Happy National Scrapbooking Day!

(Layout of Buddy-Gibbers by my daughter Dawn)

Gibbs

Gibbs is home.

Winnie

Winnie, another of my grandoggers, is missing Gibbs. Part of our morning routine is that she’d come into my room and lay down to the left of me, Gibbs on my right. Then I’d sing them their own little ditty (don’t judge me), and when I was done they’d reach over me, meeting in the middle. And kiss. This morning Winnie jumped on my bed and kept looking over at Gibbs’ spot. I sang to her, but she just couldn’t seem to muster any enthusiasm.

 

When I fixed her breakfast she wouldn’t eat at first. She kept walking around the kitchen and then went over and sat near Gibbs’ bed we keep by the sliding glass door. (We kept beds all over the house for him because of his old arthritic bones.) It took her awhile, but she finally ate.

I keep telling her Gibbs is all gone, making the hand motions we do when we give them treats and they’re all gone. I don’t know what else to do but to acknowledge that I understand she’s looking for her buddy.

Gibbs

 

Gone, very peacefully, is my shadow. No more following me around every single time I take a step. No more peeking into the bathroom to make sure I haven’t gone anywhere in the last five seconds. No more good morning pawing to get me out of bed and into the kitchen. Gone is the boy who revealed to us that, yes, your other two dogs (part of our family a few years before Gibbs joined us), do indeed know how to howl, duh.

Gibbs was a rescue who came from an abusive home who in return rescued us. Thanking Gibbs for the unconditional love he gave us and for being my constant companion when I didn’t even know I needed one.

 Rest in peace, Gibbers, we love you.

Gibbs

Hey, Gibbs, ya have a little somethin' on your mouth.