Gibbs 2010-2020

It was barely a year ago we had to say goodbye to Brody. This past weekend it was Gibby's time to leave us. After a 2 year battle with MAST Cell Cancer, he was no longer comfortable and we let him be at peace.

Gibbs (Gibby as we called him) joined our family in November of 2010. He was a stray picked up by the Franklin County Animal Shelter, and probably around 9 months of age. He was only "in the lock-up" a few days when I found him. He had just been neutered and had his dew claws removed. His first weeks were a bit bumpy with recovery, being underweight, and having mange - as one family member said "I wasn't sure he would make it". Well he made it, and he made it in a big way.

Once putting on some weight and feeling better, we started training. He excelled, and was actually out helping me and Brody by Spring. For many years both he and Brody would travel with me all day (in cooler seasons) as I provided service. Once I retired Brody in 2015, Gibbs was my sole worker. He loved to go out every day, waited patiently in the vehicle while I saw clients, helped with other dogs as needed, and never complained about anything. He actually worked with me until last Fall - 8 years in total.

As I look back on the life of each of our dogs, I always think about what trait I have most admired in each. For Gibby that was his ability to overcome many anxieties. Gibby was never mean, but he didn't really want to have much to do with strangers (people or pets). As part of his training we worked on agility, which he loved and helped build his early confidence. Over time he warmed up to our extended family, and new dogs that arrived in our home. I was always proud of his steady progress, and ability to keep improving. Even over the past 2 years with surgeries, Chemo, and routine Vet care (all of which he hated), he soldiered on. He was a tough little guy.

Gibby was a profound blessing in our lives. I know we gave him a great life, but pray he is in an even better place now - hopefully with his old buddy Brody. Gibby was always a quiet dog, except for excited yipping and whining as we headed out on our daily, morning walks. That "joyful screeching" was absent today. It's so hard to let go...