My heart and joy!
Rotaiva's Song from Gabriel, CGC, CRX, DSA, ThD, (ARX & ASFA ptd) "Gabe" Photo at 12 1/2 years of age © d beisinger
(Bohem Phantom of the Opera
[AKC bench ptd] ex Chatwig Chittagong Glory, CR [Eng. Imp])
Gabriel, Gabe, G'man, Gabbers, OldMan
October 9, 1993 - March 15, 2007
Some may think that having a dog who reaches 13 is lucky, some think getting past 11 is ... I wanted more. Gabe, my first whippet, the 'old man' of the house, he was always an 'old' dog even as a puppy, too mature for his age ... I'm a firm believer he was an old soul somehow connected to me with the deepest seeing eyes.
He was bossy, controlling, vocal, sneaky, could open the fridge even and was a grade A trash hound!!! He's taught me and my sons much along this path and while sometimes been a pill to swallow (ie the trash part) he'd been a constant in our lives, mine especially. The one stable thing, always there, always giving and never expecting anything but love in return. When he was young he was something else ... full of fire and determination. Stubborn at times, you could say but that was part of his appeal. He raced, lure coursed, showed in jr showmanship, was a therapy dog, a dog scout (yes there is such a thing) ... he did it all and gave 200% at all he did. He was beyond a pet, companion, canine - he was a part of me, a 'soul mate' of sorts.
He'd not been doing well, the years caught up with him quite some time ago but I chose to just accommodate to him and his aging self but the trip together has come to a rest stop. We traveled a lifetime in these 13 short years, together he and I. His feet had seen many miles and my heart many smiles. He's my heart and I'm really not sure what I'll do without his bossy vocal self telling on the other dogs for playing rough in the house, or bitching that his dinner is 5 minutes late, barking at the kitchen doorway so all the dogs rush over to see what's up as he sneaks over and takes back "HIS" chair (ya that's one of his funniest tricks I think). His spark smoldered out, the fire had passed; he was simply a shell of what he once was. The muscle had atrophied, he'd become skinny, wobbly, he basically just slept all day under his cover or would seek me out (maybe for reassurance I'm not sure as that was something very new and different for him), yet I found this to be as painful as cutting out my own heart. He was never "just a dog" he was beyond comprehension, an angel (and rightfully named after Gabriel the archangel) and I know how blessed I am to have had him, but I'm selfish and I want more!!! But that's for *me*, I owed it to him to be the rational human ...
He's gone to wherever dogs go when they leave us. I prefer to think that dogs simply go to heaven, somewhere with fields and sunshine and ponds, rabbits to chase. I can't believe a life force that is so pure and true just goes out and no one will convince me of that.
He left this world at home last night (3/15/07) on my lap with his niece by his side, I think she knew what was going on. she watched Dr Shannon very carefully but snuggled with Gabe, maybe giving him a bit of comfort was her purpose, maybe trying to comfort herself. He didn't fight it, he simply left this world in the same way he graced it - dignified. Before he left I asked him to tell his sister that I miss her and love her, that I'll miss him, but to run and chase bunnies and be whole again and young, I told him thank you for all he's taught me and for all that he's given me, that he's the best dog ever ... he was too dignified to give me a kiss (he never was a big kisser) but I think he understood.
Dogs don't fear death and I think that's why they keep their eyes open when they go ... they look it face on, maybe they welcome it. After he was gone the other dogs (adults, not the puppies because they really have immature brain matter) were allowed to see him so they understood. Phase of course was with him the whole time, Choice sniffed his face and gave him one lick on the muzzle and walked away, Chili stood back a bit from him and sniffed at the air around him and was done. Phase laid with him til I wrapped him in his blanket ... "one last time old man," is what I was thinking as I covered him up carefully.
He doesn't hurt anymore ... it's my turn to hurt for awhile, and I doubt that the hole he's left behind will ever totally heal up, it never has with his sister's death, but that's ok. All of the love he gave, the lessons he taught are worth the price I'm now paying. 13 short years of having a great dog that was filled with an old, very knowing soul is worth the tears I shed.
To you Gabe, may heaven know your greatness like I have, may God know how lucky he is now like I have been for 13 years and may I see you again someday and find myself lucky again ...
With tears, respect and devotion
Momma Mary
Gabriel, Gabe, G'man, Gabbers, OldMan
October 9, 1993 - March 15, 2007
Some may think that having a dog who reaches 13 is lucky, some think getting past 11 is ... I wanted more. Gabe, my first whippet, the 'old man' of the house, he was always an 'old' dog even as a puppy, too mature for his age ... I'm a firm believer he was an old soul somehow connected to me with the deepest seeing eyes.
He was bossy, controlling, vocal, sneaky, could open the fridge even and was a grade A trash hound!!! He's taught me and my sons much along this path and while sometimes been a pill to swallow (ie the trash part) he'd been a constant in our lives, mine especially. The one stable thing, always there, always giving and never expecting anything but love in return. When he was young he was something else ... full of fire and determination. Stubborn at times, you could say but that was part of his appeal. He raced, lure coursed, showed in jr showmanship, was a therapy dog, a dog scout (yes there is such a thing) ... he did it all and gave 200% at all he did. He was beyond a pet, companion, canine - he was a part of me, a 'soul mate' of sorts.
He'd not been doing well, the years caught up with him quite some time ago but I chose to just accommodate to him and his aging self but the trip together has come to a rest stop. We traveled a lifetime in these 13 short years, together he and I. His feet had seen many miles and my heart many smiles. He's my heart and I'm really not sure what I'll do without his bossy vocal self telling on the other dogs for playing rough in the house, or bitching that his dinner is 5 minutes late, barking at the kitchen doorway so all the dogs rush over to see what's up as he sneaks over and takes back "HIS" chair (ya that's one of his funniest tricks I think). His spark smoldered out, the fire had passed; he was simply a shell of what he once was. The muscle had atrophied, he'd become skinny, wobbly, he basically just slept all day under his cover or would seek me out (maybe for reassurance I'm not sure as that was something very new and different for him), yet I found this to be as painful as cutting out my own heart. He was never "just a dog" he was beyond comprehension, an angel (and rightfully named after Gabriel the archangel) and I know how blessed I am to have had him, but I'm selfish and I want more!!! But that's for *me*, I owed it to him to be the rational human ...
He's gone to wherever dogs go when they leave us. I prefer to think that dogs simply go to heaven, somewhere with fields and sunshine and ponds, rabbits to chase. I can't believe a life force that is so pure and true just goes out and no one will convince me of that.
He left this world at home last night (3/15/07) on my lap with his niece by his side, I think she knew what was going on. she watched Dr Shannon very carefully but snuggled with Gabe, maybe giving him a bit of comfort was her purpose, maybe trying to comfort herself. He didn't fight it, he simply left this world in the same way he graced it - dignified. Before he left I asked him to tell his sister that I miss her and love her, that I'll miss him, but to run and chase bunnies and be whole again and young, I told him thank you for all he's taught me and for all that he's given me, that he's the best dog ever ... he was too dignified to give me a kiss (he never was a big kisser) but I think he understood.
Dogs don't fear death and I think that's why they keep their eyes open when they go ... they look it face on, maybe they welcome it. After he was gone the other dogs (adults, not the puppies because they really have immature brain matter) were allowed to see him so they understood. Phase of course was with him the whole time, Choice sniffed his face and gave him one lick on the muzzle and walked away, Chili stood back a bit from him and sniffed at the air around him and was done. Phase laid with him til I wrapped him in his blanket ... "one last time old man," is what I was thinking as I covered him up carefully.
He doesn't hurt anymore ... it's my turn to hurt for awhile, and I doubt that the hole he's left behind will ever totally heal up, it never has with his sister's death, but that's ok. All of the love he gave, the lessons he taught are worth the price I'm now paying. 13 short years of having a great dog that was filled with an old, very knowing soul is worth the tears I shed.
To you Gabe, may heaven know your greatness like I have, may God know how lucky he is now like I have been for 13 years and may I see you again someday and find myself lucky again ...
With tears, respect and devotion
Momma Mary
Photo at 9 years of age © d beisinger
BAER normal; Neutered; DOB 10/09/93
Breeders: Ken, Connie & Kenna Hodges and Vicki Macy
Owner: Mary Magee
Gabe was my very first Whippet. He added me to his life in February of 1994, when he was a wee 3 1/2 months old-and so softhearted! Gabe was the most giving pup I could have ever wanted, perfect for a first! When I went to look at the pups, a litter of 7 of which I had 5 to choose from, Gabe kept climbing up into my lap. He would chase the other pups away when they tried to get my attention, it was really funny! Needless to say, he went home with me that night! (Not the ideal way to pick a show pup, but I was picking a companion, and I feel that is the best way to pick a life long buddy!
I worked with him as the breeders suggested on the "bunny" and realized real quick that he loved it! We went to his and my first whippet racing event in Hamilton, Ohio in March of 94. I was really impressed with all of the dogs and the people. They all were happy to be there and the dogs were just AWESOME! Gene Harden, bless his soul, was operating the lure that day and offered to run it for my Gabe, of course I was dying to see him go! Gabe did so so the first time, but the second time knew what to do. It took a little while to box break him, but he was on the track by the end of the year. He went in the Jrs ring with both my sons in years gone by and while he was no 'show' dog in body, in his mind he certainly was! We added lure coursing the end of the year in '96. Gabe is now retired but still keeps the squirrels and rabbits in check as well as ruling the house and taking no lip from the young dogs. He has a heart full of desire and drive, and he is my special boy!
In addition to the racing, coursing and the Jrs ring, Gabe obtained his DSA (Dog Scouts of America) title and was a Therapy Dog. His talents seem to never end! He is a true and wonderful representative of the great temperament of this breed. Thank you, Gabe, for all you have given to me and everyone else whose lives you've touched!!!! You're my man!
Gabe came into our life in Feb. of
'94 and easily hooked us with his wonderful personality. Loving and kind, he's my buddy. © d beisinger
Gabe in the lead the day he earned
his ARX point.
Gabe raced with WRA and CWA as well
as ASFA coursing. A dog with the heart, drive and desire we all should
aspire to! © shot-on-site
Mud, rain and snow never stopped
him. © shot-on-site
© shot-on-site
Gabe coming out of the starting box
first in St. Louis. © MMagee
© shot-on-site
My heart, love & joy ... my Gabe!
Gabe turned 13 Oct. 9th, 2006 and we had a party!
Gabe (on floor) enjoying some of his 'loot' with his housemates, Jezzy (on the bottom bunk) is his 'grand niece'.
"We can open the box of scooby snacks for you Uncle Gabe!" exclaims PhaseYa and Jezzy.
right to left: Gabe, Chili, PhaseYa, Tickle, Choice & Jezzy ... all waiting for a scooby snack (they really do go gaagaa over them). Normally I avoid anything with BHA in it but these are one exception on a limited (special event) basis.
Everyone with their granola bar.
Would you believe me if I said someone stole my granola bar?
The eyes are the windows to one's soul ...
Gabe (on floor) enjoying some of his 'loot' with his housemates, Jezzy (on the bottom bunk) is his 'grand niece'.
"We can open the box of scooby snacks for you Uncle Gabe!" exclaims PhaseYa and Jezzy.
right to left: Gabe, Chili, PhaseYa, Tickle, Choice & Jezzy ... all waiting for a scooby snack (they really do go gaagaa over them). Normally I avoid anything with BHA in it but these are one exception on a limited (special event) basis.
Everyone with their granola bar.
Would you believe me if I said someone stole my granola bar?
The eyes are the windows to one's soul ...