Miss Buffy

As our Gabb's Dog age, it is nice to get some happy updates.  Here is Miss Buffy, now 10 years old.

Buffy looking good

You look GREAT Buffy!!

Update on the Gabbs Dogs from OAS

Herbie, Itsy and Tippy are making remarkable improvements.   The staff and volunteers at Safe Haven in Yerington are miracle workers.  Here is what a few weeks with great people can do...

Herbie's health improving

Tippy's eyes getting better

Tippy and Herbie sharing a moment

Itsy out for a walk

Our Gabbs dogs have come a long way since leaving that nightmare at OAS.  Even their wolfie friends are improving too... and getting use to the camera.

The wolfies enjoying the sun

There is even an update on Dixie.  While it was first thought that she may have passed away while at OAS, there is now evidence that she is alive and is with Steve Markwell as a personal pet.  The photo below was taken at a distance of the dogs that he was keeping as personal pets while in AZ delivering the OAS dogs.  As you can see by the last known picture of Dixie, this dog looks very much like our girl... of course she, as all our others Gabbs Dogs are starting to get up there in years.

Dixie

Dixie and Able, we promise to not give up our search for you.  We love you and you deserve the very best love and devotion. 

Love to All The Gabbs Dogs

RIP Turtle

On February 12, we learned that sweet Turtle passed away peacefully during the night... as a couch potato.  She was very much loved, comfortable and warm.  She may not have been the perfect dog, but to her guardian she was perfectly imperfect and that made her special.

Turtle at the Gabbs Ranch

Turtle lived with lots of other dogs which helped heal her heart, including fellow Gabbs Dog Joe, who misses her terribly.  Her rescue Mom and everyone else awaits the reunion in heaven... Can you imagine the parties for rescue parents??

Turtle starting to show her age

Until we Meet Again Turtle

RIP Aaron

Aaron was rescued by El Dorado County Animal Services South Lake Tahoe Shelter from the Gabbs site, along with Buddie and Buster.  

 

Aaron at the Gabbs Ranch

Aaron loved the water and would always play in his water bowl, no matter what the weather was like, however he always cleaned up well.  He was adopted by a wonderful family that stopped by the shelter in January to let them know that he had passed away.   The family was very teary eyed giving the news; it was easy to see see how much love they had for him.

Aaron on his "Gotcha Day"

Until we all meet again Sweet Aaron!!

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!!

Callie Update

Some good news coming out of Gardnerville... Callie has been spotted by the golf course. She is currently avoiding the traps, but not the cameras. Such welcome news since she has been missing since 7/4/11.


Callie... hurry up and come home so we can celebrate "Gabbs" style. Sending good thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

Miss Zuma Update

A note from Zuma's Mom:

Just thought I'd share...

Sent this in to The Bark's smiling dog contest

... Zuma had just dug her first big hole (which has become her daily routine during the hot months. she digs, lays in cool earth, we fill in, she digs again - always same spot...cute).

Zuma (no. 1 dog; originally named Pearl) is doing pretty well following a very scary August. She has an enlarged heart now, to go with her other ailments, but her 5 medications ROCK! She's spry and happy all the time.

Happy Holidays,
Dianne, Billy & Zuma

GREAT Smile Zuma!!

ELLIE is Missing

Ellie very recently had finally gone to her forever home with Barb and John, near Coleville, CA. On a walk with her new parents, Ellie was spooked by gun shots and took off (with her leash on).

Current picture of Miss Ellie

Below is an e-mail from Ellie's parents. If you see her, please let them know.

"I have not eaten since Sunday, I am absolutely sick with worry. The last place my husband was able to see her was on the National Forest Developed Rd 120 Trail about a half mile east of Eastside Lane.

The road is just a quarter mile or so north of Topaz Lane on Eastside Lane in Coleville's Antelope Valley. We didn't realize there was an active shooting range near there. I have called Mono County, CA & Douglas County, NV Sheriff's Dept's & Animal Control.

John is going to go to Wellington to put out a couple of flyers out that way in case she headed northeast. If you hear anything please call us; Barb's cell is 530-448-0550 & John's is 530-906-5203."

Click here to see a google map of the area Ellie was last seen.

This is now two missing Gabbs dogs... Callie is still missing too. Please send prayers and warm thoughts to both families!!

Come Home Soon Ellie (and Callie)!!!

Updates Needed

Can you believe it has been almost 4 years since the Gabbs Dogs were discovered?

With the first fall storm of 2011 in Northern Nevada here, we are wondering what all our Gabbs Dogs are up to?? Dinky says hello to all and hope to hears updates soon. She misses all her puppy pals. Some of you we haven't heard from in over two years...

Dinky with her brother Tyson and sister Angel, saying hello.

Before we signoff, here is an update on Callie: She has not yet been found, but... there have been reliable sightings. Our Gabbs Dogs are little desert survivors, we know she is taking care of herself out there. Let's just hope that with the first fall storm, she will want to come home. Still sending prayers to Callie and her family.

Sending great fall wishes to all our friends!!

GABBS

Remember Gabbs? Below is a note (dated Spring 2011), from his new Mom.


"I certainly have all good things to say about my experience with Safe Haven.

After loosing my 14YO Lab mix in August 2010, I began an internet search for my next best friend. That is how I found Safe Haven and Gabbs.

Kris brought him to my home for us to meet and from there it evolved into a two week home visit. Well, I knew, then and there, once we agreed on the home visit, i was hooked. Gabbs is a wonderful, gentle, smart, lovable boy who is very shy. I thank Safe Haven and Kris for caring for him until we found each other. This is definitely a case of " which came first, the chicken or the egg." Did I rescue Gabbs, or did Gabbs rescue me; it's mutual.

Thank you Safe Haven for making all aspects of our rescue easy.

Gabbs and Holly"

Keep Up the Good Work, Gabbs!!

Missing Gabbs Dog

Callie (formerly Kumquat) is missing. She got out on 7/4/11 and has not been seen since. She was last seen in the Ranchos area (by Gardnerville, NV). Callie is VERY SHY (and will not come to people)... if seen, please call Colleen ASAP (775-265-7957).

Callie is missed very much, so the more eye looking out for her the better!!

Come Home Safe Callie!!