Goodbye My Gabby

It’s always hard to say goodbye to a friend.  Two-legged or four-legged, it doesn’t matter.  It’s still hard.  

Her name was Gabriella Petunia…Gabby.  She has been a part of my life for the last 13 years or so, and her passing leaves a void.  

Gabby was larger than many border collies.  For most of her life she weighed 54 pounds, but looked larger.  Her coat was, thick, luxuriant and soft as silk.  Even in her later years she looked much younger than she was.  She was striking…coal black and snowy white.  She never showed the tell-tale stray white hairs on her muzzle that characterize most older dogs.  She always looked regal, like the true princess she was.  

Gabby came into my life when Carol Hardaway and I both signed up for agility lessons for our border collies. Gabby and Nickie were both about 2…full of piss and vinegar and needing an outlet for their exuberance.  As Carol and I became close, our border collies did as well.  

Both alpha females, Gabby and Nicke did not compete except in the agility ring.  They respected each other and acknowledged each other’s territory.  When we played ball with the dogs, Nickie caught many of them.  But when the ball thrown was Gabby’s “special” ball, Nickie never questioned who would fetch it.  I don’t know if dogs have friends in the same way we do, but there was a bond between them.  Even though we lost Nickie to a rattlesnake bite almost 8 years ago, Gabby never forgot her.  If you asked her, “Where is Nickie?” she always pricked her ears, cocked her head and looked around for her friend.  It’s a comfort to me to know they are again together in the special place where good dogs go, waiting for us to join them.   

Gabby was well bred.  Her line was known for border collies with excellent conformation and temperament and outstanding herding ability.  Gabby was a herder, but never of sheep.  Before she ever saw a sheep, she bonded with tennis balls, and that is what she “herded.”  She was lightening fast, and would retrieve and throw the ball at your feet while preparing herself for the next fetch.  At the lake or in the pool, she would swim around as many balls as were in the water, herding them into a bunch.  

On an agility course, she was quick to learn the obstacles.  When we practiced, it only took one or two runs, and she knew which obstacle came next.  After Carol gave her the command to go, then she hardly needed to give any directions.  Gabby knew the course and took great pride in running it by herself.  In the competition ring, it was another story.  The course belonged to her, and if another dog was slow to exit, she didn’t hesitate to exercise her ownership rights.  She took pride in her ability to run the course, even if not exactly in the order specified.  She was loyal, protective and queen of her realm, but always a free spirit. 

Gabby also loved to go on walks.  She knew every inch of the Turkey Creek Nature Trail with its paths and pools.

She also loved her times at our farm, racing through the pastures and swimming in the stock ponds with her dog friends.  I treasure these images of her with our dogs and with her pack-mates, Blue and Coco. 

My friend, Gabby, was beautiful in body and in spirit.  Here are some of my other favorite photos of her. 

Gabby was a loyal and loving companion.  She and Carol shared a very special bond, and Gabby gave the kind of support and comfort only a dog can give.  She was there in the good times as well as bad.  A friend can give hugs and kind words, but only a dog can provide the unquestioning, non-judgmental, I’m-here-for-you-all-day-every-day companionship they were created to give.  Gabby was always there for her special person.  When I think of her, I’m reminded of this poem.  I hope it will give some comfort.

Waiting at the Door

I was just a pup when we first met,

I loved you from the start.

You picked me up and took me home

and placed me in your heart.

Good times we had together,

we shared all life could throw,

but years passed all too quickly,

my time has come to go.

I know how much you miss me.

I know your heart is sore.

I see the tears that fall when I’m not

Waiting at the Door.

You always did your best for me.

Your love was plain to see, 

for even though it broke your heart

you set my spirit free.

So please be brave without me,

one day we’ll meet once more,

for when you’re called to Heaven,

I’ll be Waiting at the Door