Remembering Gabe

March 18, 2009

C.S. Lewis one time loved a dog, and this led him to believe that there ought to be some provision in Christianity for the pets that we love to be reunited with us in heaven. This is a word of comfort to those who grieve the loss of a pet.

The Landis Homes community was blessed by such a pet, Gabe, a loving golden retriever, who spent 24 hours a day, seven days a week with us for 9 ½ years until he retired in November 2008 to the home of a son of a resident who he had befriended.

Gabe was a special friend to all residents, but to some he was an especially faithful companion. These persons knew Gabe well, and were known by him. Stories have been shared about how Gabe could sense that someone was dying, and that he stayed with the resident even after death.

Gabe died on Tuesday, March 10, 2009, but the special memories of his time with us live on. As C.S. Lewis also said, "You can't see anything clearly when your eyes are blurred with tears." Yet when the tears clear, we can clearly remember a friend who was part of our journey to do our best in serving one another in a community of Christ-like love.

A special thanks to those in the Landis Homes community, whether staff team members, residents, family members, volunteers, children in the Children's Learning Center or Summer Adventure program, and others who supported Gabe's time with us! Your gift to community life is appreciated!

- Larry Zook, President

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