Say hello to Gibby! This bright-eyed ten year-old has quite the story.
Gibby was found as a stray in May of last year, and he was in horrible condition. Weighing 44 pounds, with matted fur, infected teeth (half removed), infected ears, nails growing in to his pads, he had tumors on one foot and neck, and was shy and scared of everyone and everything.
That was then … look at him NOW!
Thanks to the chip his breeder put in him as a pup, he was identified as belonging to her. She adopted him out five years ago, after he retired from showing, to what she believed would be a forever home. When Michele K. found him at the shelter, he’d been spared “the list” because of his microchip. “Not worth the money to fix, too old and sick” they said.
Thank goodness for that microchip!
Going from a frightened stray to a successful life of having fun in the show ring — and being a beloved pet — has been quite a journey for Gibby. After getting down to a sleek 28 pounds, with lots of conformation practice (“HE knew what to do — I had to learn” says Michelle), he made his proud return to the show ring. Gibby remembered his handler Deb Miller instantly at class. He loved it! “He won 10-12 year old Veteran dogs and went Best of Show in Veterans at our Specialty last year in August” brags Michele. (You’ve more than earned bragging rights, my friend! 🙂
“On the right is his breeder CJ Evert and in the middle is his handler Deb Miller. We have pictures from CJ of Deb showing him from the time he was a pup. Besides the attention, the chicken bites were his favorite thing.”
“As a retired U.S/International Champion, Gibby hates the sight of cameras. He’s the sweetest, most loving gentleman — except when there’s a camera around.”
“It took year for Gibby to accept head hugs, give kisses, be able to speak up arooooo-ing to announce he was awake and the day could start. He shares his home in the foothills of the Rockies with me and my two other Pemmies, Hallie and Sydney.”
“Watching him open up, enjoy new activities, learn how to get along with his possessive sister Sydney (ignore her, what else would a gentleman do?) and actually sleep next to Hallie has been a lot of fun. He lives for food and affection, though some days I’m not sure of the order.”
“Gibby is such a joy to share our home with! Please, please chip your dogs! Gibby would not be in our lives if his breeder had not chipped him.”
Bravo Gibby!
Oh, what a wonderful story – does my heart good this morning! Thanks for sharing! So glad I chip my dogs now, you never know what life will throw at you.
What a wonderful story! Beautiful pictures too! Amy, llyr and Awstin
What a great story… it's nice to have such a happy ending. Always wonderful to see healthy, happy Veterans in the ring… it very emotional.
Great story. Both of our pups chipped, I had it done when they were nuetered. Trying to be a responsible pet owner.
what a great story
I love happy endings!! Nia was chipped when she was spayed. The kitties are chipped, too.
Gibby is so lucky and so sweet looking! What a trooper to get back in the ring like that!!
Luckily the county I live in automatically chips dogs they adopt out of the pound.
One important thing to remember however…if you move or change any of the vital info, be sure to notify the chip company. Blue's former owner(s) didn't and so he could not be reunited with them.
hi cute cute
Tears… beautiful story. We have chips in dogs, cat, donkeys, and horses. It is a small investment for what clearly can be a life saving event. Gibson, you are the poster boy of good life-bad life-good life stories.
what a wonderful story! thanks for sharing 🙂