Mr. Gable

Mr. Gable:

For all of the kisses, the hugs, the conversations, the quite times together, we thank you. For your patience, your trust, and your love of adventure we are altered in the best ways possible. You were a constant in this ever changing world. I'm glad you are free now. You never seemed old to me. I just know you got slower and enjoyed sleeping more. Your smile never changed. Nor did your favorite things.

On June 21, 2002 your huge spirit could no longer fit into your 13 year old body. I know you want me to toss aside regret. I'm glad we tried the herbal remedy for your diabetes insipidus, because it meant you could walk the neighborhood again. I'm glad you got to have your favorite foods, see your favorite friends, and be at home when you passed. You were never blind, or deaf, or paralyzed like so many other furbabies here. Your Dad and I were spared the horrible task of deciding when you would leave us. You called the shots until it was time to go. The Alpha. The King of Canterbury Riding. What a life!

You're the only dog I know who had a Bar Mitzva with your Dad's Rock band playing after he was fixed (by orders of the Pound you came from). And, I've never heard of neighborhood children riding bikes over with a blanket and party hats to have tea with another dog before either. You were SO incredible with children! You had many Mommies before me, but thanks for sticking with me. I never knew I could love like that. Thanks for trusting and loving us enough to let us be there at that very sacred moment of your passing. I know that the pain was brief, I'm just so sorry you had to experience it at all. I'm sure you are well over it by now, and I know you want me to stop dwelling on it. You'd like me to jump in the river and trollop through the trees all day, wouldn't you? Well, I'm working on it.

Life is very different without you. We are far better people for having had the years with you. You did a good job, and you're a good boy. The best!

We'll see you at the Rainbow Bridge.

We love you so much and hold you in our hearts always!
-Mom and Dad