I knew that when we moved to Featherston I would finally be able to get another dog. Not a dog to replace Gracie because that is impossible. A dog of his very own who would come with all his own quirks and personality traits.
I looked online, saw his wee face and fell instantly in love. He was a brindle colour and was a mix of Shitzu and Dachshund with a hint of Maltese that I felt was a nod to Gracie. I knew his name would be Gabe (short for Gabriel the angel) and it fits him perfectly.
We waited until he was weaned and had all his jabs and then we travelled to Ōtaki to pick him up. His photo showed that he had a white stripe that ran from under his chin to his chest. I scanned the room for a puppy that fitted that description - I came up empty. Then out of a crate waddled Gabe arriving late and looking slightly puzzled and confused. That confused look has never dimmed but it’s part of his enduring personality.
We popped him in the car and began the drive home. He was understandably confused and cried a little. We had brought a crate with us so we stopped the car and popped him inside in case he would be more comfortable there. He cried again and so again we stopped the car and I brought him back into the car with me. He didn’t make another sound and was quickly asleep. He’s loved cars ever since.
We decided to get fish and chips when we got to Featherston but discovered when we got back into the car that the battery had died. It’s a good half hour walk home and so we all started the trek. Gabe waddled for a bit happy to be on his legs again but quickly wanted a cuddle in my arms instead. Greg ran ahead and grabbed our site-to-site vehicle and picked us up before the very steep drive. We all tumbled into bed together that night and I’m not sure who was the more exhausted!
Gabe had arrived and it only took a day or so to realise that he was kind. He is one of the kindest dogs I’ve ever met and very few dogs ever have issues with him. He’s that dog that says hello so politely to other dogs that even if they usually snap, they find no reason to when he approaches. He has a trunk full of toys and most have not been harmed. Those special few that are chosen however are missing the odd ear or leg but only in a very loving way.
He’s not the brightest crayon in the pack but he’s exceptionally talented at worming his way into your heart. He is not very brave either but he is very good.
We have almost lost him twice and he’s now been cancer free for five years. He has cost us the equivalent of a medium size car in vets fees and we don’t care a jot. He makes the third musketeer in our home and we would not swap him for all the riches in the world.
He looks at all the world with wonder and starts each day with a wag in his magnificent tail. If he is not sure about something it gets a good talking to, if he’s still not sure he comes to find one of us to tell us about it. He is my hot water bottle in bed and my faithful companion in the middle of the night. If I am up then he is up. He is both my precious friend and fur baby all at the same time.
He actually sighs audibly if I change my outfit more than once in the morning which still makes me laugh out loud. He is love that has been sewn together and decorated with paws and we could not adore him more.
We know, we’ve tried.
Note: The photo attahed to this blog is of Mr Gabriel Dobby Hope Esq.