Posted February 17, 1999

It was devastating to get the word that precious Gabbie had made such an untimely entrance to Rainbow Bridge. She was only four years old, full of life and promise, and she had survived so much hardship in the past. It simply isn't fair, especially to a family who adopted her after the tragic death of another beloved pet.

I'll never understand why such senseless things have to happen, why good people and animals are made to suffer, especially when they finally seem to catch a break.  But the worst happened in this case; it is the fear of every person who has ever loved and lost. They don't want to love and lose again. Gabbie's tragedy is proof positive that in life there are no guarantees, that people who what to adopt younger dogs are not always granted a lifetime with them. 

Gabbie certainly made a big difference in her short time on this earth. I wish I could say that about more of the people I have come to know. I am heartsick over her death, and along with my deepest sympathies to Gabbie's family, I offer this memorial to a very special little girl. I think her mother should tell her story. Please read on.

In Memory of Gabrielle Angelica
"Gabbie"

I first came to know Gabbie as "Ginger" on the Emergency section of the Cocker Spaniel Adoption Center. I was browsing on the Net, looking for Cocker Spaniel breeders and came across this web site. I was in mourning at the time over our family dog, Lizzy. In July of 1997, we had to put her down due to an illness. I always referred to her as "my first born."

Ginger, as she was called, was left abandoned with her four puppies in 100 degree weather for a whole week before anyone took any action on her behalf. She was able to care for her puppies and herself, in spite of her situation. I was so taken by her because I thought she really had to be a special dog to survive this fate, let alone maker sure her puppies were cared for. We ended up adopting Ginger and flew her from the Maryland shelter to O'Hare airport in Chicago. My children had no idea that there was anything on the plane for them, let alone a dog. She became a member of our family on August 15, 1997.

We renamed Ginger Gabrielle Angelica and called her "Gabbie." I felt that for all she had been through, she had her own special Guardian Angel looking out for her and her pups.  Gabbie turned out to be that special angel to us. She immediately took to our family, as we did to her. She was trained and behaved well. In return, she only wanted to play ball continuously, follow me around constantly, and have unlimited opportunities for love and affection. Everyone who came in contact with Gabbie was awed by her loving disposition. She was always referred to as the "sweet dog" that everyone couldn't resist coming up and petting. 

Gabbie went everywhere with us. Whatever my children did, Gabbie did. I always referred to her as "my fourth child." I thought I had found the perfect dog and that she would be with us for at least ten years. Little did I know that our time with her would be so short. We would have her only one year and a half.

Gabbie was in good health the whole time. She was always happy and playful up until the first of this year. We had gotten new carpeting, and we thought her vomiting and diarrhea were due to her licking the carpet. When we saw that this was not subsiding, we took her to the vet. He thought she had a virus in her intestines and put her on antibiotics. She wasn't getting any better, though. She was eating less and less, and she was no longer playful.We took her back to the vet several times -- with no improvement. 

After three weeks of going to three different vets and many tests, we were told that Gabbie might have intestinal cancer. They noticed that her intestines were swollen and that she had fluid in her abdomen.We were referred to a vet to have an ultrasound done, and he recommended having a biopsy done, along with another test. Gabbie had the tests done, but because of her condition, she couldn't handle it. Her poor little body gave out the next morning.

We were told that her type of cancer was very aggressive, and even with chemo, her prognosis was poor. I never realized how ill Gabbie had become in such a short period of time. It all happened so fast. 

Gabbie died at home. When I found her, I could only hold her, hug her and sob, as my family sobbed with me. We didn't lose a dog. We lost a beloved family member. 

Gabbie holds a special place in our hearts and our memories.  It will take me some time to heal from her death.  I loved her dearly and always will. Now she has become that "Guardian Angel," and she will be able to watch over our family and also play with her sister, Lizzy. 

Gabbie, you were only four years old. It became your time far too soon. We will always love you and hold you dear in our hearts. 

Gabrielle Angelica
"Gabbie"
February 11, 1999