it feels empty around here

It was February 1997. Kenny called me and asked was I interested in going to look at some Weimaraner puppies. "Just go and look", he said. When we arrived, the family had 2 female puppies left. They owned both the parents and we were able to see the mom. The dad must be off exploring some where we were told. Before I knew what was happening, Kenny was choosing which one he wanted to take home. It WAS his birthday! As Kenny was deciding, one of the puppies goes over to the back door and tinkles on the mat. "I want that one," Kenny said. We all looked at him like maybe he was being sarcastic. "I know she is going to make it home without going in my truck!" About that time, there was a huge thump on the window. I turn around to see the biggest set of paws that I have ever seen. Dad was back. That is when I realized that this precious little puppy that was all paws and ears could grow up over 100lbs. {thank goodness she never did!}

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Kenny and I were not the greatest first time parents. And, look at that cute little puppy, who would not love that face. Gabby quickly ruled the roost in typical puppy style. We started out completely ill-prepared for puppyhood. The final straw was when the precious new addition ate a door frame, or maybe the piece of furniture, or maybe when she pulled up the carpet and ate the tack strip.

But by the time the year 2000 rolled around, Gabby was the official majestic queen in the castle. She had wormed her way into everyone's heart. She loved to play fetch, go on a boat ride, nap in the recliner with you, curl up in front of a fire, or destroy a squeaky toy or two. That was when we all began to worry that we were about to rock her world. Carly joined us and Gabby didn't miss a beat. She took on the role of big sis - the watcher, the protector, the playmate.

Over the next 10 years, Gabby and Carly grew up together. Carly loved a lot which Gabby tolerated like the big sister she was. When Carly was tiny and we were all in the truck together, I began to ride in the backseat with Carly while Gabby rode in the front seat. Not because we were worried that Gabby was going to hurt her but because Gabby liked to keep her clean. Really clean. We were worried she might lick her to death.

Gabby loved to play and thought everyone was available to be her playmate. She would fetch just about anything you would throw for her - a ball, a frisbee, a stick, an empty plastic coke bottle, even a snowball with 6" of snow on the ground. And even though she was a terrible swimmer, she would charge off in the water in order to fetch a stick. And if no one was available for throwing, she would chase birds, squirrels, chipmunks or anything that she thought was on her turf.

13 years Gabby has been a big part of our lives. She was there for it all. She would wake up with me in the morning. She would sit outside the shower until Kenny got out. She would meet you at the door when you got home. She would climb in the recliner with you to take a nap. She snuggled in between Carly and I when we were sitting on the floor eating or watching T.V. She went outside with Carly to explore and play. She traveled to both sets of grandparents on a regular basis. She loved any chance for someone to give her love.

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Gabby Girl, you were well loved and we miss you!!