I drove to Pullman on Thursday afternoon and picked up blind Gabe at Washington State University's veterinary teaching hospital on Friday morning. When I was going through the discharge paperwork with the oncologist, Dr. Janean Fidel, and Gabe's case manager, Ida P., it occurred to me that since arriving at the ranch, Gabe has actually spent more time in vet hospitals than he has with us.
Nevertheless, he recognized me instantly when Ida brought him up to me in the teaching hospital lobby; I put my hand up to his nose so he could smell me, and immediately his little stump of a tail began wagging and he pressed his face into my lap. Well, as much as the cone on his head would allow!
He's wearing a cone because the radiation has caused some secondary issues to develop, including irritation of the skin around his eyes and his conjunctiva. We're treating him with eye drops and antibiotic ointment.
Gabe must have begun to wonder what had happened to us, no doubt. He'd be with us for a week, or at most two, and then suddenly be in a vet clinic again for weeks on end. Then back with us for a bit, and off to a hospital once more. This was the longest stretch away -- a full three weeks -- and when he realized I was standing in front of him on Friday morning, he knew he was going home.
But this time, with all the lab tests, biopsies, surgeries and now radiation behind him, he's home to stay. Although I don't think he knows it yet! I took the photo this morning while he was snoozing in the living room. He's so happy to be back.
Thanks again to everyone whose generous gifts to the ranch allow us to provide this kind of medical care for a dog like Gabe. We couldn't do it without you. Thank you.
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If Gabe finally coming home was our good news for the week, Friday also brought us sad news. Just 30 minutes after I arrived back with Gabe, Alayne found our disabled cat Fibby dead in the cat house. He was lying on a bed and looked like he was in a deep slumber. He had one paw curled up around his face, his head tilted to one side on the fleece ... just like he usually slept. But when Fibby didn't stir when she came in, Alayne went over to check on him -- and he didn't move. He had died in his sleep. There was no sign of struggle, no discharge of body fluids, nor anything else to suggest he was in distress. Fibby simply looked like he went to sleep ... and didn't wake up. Alayne said that on Friday morning, when she went in to feed the cats, he was lying next to our wobbler Mink at the base of the cat tree, his favorite spot in the cat house. Fibby had looked up at her with his beautiful green eyes and had seemed his normal, happy little self. Whatever it was, it was peaceful -- and for that, we are grateful.
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In other medical news, our blind mare Rosie continues to do well recovering from her colic surgery. I should be able to bring her back to the ranch later this week.
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Please keep voting for us every day in The Animal Rescue Site/PetFinder's Shelter Challenge. Thanks to your votes, we came in third nationwide and won $3,000 for the animals in the previous contest. Now we have a shot at No. 1 and the $20,000 grand prize! Enter "Rolling Dog Ranch" and our state postal code, MT for Montana, and it will bring up our listing so you can cast your vote. Please ask your family and friends to vote, too. Thank you!
Even if I want to do something like you are doing I couldn't have done it because I am not as hardworking as you both are. Hats of to you.
Posted by: Game zubehor | October 13, 2009 at 05:14 AM
Sweet Fibby, I'm so sorry to hear of her passing but I'm so grateful she went peacefully. You will be missed.
Gabe, I'm really glad you're home as I am sure you are too. Prayers for a speedy recovery.
Rosie, Prayers for you too & hurry home.
I cannot say this enough but Steve & Alayne you are the most generous, loving, caring people. Thank you for what you do.
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | October 12, 2009 at 07:58 PM
Welcome home sweet angel Gabriel. RIP Fibby.....say hello for us to all the RDR residents at the Rainbow Bridge.
Posted by: Marla | October 12, 2009 at 05:32 PM
I'm so sorry to hear about Fibby but so glad that she died peacefully in her sleep. I think that's what we would all choose if given the choice.
I'm so delighted to see precious Gabe back at home! He touches my heart. I know that he's overjoyed that he was treated so well & got to go on weekend stays with his treatment tech, but there's no place like home.
I'm hoping that Rosie will soon be home as well & doing great.
Big hugs to all,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger & the critters | October 12, 2009 at 04:43 PM
Glad to hear that Rosie and Gabe are doing well and so sorry to hear about Fibby. I'm sure Gabe knows what a gem of a home that he has found at the RDR. He must realize that, when he was away, he felt so much better on his return. I'm sure he understand how much you have done for him and is glad to be home!
Posted by: Suzanne | October 12, 2009 at 02:57 PM
I'm sorry you lost Fibby. My 10yo serious-heart-murmur won't-live-past-a-year cat passed the same way. Stretched out in the sunshine, looked ever so peaceful as I'm sure she was.
Glad Gabe is home though - he's got SUCH a sweet face!!! Looking forward to hearing news of Rosie's homecoming too!
Posted by: Kenna | October 12, 2009 at 02:16 PM
I'm so sorry to hear of Fibby's passing! He was a beautiful boy; I too am glad it was a peaceful death. I'm thinking of Tibby as well, I don't know how close they were but she'll certainly know he's not around.
We're glad Gabe is home for good and are sending Rosie good health wishes so she can come home soon too.
Posted by: Boundforglory | October 12, 2009 at 02:06 PM
Oh Gabe aren't you the sweetest thing!! That photo is pure happiness!
RIP Fibby, in my opinion that is the ultimate way go to - peacefully and loved to bits.
Posted by: Maree in NZ | October 12, 2009 at 01:05 PM
Sorry to hear about Fibby. Glad Gabe is doing well. You guys are angels.
Posted by: Adele | October 12, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Every now and then you post an "afterthought" on one of your companions (the one that comes to mind is one of the big horse-brothers dying) that says so-and-so died six months ago and... I guess if you didn't, posts would be like this more often. A bit of big happiness and a bit of big sadness, all in a few moments for you.
Whether you can write about it right away or after some time, we all feel with you...both ways. Happy for Gabe, so very sorry for Fibby.
Posted by: Jessica, NL | October 12, 2009 at 06:52 AM
Dear Steve & Alayne, I'm so sorry about Fibby, who died at such a young age!:-(
On a much brighter note: Gabe looks so content (in spite of the cone:-)) sleeping at home, finally!
I can't wait to read that Rosie has come back too.
A big hug to you all from Italy.
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | October 12, 2009 at 04:15 AM
Home sweet home to stay for Gabe. I'm sooooooooo sad and shocked to hear about Fibby....so full of life last time I saw him. I have many pictures of Fibby because he was so full of personality and those eyes!! I am very sad.
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | October 12, 2009 at 02:24 AM
Glad to read that Gabe is coming home. Of course he recognizes you. You have been his constant...constantly there for him.
Sad to read about Fibby. How lucky she was to leave so peacefully to go to the other side.
Keeping my fingers crossed about Miss Rosie.
I tried to vote yesterday evening but for some reason it didn't work. Oh well.
You all are n umber 1 in my book. Ev
Posted by: Ev | October 12, 2009 at 12:16 AM
I'm sure Tibby will miss Fibby...I'm sorry and hope you give Tibby a kiss for me.
Posted by: Craig from Great Falls | October 11, 2009 at 11:34 PM
Your blogs bring me to tears all the time - this one got me both ways - I was so happy to hear that Gabe is happy and home and then Fibby - dang it! God Bless you all.
Posted by: Sharon | October 11, 2009 at 10:07 PM
I think your animals connect so well to you guys when they're on their way home because they know they're going home to their pack. Whether it be their human or animal pack, they know they will be loved and cared after by many beings. :)
Posted by: Michelle R | October 11, 2009 at 08:58 PM
RIP, sweet Fibby. You were in a fine place for life and for death.
Gabe, no matter where you are, you're home at RDR with Steve and Alayne. I hope you get to stay a while now!! Speedy and FULL recovery for you, darlin' boy.
Rosie, hang in there. You, too, will be home soon.
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | October 11, 2009 at 08:48 PM
Oh, I'm so sad for poor Fibby! He was only about 2 years old, wasn't he? I had a kitty who passed away the same way - no sign of anything other than sleep. As you said, at least it was peaceful. And given that both kittens were on death row when you got them, Fibby still got 2 more years than he would have otherwise. Its just a shame that once he found his true home at RDR, his life there was so short. Bless you in Heaven, Fibby.
Posted by: Heidi, Emmett, and Moxie | October 11, 2009 at 08:39 PM
Thank God fibby did not have to suffer and that you did not have to make a decision on her fate,even thought sometimes it is best so they don't have to suffer.Gabe looks so content to be home and we'll say a pprayer for Rosie to have a great recovery and to get home soon.THANK YOU again Steve and Alayne for all you provide for these animals.
Posted by: Kathy and Harley | October 11, 2009 at 08:23 PM