RexTheDogWalker

Preface: They say “All dogs go to heaven.”Gibson brought heaven to earth!

GIBSON was born in the living room on April 26, 2002. He was the first puppy born out of twelve. He scared his mother, Millen, when she was giving birth to him, and she took off running all the way into my master bedroom. I was following her all through what was a very memorable run! And that actually set the tone for the next seven plus years with Gibson. I was the one just running after him trying to keep up with him. He told me what he wanted to do with his life and I followed him. I was just the one at the other end of the leash! He started talking when he was two years old. His first words were “I love you!” He spoke so clearly that it was a little bit scary. I always tell my FurKids, “I love you,” but this is the first time I had ever had one say it back! Well, Gibson’s journey was just that–all about unconditional love. I know that he was awarded the title by Guinness World Records for The World’s Tallest Dog, but honestly, I never saw that. Yes, of course I knew he was big, but all I saw and felt was his spirit, what his big heart had to offer, and an undying love for giving, sharing his warmth, with all people of all ages, and making smiles happen. I am most proud of his accomplishments and certifications in Therapy Dog, Wheel Chair Assistance & Special Needs work. He took me everywhere in his journeys to people who were hurting, not having such a good day or life, and yes, even to bedsides of the dying. He gave and gave and gave. I learned so much from my Gib.

Gibson was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in April of 2009. Osteosarcoma is a very aggressive bone cancer. The day of his first diagnosis, my mother passed away. Just a few years before, I had also lost my husband/friend/life partner to a glioblastoma multiform (an aggressive form of brain cancer.) Did I mention I am a two-time survivor of female cancer myself? The day of Gibson’s bone scan at UC Davis, I ended up back in the hospital, with two “nasty nodules” as they called them, in my throat. They performed two biopsies looking for esophogial cancer and thyroid cancer. That would make it the third cancer of my lifetime. I can remember laying on the table thinking, “God’s bigger plan!” He’s going to take my Gibson and me all at the same time with this Bastard disease called “cancer!!” I was very angry! Then I thought, “well this should work out well, because I don’t want to be here without my boy, and I know Gib doesn’t want to be here without me…”

The biopsy came back benign, which means noncancerous. Gibson’s bone scan came back negative, except for his wrist tumor. In fact all of his tests came back that there was no spread of any cancer anywhere! So then I thought, “We still have two old dogs in the fight!” Gibson was operated on in May and his right leg and shoulder were amputated. He was up the next day. I can remember the hospital calling and telling me, “You better come and get your dog. He’s pulling two vet techs down the driveway to go relieve himself!” I was thrilled and shrieking with joy. My boy is a strong one and I knew he would come through this, and I just flew out the door to get him from the hospital and bring him home! He was on major pain killers and I had my work cut out for me. But Gibson made it easy to take care of him, because he also brought all that love home with him. The day he came home is the day I stopped crying every five seconds. I drew from his strength once again that everything would be fine. He kept me upright and on target!

Gibson was now officially a “tri-pawd.” He got around incredibly well with three legs. Again, as many times before in the adventures he led me on, I just sat back in awe and amazement watching my guy on his journey. After the stitches came out, he told me he was tired of laying around the house and that he wanted to go see “his” people. So we went out on therapy dog visits, seeing children to seniors, and oh yes, he had to get in front on the camera again. Gibson loved the camera and the cameras loved him! (Me not so much….) He did exclusive interviews from people all over the world. We held a press conference with hundreds of people showing up. This media coverage went all over the globe! We got emails and phone calls by the thousands. My computer crashed! WOW…What an effect he had on people!

Even with an early good prognosis from doctors and oncologists, we NEVER heard the words, “We got it all and you are cured!” Cancer is never “cured!” It is a horrible, terrible disease that effects one in four dogs every year. Gibson’s path was clear to me now. We have to make a difference in this fight. We have to make this into a teachable opportunity and speak out on canine cancer awareness. I don’t want anyone going through what we are experiencing, and if they do, I want them to know that there are people who care and will help! Gibson and I were blessed with the angels who started forming around us and it is more clear than anything in my life, that we will pass it forward!

Five days ago Gibson’s lung X-Ray showed, that even with chemotherapy and all of the aggressive treatments he had been through, that the cancer had now moved to his lungs. Four days ago I said goodbye to my beloved boy. I will miss YOU and love you forever in my heart and soul. I only look forward to the next time we see each other, my friend.

‘Till then,

Mom

Source: Remembering Gibson’s Web Site

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