I've just heard the sad news that Gibson, the world's tallest dog has died of bone cancer. You can find out more about Gibson at his website, and you can hear his owner Sandy Hall talking about him in Episode 18 of DogCast Radio.
Sandy Hall was one of those interviewees who really touched my heart. I just felt connected to her somehow. She'd had it rough, with various family members dying, and she'd been poor and lonely. Her dogs kept her going. She clearly adored her dogs and was telling me about some toys she'd bought on sale for them, and the fun they were having with them. She called Gibson to the phone to do his party piece - speaking. When I put the phone down I wanted to be able to put my arms around her and just give her a big hug. I wished that things would get better for her soon with all my heart.
And get better they did as Gibson's fame spread, with appearances on many television shows - Oprah, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Good Morning America to name but a few.
But Great Danes are known for not having a very long life span, and now Gibson is gone at the age of just seven. Of course Gibson packed a lot into his seven years, even authoring his own book, Gibson Speaks but it's never quite long enough with a dog is it?
I'm so sorry Gibson is gone, but I'm so glad he and Sandy got to have such a fabulous time together. And once again I find myself wishing that I could be there for Sandy, to put my arms around her, and just give her a big hug.
Take care,
Julie x