2012 Hero Dog of the Year Gabe passes away
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The American Humane Association’s 2012 Hero Dog of the Year, Gabe, has lost his battle with cancer and passed away on Wednesday.
Gabe was rescued as a puppy from a Houston shelter just one day before he was going to be euthanized. He deployed to Iraq in 2006 with Sgt. 1st Class Charles “Chuck” Shuck. The two survived 210 combat missions. Last year Gabe retired and started campaigning for the Hero Dog of the Year. The award won thousands of dollars for the nonprofit United States War Dog Association, sending care packages to military dogs and their handlers fighting in Afghanistan. Gabe was 10-years-old when he passed away.
On Tuesday, Gabe stopped eating and Sgt. Shuck knew things weren’t right. He started to have difficulty breathing and was taken to the animal emergency hospital. Gabe had been suffering from hemangiosarcoma, cancer in his liver and spleen. The cancer had spread too far, and on Wednesday Gabe was put to rest after he was surrounded by his favorite toys, snacks and his medals.
“My heart is truly broke in a million pieces. I took him for a final walk, kissed him a thousand times, but I felt peace when he laid his head in my lap and left me,” said Sgt. Shuck. No arrangements have been made yet for a memorial service. “I can’t think about that right now,” said Shuck. “I don’t think I could get through it. I’m going to have him cremated and he gets buried with me when I die.”
“He represented the best of what man’s best friend means,” said American Humane Associations chief executive Robin Ganzert. “He exemplified the spirit of being man’s best friend and demonstrating extraordinary acts of courage.”
Gabe’s final days accrued thousands in medical bills. Anyone wishing to donate to help with the costs can send money to Chuck and Gabe’s address at:
9574 Windsor Lake Boulevard
Columbia, SC 29223
All additional funds raised will go to other animals in need.
Sending you heartfelt condolences for your loss. What a courageous dog – he showed what true unconditional love really is.
Woof woof!
8 
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I;m so sorry for your loss, I also loss the love of my life BUDDY . He was the best dog in the world tome. When I was sick he never left my side for days with flu. what compassion he gave me sometimes I felt I didn;t deserve his Love he gave me but told him everyday that I LOVE him. but 6 years now I really miss him dearly and think of him everyday with love.
Woof woof!
8 
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I voted for you every day Gabe. You were truly a Hero dog.
So sad for Sgt. Shuck, I know you are missing him tremendously.
Run free Gabe and thank you for your outstanding service to your country.
Woof woof!
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So very sad and empty over the loss of sweet Gabe. He became such a part of all of our lives, and we looked forward everyday to hearing from him and Chuck about their devotion to such a worthy cause. Rest in peace, sweet Gabe. We will always love you.
Woof woof!
6 
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GOD Bless you Chuck..for sharing your boy with us..You both made such an impact on my life..You became family..My heart breaks with you..Thank you for what all you and Gabe did..Serving our country..saving lives..RIP Beloved Hero Gabe!
Woof woof!
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