dog

Abbey's Road /  by Gary Garbett

Although a Georgia animal shelter marked her as a throwaway, Abbey was the absolute sweetest soul. Thankfully, a devoted and passionate rescue group saved her just minutes before her scheduled euthanasia. After being transported to her Virginia foster home, we met Abbey and fell in love. After she and her foster family left, we immediately submitted our adoption application. Before long, we welcomed her home. Finally, Abbey was home. 

The sweet pup often hid her shyness with a smile. She never hid her excitement for sushi or for running through the wildflower gardens with her pack of four rescued rat terrier siblings. She was a bird chaser, and on the rare occasion when she did catch one, she wanted us to be proud of her brave work of protecting our home... her home. She and the gang always reminded us about their nightly 7:30 cookie. It was a favorite, so was dinner, and of course… how could you begin a brand new happy morning without breakfast? She loved big scoops of cottage cheese and neck massages… just under her chin. She also loved sitting in the big chair, directly in front of the window, and watching whatever caught her attention. Napping in her fluffy bed was always a favorite way to spend time, but never with a blanket. And with her big and radiant smile, it was easy to see that her greatest joy was being around those that she loved.

Abbey’s journey carried her across Rainbow Bridge this weekend. The day’s calm and steady rain reminded me so much of Abbey. It was quiet, beautiful, and perfectly melancholy. Smile big and run free, sweet girl. Run free. No more pain. Only love. 

Even with her shyness, Abbey always shared her smile.

dependent on independence and cookies /  by admin

©2011 gary garbett.com
As I've become older, my day to day has become busier, yet simple and my value of time is more precious than ever before. Days have never been long enough, though I make a daily effort to achieve the almighty time management balance with a far too long to-do list. This isn't a new discovery, just the facts of my independent, over achiever; need to be better than yesterday character.

My dogs are independent as well. Sort of. At least until I wake up and greet them in the morning, or when I walk in from my day at the office when they happily welcome me home, or until they hop into the truck for a ride through the countryside to the landfill, or until they become my dedicated kitchen helpers. They also have a tendency to loosen their independent nature just after letting them out before I call it a day and head to bed for a few hours of sleep. After doing their business, they rush back in from the star filled darkness and the chirping of crickets as I close and lock the door behind them. Sitting patiently near their cookie jar, side by side, they wait for my goodnight talk followed by their regimented peanut butter biscuit.

Independence has its moments and I bask in them often. At other times my independence seems to include others. This happens to make it not nearly so busy or even independent. The balance is welcomed.

value of a moment /  by admin

©2011 gary garbett.com

The advent of the pace our society has created astounds me. We want everything now. Sometimes even that isn't quick enough. Upon receiving it, at that instantaneous second, it's already become old news, incompatible, or a generation or two behind. We wait for little and the idea of working towards something better has become a burdensome chore rather than a rewarding goal. 


She sees the day far clearer and with less obstructions than I ever will. She’s my spark of hope in this disposable world. To her, life matters. Today matters. A hello, a minute together, and a cookie… they all matter. I taught her obedience a long time ago. In return, she teaches me the value of a moment every single day.