She hadn't eaten in over a week.  We had her on antibiotics to no avail.  This morning DH took her to the vet with the purpose of putting her to sleep as the vet felt it was probably her liver.  The vet examined her and discovered a mass in her stomach.  He told us to bring her in Monday for surgery, that it could be cancer or just a blockage.  After all the tears of the morning this brought a ray of hope.  Then, around 5:30 p.m. DH and I watched her die.  She was laying on her pallet.  DH and DS17 dug a small grave in the backyard. 

This was our first inside dog.  She was almost as much trouble as a small child.  She dirtied the carpet and the floor - it took nearly a year to house train her.  She had epilespy putting a drain on our pet budget.  Whenever we went out of town we had to bring her or try to find someone to feed and medicate her.  What a bother!  Then why have I been grieving so?!?! 

She never was the watch dog I'd envisioned when we got her 3 1/2 years ago.  But she was a good walking companion and good natured.  I'd always wanted a dog that played fetch...she was the best.  For months I couldn't figure out why she favored DS, then it was discovered he was slipping her Poptart crusts!  We loved her so much.  How can someone possibly care that much for a dog! 

One of DD11 Bible Drill verses is "The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made." Psalm 145:9  I'm sure that means Gabbie too.

(Photo taken this morning before her trip to the vet.)