My
first, My Gabe ...
Rotaiva's Song From Gabriel,
CGC, CRX, DSA, ThD - "Gabe"
October
9, 1993 - March 15, 2007;
Neutered; CERF/BAER clear/normal
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 soft hearted! He
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! (head study (c) d beisinger;
coursing photo (c) shotonsite.
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 train
him, but he was on the track by the end of the year. Additionally, Gabe
went in the Jrs ring with both my sons in those early years, 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. After his retirement, Gabe
maintained the squirrels and rabbits in the yard as well as ruling the
house and taking no lip from the young dogs. He had a heart full of
desire and drive, and he was my special boy!
Highlights
Doing things his way
In
addition to
- racing,
- coursing, and
- Junior Showmanship
Gabe obtained these accomplishments:
- CGC (Canine Good Citizen)
- DSA (DogScout of America)
- ThD (Therapy Dog)
- ARX racing pointed and
- ASFA lure coursing pointed
His talents seemed to never end! He was a
true and wonderful representative of the great temperament of this
breed. Gabe enriched my family's life teaching
throughout his 13 1/2 years as well as touching many other people's
lives. (photo above (c) d beisinger)
There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face"
- Ben Williams