I will remember Buck the way he was the first day I met him, on a warm spring day in May of 1996 at the Toledo,Ohio American Airlines Terminal. 

As I was waiting for him to be unloaded the Captain of the flight came over and talked with me.He told me he had checked on him during a short lay over and had given him some water. I thanked him for his kindness. When he was brought up to the counter I said the the Captain,"Let him out." Out of the carrier flowed this stunningly gorgeous bright-eyed silky-coated creature, so full of life and vitality that it left you breathless. This magnificent animal, though we had never met, pranced straight into my waiting arms.

"Oh! He's so beautiful!", said one of the counter attendants 

as her co-worker and the Captain looked on in awe. "Is he a show dog?", she asked me. "No. He's no show dog", I replied, "he's more important than that. His name is Buck and he's my new friend."

Truth is, I was saving him from Death. Buck was a Rescue. His first home he was abused. His second, neglected. The Belgian Sheepdog breeder had kept an eye out for her puppies and had twice demanded his return when she learned of his circumstances. However this third time she was unable to find a suitable home near her and she could not keep him herself. She was, at the moment, overwhelmed with dogs and pushing her city's ordinace when she contacted me. I already had one of Buck's littermates, a brother named Jaime. "You are my last hope," she told me on the phone, "If you can't take him I'll have no choice but to put him to sleep."

Well of course I took him. How could I not? And here was this magnificent creature in my arms. 

Buck remained my loyal friend and companion for 9 yrs. When his time came I saw to it he went quickly, but gently, his dignity intact, giving his bright spirit a quick and fine release. He deserved that and more.



I urge anyone considering adopting a pet to check out the shelters first. There are so many creatures with loving hearts waiting for forever homes and they are so-o-o grateful. It's like they know.

Have a preference for a certain breed only? Great! Do an online search for your prefered breed and check out the rescues! There are many wonderful purebreds available to loving homes as well!

Stop the abuse! Stop the neglect! Spay and neuter your pets!



S.Gibson      Dec. 2004





Just this side of Heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge. When a pet-companion dies who has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge. 

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable.All the pet-companions who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor;those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and time gone by. The pet-companions are happy and content, except for one small thing - they miss someone very special who was left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, faster and faster. You have been spotted,and when you and your special friend finally meet you cling together in joyous reunion,never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life. 

         Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together.



S.Gibson     3/15/05