GIBBS: October 15, 2015 to November 8, 2024
If you follow me on social media, or you subscribe to my newsletter, you’ll have seen plenty of photos of Gibbs over the years. Born on October 21, 2015 on Back to the Future Day, the puppies in Maplelane’s litter were to have CKC names that referenced the movie. Mike and I picked Maplelane’s The Power of Love, a nod to the first movie’s theme song.
Of course, CKC names are all fine and good, but I couldn’t imagine calling him Power or Love on a daily basis. I also couldn’t think of a name that worked. And then, one night watching NCIS, it came to me. Gibbs, after the Mark Harmon lead character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs. I’d watched the show for years, liked the Gibbs character and the “always faithful” Semper Fi  motto of the U.S. Navy.
I’d had dogs most of my life, but Gibbs, like his namesake, was more than a bit stubborn. Whereas my last Golden, Copper, was pretty much born with obedience papers in his mouth, Gibbs was more of a “what’s in it for me?” kind of guy. But the power of love really does conquer all, and before long he was following me everywhere, whether I was working hard on a new book, running on my treadmill in our basement, or waiting while I had a shower (though the time he stole my bathmat and tore around the house with it is funnier in retrospect).
For almost nine years, Gibbs was my constant companion. He loved long walks, swimming in Lake Superior, car rides, and playing fetch. Mike used to say that when I was out golfing, or running errands, Gibbs would wait by the front door until I came home. But that’s the hard thing about dogs. As much joy and unconditional love that they bring us, we almost always outlive them, and the hole they leave in our hearts never really mends.
I hope there really is a rainbow bridge. I hope that my past dogs, Sandy, Einstein, Ranger, and Copper, were there to welcome Gibbs. I hope he understood that the decision to end his life was the hardest one I’ve ever made. That I wasn’t ready, but that I had to be, for him. I hope he knew how very much Mike and I loved him. How empty the house is without him.
I hope he knew.
Judy: Please accept my sincere condolences. You gave him so much love and I am sure he returned it in spades. He will always have a special place in your heart.
Hugs to you
Doris
Judy, this is such a beautiful tribute to your beautiful Gibbs! I only knew him through Instagram and my eyes are brimming with tears!! My heart goes out to you, Judy…we love our fur babies so much and it’s so so hard to say goodbye! What an awesome life he had!! 💙💙💙
Thank you Wendy.
Judy, he knew. I’m crying for you and sending love and hugs.
Thank you Barb, I know you went through it with Jingles…and then your experience with Astro.
Dear Judy,
I really teared up reading your touching eulogy to Gibbs. Pets are our family and always live in our hearts. I am so sorry you lost your friend but he had a wonderful life with you. Madeleine
thank you Madeleine.
I am so sorry, but Judy, I can tell you from personal experience that Gibbs (and all your well loved critters) will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge. I know this because I died on the operating table in 1992. All of mine were there, and all of my loved ones and friends who went before. Some say the post death experience is result of an electrical storm. I can tell you that’s not so. My great aunt was there with her husband. Uncle Joe had died in the 1960s, but I’d spoken to Aunt Nellie the day before I entered the hospital. She died the morning of my surgery. I didn’t find out until I went home from the hospital.
OMG Kait, I have chills. Thank for your this. Thank you so very much.
You gave Gibbs love and a happy home. That counts for a lot.
Thank you Grace
Judy, I’m a cat person, which sometimes brings me to tears–I’m allergic to cat dander, dust, you name it; I either itch, tear up, or sneeze. Your touching story about Gibbs and his untimely passing brought me to tears, real ones. Much sympathy to you on the loss of your faithful companion.
Thank you Evelyn. Gibbs really liked cats. I’ve never owned a cat, but there was one that would come around to our old house, and he liked to nose it (once with a scratch to his nose!).
I am so sad to read this. I have enjoyed keeping up with Gibbs through your words and photos. I feel almost as if I knew him. I know that sense of loss you must feel. I will miss him.
Larry Chavis
Thank you Larry.