The OAS Nightmare

Okay... not going to go into a lot of details about the horrible conditions at the Olympic Animal Sanctuary (OAS) in Forks, WA.  If you would like to read about it, you can go to this Website, this Facebook page or google it.  What I will say about it is this... for the five Gabbs Dogs that were sent there, it was hell on earth!!!

In 2008, Steve Markwell agreed to take Abel, Dixie, Herbie, Itsy and Tippy, back to OAS to work with them.  In the beginning we believe (and hope) it was a good place that like all hoarding situations just got out of control. Upon police inspection in 2012, Itsy and 125 other dogs were found to be living in crates, in their own filth, and with little to no water.

 

Itsy at OAS in 2012 

It became a battle of wills between rescues and Markwell.  On December 21, 2013, Markwell disappeared into the night in a big rig with all the dogs.  On December 24, 2013, he turned up somewhere near the Nevada/Arizona border, with the Guardians of Rescue announcing his arrival in a secret location and hopes of taking ownership of all the dogs.  We all waited with baited breathe, as it continued to unfold as a soap opera. 


And then it happened... on 12/28/13 Guardians of Rescue announced they had obtained legal custody of the OAS dogs.  Well of course all we could think about were our Gabbs Dogs and when we could get them... the sooner the better.  On 12/31/13, our good friend Robin Wenham, and Gabbs Dogs Guru, started the trek to Arizona to pick-up our Gabbs Dogs and bring them back to the Nevada desert where they belonged. 

Hold on to your socks folks because it is not all good news...

Abel is MIA.  It is rumored that Abel was one of Markwell's favorites and that he kept Abel.  All we can do now is pray that Abel is being treated better than all the others that made it to safety.

 

We won't stop sending good thoughts your way Abel!!! 

Dixie is also MIA.   It is rumored that Dixie passed away early on as OAS, before things got bad.  Her name is not listed in the police report from 2012, nor is it on the list from the transport that just took place.  Run free Dixie!!  Many of your Gabbs friends are in Heaven too!!

Dixie we will love you always!! 

Robin, did however find Herbie, Itsy and Tippy... looking a bit older, a bit skinnier and ready to relax, or bark their head off.  

Herbie, Itsy and Tippy at the Arizona Camp of Freedom

The road trip back to Safe Haven was almost poetic, then the van broke down.  It was just a small bump in the road compared to what these dogs have been through.  The three of you are now safe.  You will always have food, you will have have clean digs and you will have have room to stretch and hands to rub your bellies (when your ready).   Live it up now!!

 Checking out the new digs!!

 Being able to walk around!!

 Filling up the bellies!!

Itsy's smile says it all!!

One last thing to add... it seems our friends picked up some new friends while at OAS.  A couple of wolf hybrids that were starting to shut down from the horrible conditions, made the trek to Safe Haven with Herbie, Itsy and Tippy.   Thank you Robin and Thank you Safe Haven for saving our "Honorary" Gabbs Dogs!

 

Beautiful Wolfies!! 

WELCOME HOME!!!

RIP Dancer

On 12/31/13, we received word that Dancer had passed away.  He was getting sick and his old age finally got the better of him.  He was well loved here on earth and will be missed by many, especially his Mom.  We love you Dancer!!  Give some high paws to your Gabbs Buddies in Heaven!

Goodbye Old Friend!!

Miss Ruby

Who could forget Miss Ruby Delilah?  Not us, that's for sure.  Miss Ruby had found what we though was her forever home back in 2010.  But recently Safe Haven got a call from Animal Control that they had captured Ruby running as a stray.  Everybody knows Ruby's unforgettable and lovable mug.  Turns out her family had hit a very rough patch, but Ruby was safe and back at Safe Haven looking for that true forever home.  Luckily it didn't take long... Ruby was always destined to be Ranch Greeter.  From the ranch in Gabbs, to a new ranch in Lovelock...  Ruby found her last home. 

Ruby checking out the new digs!

Good luck 'ol girl.  We know you will be right at home.  Keep all those ranch hands on their toes!!

Ruby girl, We love you!!

New Email Address

We have a new e-mail address.  Our Yahoo account is gone and cannot be retrieved... Please send all updates to GabbsDogsNV@gmail.com.   We look forward to getting some PAWESOME updates from Gabbs Friends!!

2013 Starts off Great for Gabbs Dogs

2013 is full of surprises...  our Gabbs Dogs are welcoming the new year with some good news!

Callie at home with Colleen

While the blog is a bit slow to report this wonderful story...  Callie is home safe. She was captured in November 2012, and returned to her home with Ed and Colleen, after 18 months on the run.   Her "Gabbs" instincts kept her alive.  She can now relax and grow into being a couch potato again.

Welcome Home Callie!!!

RIP Katie

It is with a very sad heart that we must report the passing of Katie.  She had a massive tumor that burst and she needed the peaceful trip to the Rainbow Bridge.

Miss Katie and beautiful smile.

All our thoughts and prayers go out to Georgia and family; they showed Katie that heaven on earth is possible by showering her with love.  And a big "Bless Your Heart" to Dorothy, who fostered Katie until she found Georgia and family.

Katie, you will be missed.  

RACER Update

Safe Haven Kennel received the following update on Racer (aka Race or Frick) from his friend Lupie at Best Friends:

Racer (on the right) and his friend Pedro

"Racer is such a character and I simply adore him.  He lives with Pedro and they co-exist very well.  Racer loves going on walks.  He heels perfectly at your side, and checks in with you as you walk him.  I give him extra treats and he has the softest mouth.  I made a Dulcie's calendar and this is the picture I used for Pedro and Racer."

Way to go Racer!!

RIP Miss Zuma

Zuma Golightly (aka Pearl) is sadly gone

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I write.

Our sweet girl crossed over on March 21, 2012 to join our other fine lifetime furry friends.

I held her until the end, and beyond, and she went very peacefully. Needless to say, we are devastated. She was a special needs dog who was more than special to us. She was loved by neighbors and friends and was able to see most of them so they could give their last kisses and hugs before the vet arrived to help her cross over.

Our lives are ever changed and better because of her.


This picture taken in December is the same place where she breathed her last labored breath - her most loving home.

Dianne, Billy and Enzo

We will see you again at the

Rainbow Bridge Miss Zuma!!

The Day the Big Truck Came

It is sometimes hard to believe it has been 4 years since the big rescue. Our Gabbs Dogs are doing everything imaginable and still keeping us on our toes.

As winter finally reaches some of us... Stay inside, start the fire, get the hot chocolate and with your Gabbs Dog at your feet (or under the bed), reminisce of those days way back when.

More photos are available here.

Love to All our Gabbs Babies

VOTE for DINKY

Dinky is entered into the RGJ's Cutest Dog Contest with her siblings, Tyson and Angel. Let's get as many votes as possible for her and her family. Click here to vote for here.

Good Luck Dinky and Family!!