HAPPY GOTCHA DAY-Gabe (long-sorry but I have to get it out )

[Blackboy98]

Four years ago today I made a three hour trip to a shelter I had never heard of. Two weeks prior I had to let my beloved Cracker go to the Bridge because he had bone cancer and it was overwhelming the three pain relievers he was taking. It was the most devastating day of my life. Then God had sent an angel to help me get the courage to look for another dog. I felt like I felt that I was betraying Cracker but the wonderful and wise members of this board said that I should share my knowledge and love of dogs to help another(I thank you with my whole heart).

When I got to the shelter there was this little(compared to the other three dogs in his pen) black lab mix with long soft ears and acute face. He kept sticking his nose through the wire of the pen was I got closer until he had rubbed a sore on his nose. The manager of the shelter asked if I wanted to take him for a walk to look him over and get to know him. She put a collar and short leash on and we went out. He had no training or manners, but was very healthy and well groomed, good teeth and only stitches from his neutering. The shelter had him for about three weeks and said they came to work one day and found him tied to the front door with a rope, no tags, no papers for med history or ownership.

We walked around and I looked him over and watched his manners. We sat down under a tree and I looked at him and thought - I am just doing this to get another dog and do I want to go through the same kind of pain someday that I had just had with Cracker. I was petting him and he turned and looked straight into my eyes with his beautiful clear brown eyes and just stared at me. My little angel that was with me all this time gave me a little shove and I hugged him and could feel this heart beating as fast as his tail was wagging.

And that was it-we ran back to the shelter and I told the lady---YES, filled out the papers and then thought that I had not asked the adoption fee. That morning I had put some cash (which I normally do not carry) in my wallet without counting. We were done with the papers and I asked about the fee and she said $75. I got my wallet out and started counting thinking I would be not only embarrassed if there was not enough, but maybe it might be a sign this dog was not for me. As I counted my hands were shaking almost uncontrollably. The last bill in my hand and I put it on the table-exactly $ 75. Thank you God, now I know for sure!!


So if you are still with me, and in a similar situation some day, first come to this board and talk to the great and wonderful people here. They know, they have been there.

I now have the most loving, well behaved, cute, healthy, happy dog. He is not like my heart dog Cracker--- but he is MY DOG GABE and I am so thankful and lucky to have him.

Mike and my dog Gabe

[zd262]

Such a wonderful story. I'm so glad that you were able to find Gabe.

[Scoutpout]

I remember your beloved Cracker and the pain coming thru your posts. So so glad you listened to that little angel and made that trip!
Happy Gotcha day, Gabe!

[Maxx&Emma]

Your story brought tears to my eyes. Your angel was Cracker and he will always be with you. Cracker knew his Dad needed another dog to share his life with and Gabe needed you. A perfect match!

Happy Gotcha Day Gabe!

[smartrock]

Happy Gotcha Day, Gabe!! You and your Dad were meant to be together!!!

[katALlabs]

Happy gotcha day Gabe. Wow its been 4 yes already? Where does the time go? I remember that day well I could feel your pain in your posts too. I'm so glad we for here for you in your time to need and grief. The caring people here are what makes this place the best board to come to. How knows, the big guy works in mysterious ways maybe it was Cracker leading you to Gabe

[barry581]

Sometimes you just have to follow your heart. Lucky for you it took to Gabe, and that's a wonderful thing for both of you.

[MikeLynn]

Happy Gotcha Day, Gabe! And like a few previous posters I do believe that the little angel you mentioned was Cracker. Why? Because I'm pretty sure that it's the same thing Lynn did for me when I was brokenhearted and in a desperate need of a four-legged friend - she led me to Mel and I'll always love her for that. Of course, there are a lot more things I love her for, but this the one that really saved my life then, when I was really down in the gutter.

[Sue-Ram]

Happy Gotcha Day Gabe!

[POPTOP]

Happy Gotcha Day Gabe!

I've always said, it's in the eyes. Definitely Cracker had his paws in this situation, looking out at you through Gabe's eyes. Beautiful story and so happy for both of you.