're not. Any day of the week, do an internet search of "pitbull attacks" or pitbull kills" and you'll come up with multiple search results from newspapers all over. If you think it's the way they're raised, tell that to the owners who gave their pits a loving home, obedience lessons, and socialization, and suddenly they attacked someone out of nowhere. Yes, I personally know people it's happened too. Too bad he couldn't have written about a lab or a golden retriever...
Which is why I hated this story. There are so many breeds to choose from, and he opted to write a pitiful story about a pitbull. They have killed and maimed so many people and other people's precious pets. Farmers hate them because they attack and kill their livestock. They're good until they're not. Any day of the week, do an internet search of "pitbull attacks" or pitbull kills" and you'll come up with multiple search results from newspapers all over. If you think it's the way they're raised, tell that to the owners who gave their pits a loving home, obedience lessons, and socialization, and suddenly they attacked someone out of nowhere. Yes, I personally know people it's happened too. Too bad he couldn't have written about a lab or a golden retriever...
October 8, 2023
A heartwarming story of a lost dog and the man who takes him home. Five perfect stars!
I'm a cat lover who's never been completely comfortable around dogs, but I took a chance on this book and I'm glad I did. This beautifully written story grabbed me on page one and didn't let go until I finished it two hours later. The narrative seemed so real that I actually checked to make sure it was fiction and not a true story.
Kudos to the author for a story that silently conveys an important lesson: like all animals, dogs should be judged on the basis of their behavior, and not on their breeding or physical features. With proper training, dogs--including pit bulls--are not inherently dangerous.
I'm a cat lover who's never been completely comfortable around dogs, but I took a chance on this book and I'm glad I did. This beautifully written story grabbed me on page one and didn't let go until I finished it two hours later. The narrative seemed so real that I actually checked to make sure it was fiction and not a true story.
Kudos to the author for a story that silently conveys an important lesson: like all animals, dogs should be judged on the basis of their behavior, and not on their breeding or physical features. With proper training, dogs--including pit bulls--are not inherently dangerous.
June 21, 2021
Love, Rescuing, and Neighbors
Most if the characters in this story get rescued in some way. And many of them are also the rescuer. But most especially Toby. A wonderful underlying message is that good can overcome evil because of loving people and a loving dig.
In the New Testament, Christ is asked “Who is my neighbor?” And the answer is: whoever you interact with. In this case, it’s even people you “meet” on a blog.
Thank you, Toby, for bringing everyone together.
Heart-warming!
I did not give it a 5 because I personally have a problem with cursing and using the Lord’s name in vain.
I am curious about later stories of fostering, both two-legged and four-legged.
Most if the characters in this story get rescued in some way. And many of them are also the rescuer. But most especially Toby. A wonderful underlying message is that good can overcome evil because of loving people and a loving dig.
In the New Testament, Christ is asked “Who is my neighbor?” And the answer is: whoever you interact with. In this case, it’s even people you “meet” on a blog.
Thank you, Toby, for bringing everyone together.
Heart-warming!
I did not give it a 5 because I personally have a problem with cursing and using the Lord’s name in vain.
I am curious about later stories of fostering, both two-legged and four-legged.
January 16, 2022
A Happy & Fast Read
I loved the story and I enjoyed the main characters. I like that the story was set in such a way that the main character was telling his back story. I would have liked more. I would’ve loved hearing the family’s story of losing Toby, and the story of Sam’s history - somehow all linked together.
One troubling part for me was in the writing style. This author used a LOT of passive sentences and it actually distracted me from an otherwise sweet and enjoyable story. I will read his work again to see if that was a one-time thing or if it is a habit. If you’re a grammar or writing purist, you may also find this distracting. Otherwise, enjoy!
I loved the story and I enjoyed the main characters. I like that the story was set in such a way that the main character was telling his back story. I would have liked more. I would’ve loved hearing the family’s story of losing Toby, and the story of Sam’s history - somehow all linked together.
One troubling part for me was in the writing style. This author used a LOT of passive sentences and it actually distracted me from an otherwise sweet and enjoyable story. I will read his work again to see if that was a one-time thing or if it is a habit. If you’re a grammar or writing purist, you may also find this distracting. Otherwise, enjoy!
January 21, 2022
A story well told
The author chose a Pit Bull mix for his dog protagonist and I was glad for it since the breed is often maligned by the press and people who have never had experience with that type of dog. So many unfairly languish in shelters or are euthanized due to public distrust when they are smart and loving animals when given a chance and proper care and training. The book reads fast and easily, too. The road-trip plot worked for me and I’m a sucker for a happy rescue ending.
The author chose a Pit Bull mix for his dog protagonist and I was glad for it since the breed is often maligned by the press and people who have never had experience with that type of dog. So many unfairly languish in shelters or are euthanized due to public distrust when they are smart and loving animals when given a chance and proper care and training. The book reads fast and easily, too. The road-trip plot worked for me and I’m a sucker for a happy rescue ending.
June 15, 2022
I rarely read books in which a dog plays a starring role. We have rescued sick and unwanted dogs for almost 50 years so I am well aware of how horribly too many of them are treated. (At the moment, there is a 17-year-old dog sleeping at my feet who was feral for more than half of his sweet life.) That said, this book is life-affirming for both Toby and his human rescuer. I did shed a few tears, as expected, but my heart wasn't ripped from my chest. If you are a dog-lover, this is a good one and it just might encourage you to take a look at your closest shelter.
December 11, 2022
A book all dog lovers will understand
Thomas Watson wrote such a moving tale. Soon after my husbands death, I rescued a beautiful golden setter mix who was scheduled to be euthanized. Unlike Toby, my dog had been terribly abused: shot in leg, branded, heart worms. She was skittish but soon we filled each others life with trust , companionship, love and humor. We became best friends.
If you’ve ever loved a dog, saved a dog, had a dog save you, read this book. You will laugh, sigh, shed a tear, and smile with one of those special memories of your Toby
Thomas Watson wrote such a moving tale. Soon after my husbands death, I rescued a beautiful golden setter mix who was scheduled to be euthanized. Unlike Toby, my dog had been terribly abused: shot in leg, branded, heart worms. She was skittish but soon we filled each others life with trust , companionship, love and humor. We became best friends.
If you’ve ever loved a dog, saved a dog, had a dog save you, read this book. You will laugh, sigh, shed a tear, and smile with one of those special memories of your Toby
January 4, 2023
Paul is trying to escape life for a while by going on a sabbatical camping trip. Have you ever heard the saying, "You make your plans and then you hear God laughing?" This is one of those times.
While on his camping trip, he is unwittingly chosen to befriend a stray dog that has been roaming around the campsites. Little did Paul know that this chance meeting would alter his path in the most unexpected way.
Sometimes doing the right thing can have a ripple effect that changes the lives of people you've never met.
While on his camping trip, he is unwittingly chosen to befriend a stray dog that has been roaming around the campsites. Little did Paul know that this chance meeting would alter his path in the most unexpected way.
Sometimes doing the right thing can have a ripple effect that changes the lives of people you've never met.
May 25, 2020
A Dog's Journey Back Home
This is an excellent story of a lost dog named Toby, who bonded with the stranger who found him. The stranger contacted the dog's owners and proceeded to drive the dog across the country to return him to them. During the return trip, Toby and the stranger encountered some mishaps and exciting adventures. This is an unputdownable book that holds the reader's interest clear to the end.
This is an excellent story of a lost dog named Toby, who bonded with the stranger who found him. The stranger contacted the dog's owners and proceeded to drive the dog across the country to return him to them. During the return trip, Toby and the stranger encountered some mishaps and exciting adventures. This is an unputdownable book that holds the reader's interest clear to the end.
May 24, 2021
It will touch your heart!
This is such a sweet story about a lost dog and an unsuspecting man who developed a love and friendship for each other when they both needed a friend. The dogs owners were found and the race was on to get him back to his family. Needless to say the man found he needed a four legged permanent friend after the dog's return to his original owners. The story ended on a very happy note for all.
This is such a sweet story about a lost dog and an unsuspecting man who developed a love and friendship for each other when they both needed a friend. The dogs owners were found and the race was on to get him back to his family. Needless to say the man found he needed a four legged permanent friend after the dog's return to his original owners. The story ended on a very happy note for all.
September 12, 2021
I'm a sucker for animals!
Every time I read a story about an animal, I determine that I want to get one. I'm great with other people's dogs. No so much with my own. Or rather, my youngest son's dog.
This is a story that will give you hope and restore your faith in the human race. Yes, there are some parts that are scary and sickening. But this story is, overall, a real winner. I blew through it in two evenings, I just had to know Toby's fate. HEA doesn't get much better than this!
Every time I read a story about an animal, I determine that I want to get one. I'm great with other people's dogs. No so much with my own. Or rather, my youngest son's dog.
This is a story that will give you hope and restore your faith in the human race. Yes, there are some parts that are scary and sickening. But this story is, overall, a real winner. I blew through it in two evenings, I just had to know Toby's fate. HEA doesn't get much better than this!
November 18, 2021
Toby and Moe are lucky blessed fur babies!
I am in love and since losing my Tucker (14 yr old cat),Barbie and Goldie (16 /17) all within 2 yrs of each other. I may be finally ready to find my new children. Barbie and Goldie were sister Labs and more hooooman than pups. Such a loss and reading this lovely novel of Toby brought back so many memories of these three siblings and the joy they brought to our home. Thank you Mr Watson- well done!
I am in love and since losing my Tucker (14 yr old cat),Barbie and Goldie (16 /17) all within 2 yrs of each other. I may be finally ready to find my new children. Barbie and Goldie were sister Labs and more hooooman than pups. Such a loss and reading this lovely novel of Toby brought back so many memories of these three siblings and the joy they brought to our home. Thank you Mr Watson- well done!
March 26, 2022
A well told story and a heartwarming read!
I had this book in my Kindle Library for months before I read it.
Now wished I would have gotten to it sooner.
Its in an intriguing format as a story interspersed within a story;I was immediately drawn in and read it in an evening.
Anyone who loves animals will enjoy it !
Ticks all the boxes for a good read : adventure, very likeable protagonist s ( human and animal) and doesn't lag.
It left me smiling.
I had this book in my Kindle Library for months before I read it.
Now wished I would have gotten to it sooner.
Its in an intriguing format as a story interspersed within a story;I was immediately drawn in and read it in an evening.
Anyone who loves animals will enjoy it !
Ticks all the boxes for a good read : adventure, very likeable protagonist s ( human and animal) and doesn't lag.
It left me smiling.
August 11, 2022
You will fall in love with Toby
I read this whole book in one day! There wasn't any place I wanted to stop! I fell for Toby the minute he appeared! Kept on reading with my.two dogs laying beside me! The book isn't long, but I could have read another five chapters and still want more. Everyone who meets Toby loves him! I dare you to escape the pull he will have on your heart strings! Good boy Toby!
I read this whole book in one day! There wasn't any place I wanted to stop! I fell for Toby the minute he appeared! Kept on reading with my.two dogs laying beside me! The book isn't long, but I could have read another five chapters and still want more. Everyone who meets Toby loves him! I dare you to escape the pull he will have on your heart strings! Good boy Toby!
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