A gentle, elderly canine companion recently passed on from our world into the next.  Gabby, an Australian Shepherd mixed breed, lived a fortunate existence with both human and canine family members in a verdant, Los Angeles neighborhood.  

Gabby’s vigorous spirit permitted her to outlive her canine housemates, Belle and Hershey (see Hershey Memorial).  Gabby ultimately succumbed to a combination of geriatric, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular (heart), and renal (kidney) diseases.

Gabby’s human caretaker composed an endearing recollection of her time with Gabby.

As I reflect on Gabby's life I learn a lot from the trooper she was

She was gentle and kind - always

She was humble and understated

She was extremely loving and loyal. 

She no doubt was tenacious and determined. 

She was not a quitter nor a complainer

Though not an alpha dog she was one strong pooch

She loved Hershey so and she also loved Belle who died 7 years ago. Though they were the alphas she respected more than submitted

At first impression she was shy but she could cuddle and nuzzle like the best of them. Her coat of fur was beautiful and her eyes were deep and full of love. 

She defied all medical odds and gave us the blessing of her being here. 

Even as a pup she had bad legs and arthritic conditions

She made it through a hip dislocation last year so bravely

She coped with heart degeneration and kidney degeneration and kept on and on

Her body was so frail - a shadow of her healthier days. 

Before she compromised fully the dignity that defined her we let her go in peace yesterday in her favorite spot in the sun on the grass

The house will be so empty. 

May she have tea parties in feathered hats in rainbowland. 

She is deep in my heart. 

I home she is peaceful and out of harms way now. 

I miss her dearly. 

Love, her mom Lynn

I will miss seeing Gabby as a regular patient and greatly appreciate the time I got to spend with her over the past year.  When Gabby’s health was improving, she would greet me at the door with her tail gently wagging.   As her illnesses progressed, I would seek Gabby out in one of her resting spots on her bed or backyard.  On her final day, Gabby’s demeanor spoke to me of her readiness to leave her physical body.  Gabby had a great, long life and her memory will be with us forever.