Gabriel's Angels

Gabriel, a large gray Weimaraner from Phoenix, Arizona, died on May 17, 2010. He was 11 years old.

When a beloved pet dies, most of the world pays no attention. But Gabriel’s death prompted over 400 emails, several flower arrangements, and dozens of cards.

Gabriel was a therapy dog and the initial inspiration behind Gabriel’s Angels, a non-profit organization in Arizona that provides 150 dogs who comfort children in need in the Tucson and Phoenix areas.

Gabriel was adopted by Pam Gaber, who would entertain children from the Crisis Nursery in Phoenix with stories about the puppy’s shenanigans. Finally, Gaber decided to bring Gabriel to meet her friends, and she dressed him up as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer for the occasion. The kids loved it, and so did Gabriel. He was a sweet-tempered dog who enjoyed all the attention that the children were happy to give him.

The concept of therapy dogs goes back to World War II, when a dog names Smoky was invited to visit patients in the famed Mayo Clinic. It wasn’t until 1976, however, when training for therapy dogs became regimented and use of them became more and more widespread in nursing homes and hospitals.

Gaber wanted to expand the reach of therapy dog programs, and she saw a particular need for Gabriel-style attention among abused and neglected children. Gabriel’s Angels now serves a wide variety of shelters, schools, treatment centers, and recreation programs. The program visits over 13,000 children every year in 100 facilities.

Therapy dogs have proven effective in helping children overcome any number of challenges, from emotional disorders to speech impediments. Children who fail to respond to traditional treatments often discover that unconditional canine acceptance provides the confidence and compassion necessary to overcome even the most daunting challenges.

Gabriel was especially good at his job. He dressed up as a biker in leather to wow the kids, or as leprechaun on St. Patrick’s Day. When he finally lost his bout with cancer, hundreds of children contacted Gaber to express their condolences and pay their final respects.

You can learn more about Gabriel’s Angels here: