This is right up there with the most heartwarming happy endings we've ever had -- and we've had a lot over the years. Actually, other than Charlie, the blind Beagle whose vision we restored through surgery and then adopted out last year, it has to be the most heartwarming happy ending for us.
Blind and deaf Gabe, who underwent lifesaving surgery at Washington State University's veterinary teaching hospital to remove a horrific tumor and then three weeks of follow-up radiation last year, was just adopted by a wonderful couple from Napa, California. Paul M. and Jenny J. had contacted us several months ago about adopting this special boy, but Gabe was still recovering from the radiation side-effects at that point and we wanted to hold on to him in case of complications.
Then, in late March, they asked again, and by this time Gabe had fully recovered and was in great condition. So after some emails and phone calls, it took a while to work out the travel arrangements, but Paul and Jenny flew out to Montana this week to pick up Gabe and bring him home. Nothing could have made us happier. Gabe had gone through so much in his life ... losing his sight, then his hearing, being abandoned in a farm field, and then getting a tumor that not only threatened his life but also eliminated his sense of smell. How much can one animal endure? A lot, it turns out.
And it was Gabe's good fortune to end up at the ranch, where our incredibly generous supporters made it possible for us to afford the thousands of dollars his cancer treatment cost. After all he had been through, we felt we owed it to him to do everything we could for him.
Now he will have a family of his own, with two loving people who will dote on him.
Paul and Jenny provide a scholarship for 4th-year vet students at UC Davis College of Veterinary Medicine -- one of the very best in the world -- so if Gabe ever needs any more state-of-the-art medical care, we know he will get it.
Paul emailed yesterday to say they had arrived safely at home and Gabe was doing great. Paul wrote, "He is an absolute sweetheart, and I now know what Steve meant when he said, 'He will just melt into you.'"
Here's Gabe in Paul and Jenny's rented SUV just before leaving the ranch for Missoula:
Thank you, Paul and Jenny!
Tears of joy for this lucky boy.Thank you Paul and Jenny for giving him the forever home that he truely deserves. Your kindness to him I'm will come back in abundance for sure. Blessings to all!
Posted by: Kathy and Harley | June 13, 2010 at 10:36 PM
Gabe - I know your new "MOM" and my brother knows your new "DAD" and you are in the "bestest" place possible. Jenny and Paul are very good people and true animal lovers and will give you all the love and respect and attention you so deserve! Congrats on your new home! Leslie
Posted by: Leslie Hunter | May 25, 2010 at 10:18 PM
I am literally speechless for how Gabe's life has turned out for the best! First Rolling Dog Ranch and now a life time with Jenny and Paul. This is exactly what Gabe needs after what he has been through. Once again, love, kindness, generousity, and support prevail!
Congratulations Jenny and Paul and a BIG thank you for your persisted interest in Gabe! What a difference you have made :)
Posted by: Rosemary | May 25, 2010 at 01:58 PM
So many people have worked together to heal and improve Gabe's life; now another step up to add more love and care to Gabe' life! How amazing is this story!?! Paul and Jenny...we humbly thank you for taking this melt your heart boy home. PLEASE keep us updated.
Posted by: boundforglory | May 25, 2010 at 09:34 AM
What wonderful news! Gabe truly deserves his forever home.
Posted by: Mary, Ottawa | May 24, 2010 at 09:51 PM
I was out of town and only heard this wonderful news today! Gabe is a very lucky boy, and how ironic that he's back in CA. Isn't that where his journey began?
Both of my dogs have been "guests" at UC Davis vet school, one for radiation and the other for chemotherapy. UCD is our home away from home!! We happily drive 3 hours to get there for treatment, and we've made friends with the staff. If Gabe needs them, they will take incredible care of him.
Cheers to all of you!
Posted by: Linda | May 24, 2010 at 10:32 AM
Good news just keeps coming! Happy homes to all the recent lucky sweethearts...
And an update already, that made me really smile!!
Posted by: Jessica, NL | May 23, 2010 at 12:58 AM
That sweet boy has always been in my prayers - looks like they've been answered! Congrats to the new family!!
Posted by: Sharon | May 23, 2010 at 12:13 AM
LOVE LOVE LOVE!! this story.
Posted by: Terrah | May 22, 2010 at 12:58 PM
And the good news keeps rolling in! Sweet Gabe, enjoy your new life in your forever home with loving people!
Posted by: Ann | May 22, 2010 at 04:09 AM
Great, great news about Gabe; He is one lucky dog to be moving to Napa!
Hurry & get the RDR moved out to New England before you run out of dogs! =-}
Posted by: kathy | May 21, 2010 at 07:48 PM
http://shelter-tails.blogspot.com/
I posted about you guys.
Posted by: Adele in the Bronx | May 21, 2010 at 07:00 PM
Well, I am all choked up.
Thanks for this.
Congrats to the new family! And thanks for your BIG part in all this.
So happy for Gabe!
Posted by: Adele in the Bronx | May 21, 2010 at 06:42 PM
YAY Gabe!
I was wondering why you hadn't asked for name suggestions for the cocker spaniel Gabe waiting for you in NH. How cool is it that things worked out this way. :)
Posted by: Rebecca M. | May 21, 2010 at 06:31 PM
He's smiling in that first picture. So great! I know you miss the ones that get adopted but I also know you are so happy they have their own homes - and it makes more room to save more little lives.
Good luck on the move!
Posted by: Julien Sharp | May 21, 2010 at 06:13 PM
You go Gabe!!! I too want plenty of updates of him and all the other RDR residents with happy new forever homes. I still get a joy from seeing new photos of Baron and he was adopted quite a while back. I will be in NH in July and was hoping to meet some of the residents then but they may all be adopted by the time I get there!
Posted by: Marla | May 21, 2010 at 05:46 PM
Congratulations Paul, Jenny, Kaylee, Winnie, Raggs, etc. on the new addition to your family. Gabe is very lucky to have been adopted into such a wonderful, loving family. Enjoye each other!
Posted by: Paula | May 21, 2010 at 05:01 PM
You go Gabe!!! Enjoy that California sun!!
Posted by: Laura, Levi and Timmy | May 21, 2010 at 03:07 PM
Vaya con Dios, Gabe! Woo-hoo!
Posted by: jeanne | May 21, 2010 at 02:13 PM
Wonderful. What great news. Thank you to all that have been adopting lately. With the big move coming up it has to be such a wonderful feeling that a few more of the "family" have gotten forever homes. Bless you.
Posted by: Karen | May 21, 2010 at 01:04 PM
That is great! I hope we continue to hear about how he is doing via the blog!
Posted by: Suzanne | May 21, 2010 at 12:38 PM
Bless all of you at Rolling Dog Animal Sanctuary, the vet team who helped save his life and now Paul and Jenny.
Posted by: Rena | May 21, 2010 at 12:21 PM
I love, love, love this story and beautiful pictures. Gabe will bask in the comfort, care and love he so deserves - thanks Jenny and Paul - thanks Steve and Alayne - RDR and all its supporters rock! Gabe, that SUV was MADE FOR YOU!
Posted by: Angela | May 21, 2010 at 11:48 AM
Your news couldn't be better! Gabe has been one of my "favorites" and reallly tugs on the heart strings. Napa Valley is a lovely area, and the new adoptive Mom and Dad sound terrific! Hurray!!! PTL!
Posted by: Lisa K. of Escondido, CA | May 21, 2010 at 11:19 AM
That is just awesome! I'm so happy for Gabe to get such a great new home! I love happy endings!
Posted by: Dawn | May 21, 2010 at 11:17 AM
I should know better than to read the blog at work, it is hard to explain the tears, happy ones for sure!! It seems time to update the "happy endings" page, YEAH!! I love it when that page needs updating. So many wonderful little (and big) furries. Have a good and safe move.
Posted by: Anne | May 21, 2010 at 10:50 AM
What a beautiful family. I can "feel" the love in the first photo. Best wishes to everyone!
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | May 21, 2010 at 10:33 AM
So many beautiful people in the world who love these special critters- so very heart warming to see. It always brings tears to my eyes and such joy to my heart.
God Bless!
Barbara & Frankie (the Walk 'N Roll Dog)
Posted by: Barbara Techel | May 21, 2010 at 10:27 AM
Happy trails to you Gabe, so richly deserved after overcoming so much!
What a way to start the day...a grin from ear to ear :)
Posted by: Sasha in MN | May 21, 2010 at 10:21 AM
God bless you all! This is such a wonderful adoption...thanks so much for all you do!!
Posted by: Brenda | May 21, 2010 at 10:09 AM
Love, love, love all the adoptions taking place. Gabe deserves the best and was able to get that at RDR and now will have the best with his new family. Congrats to everyone...especially GABE!
Posted by: Toni | May 21, 2010 at 09:59 AM
What can I say but.........
Woot-Woot-Woot! Gabe deserves this newest chapter with Jenny & Paul. My heart is smiling today, again! Best wishes to all.
Posted by: Doe George | May 21, 2010 at 09:26 AM
Gabe, I'll miss you so! But I know your new mom and dad will keep us posted on your new life in CA!
And it's such a win-win for everyone. Every time one of RDR's animals gets adopted they make room for others who desperately need help.
Kisses on your nose, Gabe!
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | May 21, 2010 at 08:35 AM
All,
Gabe is doing great, and showing no signs that he is bored with all the attention!!! He really is a sweet boy and we are very fortunate that we were able to adopt him!! Last night I laid on the floor, and Gabe straddled over the top of me, as if to say, "Here I am, now pet me!!" Just adorable!
Steve and Alayne..........you are both incredible people and we support all that you do with these animals!! If Petsmart had a large enough crate, we would have come back with Cash, Ella and Austin to!!
We promise to update often on Gabe, and thanks to all for the support and well wishes!!
Our Best,
Paul and Jenny
Posted by: Paul and Jenny | May 21, 2010 at 08:30 AM
Do you have any animals left to take to New Hampshire? Kidding. Like others, I'm sitting here with tears of joy. Blessings to all.
Posted by: Lynne Parker | May 21, 2010 at 07:38 AM
Yes... thank you Paul and Jenny! And also a BIG thank you to Steve and Alayne for all of the amazing work you do - you are both inspirational and truly amazing!
Enjoy the Cali lifestyle Gabe!
Posted by: Aussie Admirer | May 21, 2010 at 06:02 AM
Gabe has always had a special place in my heart, so I'm thrilled to know that he has a new forever home with Jenny and Paul in CA! I love the pic of the three of them together. I hope you three have a wonderful life together with no more complications in sweet Gabe's life. Thank you both so much for adopting him!
Big hugs all around,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger | May 21, 2010 at 04:48 AM
Here I sit at my desk at work with tears in my eyes for that sweet boy Gabe. Congrats to his new mom and dad! Please keep us posted! He is such a beautiful boy and the picture of the three of them is awesome!
Posted by: Arizona Fan | May 21, 2010 at 04:11 AM
Another wonderful new beginning for a RDR resident. I am thrilled. Gabe is one lucky pup...........his luck obviously continues. He, Paul and Jenny are lucky to have found each other. Congratulations you three. Steve and Alayne you 2 do such wonderful work. You amaze me.
Posted by: Ev | May 21, 2010 at 02:16 AM
Oh that is so exciting! Gabe is very blessed and such a sweetheart!
Posted by: Shauna at WSU | May 21, 2010 at 01:56 AM
Congrats to Jenny and Craig from one of Gabe's big fans in SF. You are lucky new parents!
Posted by: Roxie | May 21, 2010 at 01:39 AM
Oh my goodness!! I am shedding tears of joy. So many animals need the loving forever home of their own to have loving ppl dote on them but at this moment I cannot think of any sweetheart more deserving than Gabe!!! God bless you at RDR for giving him that 2nd chance to get his home & God bless Paul & Jenny!!! Many hugs & kisses to Gabe! Please keep us posted on your new life!!! I love both pics & I swear that is a smile on Gabe's face in the 2nd pic. :)
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | May 21, 2010 at 01:38 AM
O my gosh first Moose,Then Herbie and Timmy and now that sweetheat of a boy Gabe. What wonderful and special things are happening at the RDR. Congratulations to all these wonderful people and their special Rolling Dogs and oh yes Rolling cat too. I'm soooo happy for all of them. Thanks again Steve and Alyane for making this kind of happy possible.
Posted by: Diane Bowlin | May 21, 2010 at 12:57 AM
Tears of pure joy!!! Thank you Steve, Alayne, Suppporters, and now Paul/Jenny! I believe in miracles!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | May 21, 2010 at 12:42 AM
Wonderful!!! Gabe surely will have the best of the rest of his life. I hope and pray that his days are long and happy with great smells and lots of tummy rubs.
All creatures deserve this - Gabe most especially. Thank you to all who have helped him along this journey to health and happiness.
Posted by: Jane | May 21, 2010 at 12:01 AM
Oh that just warms my heart on a cold wintering day in New Zealand..
Way to go Gabe!!
Posted by: Maree in NZ | May 20, 2010 at 11:46 PM
Oh - this is such great news! Gabe is just a precious, precious soul and I'm so grateful that he now has a home of his very own. Thank you Paul and Jenny! You'll HAVE to keep us blog watchers updated!!!
And Steve (and Alayne) - I don't know how you're able to give up these adorable guys. But it's such good news...they're getting forever homes and you're able to open your hearts, and home, to new ones that need you. Thank you again for ALL you do.
Posted by: Alisa | May 20, 2010 at 11:24 PM
Oh my gosh!!!
Jenny and Paul...you must keep us updated and send lots of pictures. Continually.
I have loved Gabe since the moment I first read about him. Blessings to you all!!!
Another match made in Heaven.
Posted by: Chloe | May 20, 2010 at 10:56 PM
And I forgot about Moose! Four adoptions in a very short time. I think that has to be a record in the years I have been reading the blog.
Posted by: Karla | May 20, 2010 at 10:44 PM
What happy news! First Timmy and now Gabe. Rolling Dog Ranch got them healthy. It's so lovely seeing such deserving little creatures get the forever homes they deserve. I love happy endings!
Posted by: Peggy | May 20, 2010 at 10:42 PM