Pray for Gabe

[Buffy & Boo]

All of you know Gabe, Todd Bobula's Border Collie, jumping buddy and best friend. Well Gabe is fighting for his life tonight. After several months of serious health problems that we all thought Gabe had begun to overcome, his chest has started filling up with fluids on Monday for reasons that the Vet can't yet determine. Gabe's autoimmune system seems to have shut down and my understanding is that Todd & Fran have signed a "do not resusitate order." This must have been a terribly difficult thing for them to do, but it seems now it's only up to a Greater Power and to Gabe's own ability to heal, for him to pull through. Please send all your positive energy and prayers that Gabe will be able to fight off whatever it is that's attacking his body!

John Tresise
Buffy, Boo & Bella

[Howie and Maxx]

I'm so sorry to hear about Gabe. I will definately be keeping them all in my prayers. Please keep us posted.

Howie

[Little Gunner]

A few of us were reminiscing about Todd & Gabe in Roseburg last weekend. We were sharing stories about Gabe being one of the "BEST" when we were just starting out. I am sorry to hear the terrible news. My heart goes out to Todd & Family.

Bart

[MickeyD'sMom]

Our thoughts and prayers are with Todd and his family. This is such terrible news.

[MickeyD'sMom]

I just received this email from Barbara Darrow:
Hi,

Late last night Gabe the Flying Border Collie of Gardnerville, NV
passed
away due to cancer of the spleen. Though he had been fighting hepatitis
successfully over the last six months, his cancer symptoms appeared
this
week so abruptly that there was unfortunately nothing that could be
done to
save him. He even raced last weekend at the flyball tournament in
Hayward
and appeared to be fine.

Our prayers and sympathies go to Todd and Fran Bobula. Gabe was a great
dog.


Barbara Darrow
Todd: We are so very sorry over your loss our love and prayers are with you and your family.

[Buffy & Boo]

And this tribute to Gabe from Bill & Liz Carter, Captains of RF Revolution Flyball Club:

My heart is broken. Tonight Fran and Todd said good bye to an incredible companion and competitor: Gabriel Angel MJ TF-I FDCH-S. Tragically, Gabe was diagnosed with a host of health problems stemming from cancer of the spleen. Dogs give us so much love and bring us so much joy, bringing out the best in us yet no matter how much time we have them, it is never enough. Those who had the opportunity to see Todd and Gabe in action together know the very special bond they shared. They were friends and teammates, a perfect balance and absolutely amazing to know and watch. Their relationship was truly something special. And there was never any doubt who Gabe¢s mom was. I always enjoyed watching him break into that mischievous and happy grin, a mix of absolute adoration and good humor whenever he caught sight of Fran.



I first met Gabe when he was nothing more than a black and white fuzz ball waddling over slats laid flat on the ground on a make shift flyball course. Even then he was a kamikaze. Gabe was the intensely focused leader, eager to work, while Kendrik was his goofy side-kick, looking for new ways to make us laugh. They were quite the pair and I am quite sure they are already up to their old antics together at the bridge. One of my favorite memories of Gabe is at the famous Easter Egg Hunt of 2002. While the other dogs were happily cracking open eggs to get their cookies, Gabe was willing Todd to toss the egg so he could catch it.



Little did we know that one day he would become Gabe the Flying Border Collie, a super star dock jumping competitor earning awards around the country and holding high honors in the national rankings as well as earning his Master Jumper title. He was even featured on National Geographic's "Dogs with Jobs" television series. In 2006, Gabe once again found himself in flyball and in typical Gabe fashion; he came to compete and hadn't forgotten a thing. He earned his first flyball title in January of 2007 and never looked back, earning his TF, TF-I, FD, FDX, FDCH and FDCH-S. But while most people will remember him as Gabe the Flying Border Collie, Bill and I will always remember him as Gabe the Kamikaze Fuzz Ball-a loyal friend, a wonderful teammate, the best superhero a goofy side-kick could have, and an amazing individual. Gabe, run fast, jump far, and have a great time in the right lane. We miss you already. Our hearts go out to Todd and Fran during this very difficult time.


With heavy hearts,

Liz & Bill

RF Revolution Flyball
www.revolutionflyball.com

Their memories are ours also and their sentiments reflect those of all Gabe's Revolution Team Members!

John Tresise

[RenosMom]

Ralph and I are stunned.

Gabe appeared to be recovering so strongly from what we all understood was hepatitis, and he had started flyball racing and jumping again. Todd and Fran were so pleased that he was so much better and doing so well.

Gabe has been in our lives ever since we started jumping, we met the Bobulas in San Diego in November of 2003 at the Pet Expo during a DockDogs jump, and they have been a steady presence in our lives ever since. That was our first jump, and I believe their second jump.

We have grown very close over the years.

I remember the ISE Expo in Sacramento, January of 2005, when Todd and Fran brought Gabe and their puppies, we brought Einstein, Gypsy, and the Reno puppy. I have pictures of all the Bobula/Darrow Border Collies and puppies playing together in the grass.

Todd and Fran, we love you. Gabe was a life changing dog for you, and we know you will continue the traditions that having him in your lives created. Gabe will live through Hemi, Beth, Bolt, Reno and the others.

God bless you, and we'll see you in September at Redding, if not sooner.

Love,

Barbara and Ralph Darrow

[deedclemdogg]

Todd and Fran (and everyone else connected to Gabe)

You have my deepest sympathies and prayers for Gabe. I was completely shocked by this as I did not know that Gabe had been sick. I'm in tears as I sit here typing this knowing that your tears are much deeper than mine, but please take mine as heartfelt condolences.

I saw Todd and Gabe last in Stockton, CA in March for an event. I always super enjoy watching the Flying Border Collie compete--but also visiting with Todd and Gabe behind the scenes. Always a strong team, they are the epitomy of class and sportsmanship. When Gabe beat Sarge in the finals by a few inches back in Scottsdale, AZ in the fall of 2004--we couldn't have been bested by a more deserving team!! Since then, they've always had a great place in our hearts on and off the dock.

Please know that your loss truly touches our hearts and that Gabe's presence on the dock and in the air will be greatly missed.

Many prayers and much love
Amanda (Sarge and Hope!)

[Sassy Girl]

My heart goes out to Todd and Fran. Gabe was an incredible dog. Gabe was the first border collie I saw fly and he forever will be in our hearts. He and Todd were a wonderful team to watch and learn from. Todd spent time with me and Gunn at several events pointing out those border quirks which I had not mastered on the dock yet (am still trying Todd). The bond between the two of them was incredible and you could see as Gabe took to the air everytime.

Fly Gabe, Fly....and watch over us all from above.

Here is a pic of the first time I saw Gabe - Auburn 2005
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a254/sassygirl2171/splashdogs-auburn-09-05/IMG_2501.jpg

[Tinka's mom]

Todd and Fran, Also my heart is broken as I sit here reading all of the wonderful things people have written to you and for you. Your loss is as great to all of us as it is to you. I remember just two weeks ago I saw Todd and Gabe at Tammarc Fun Jump. I was in front of Todd and Gabe waiting to jump and Tinka (as usual) started barking at Gabe. As I was trying to make her stop, Todd said don't you know Tinka has always talked sh** to Gabe. We laughed because she did it at the fair last year and Gabe went out and REALLY jumped great. Going to miss seeing you fly through the air Gabe, and I know Tinka is going to miss you doubly as well... Here's to the "new" cloud jumper...
Suzy and Tinka

[Team Chloe]

Since we were new to the sport this year only got to see Gabe and Todd a couple of times in San Francisco and at Stockton! They are quite a team! We are continuing the fight against canine cancer. We raised over $4,150 last week in oregon and washington. We will add Gabe to the list of the great dogs that have passed this year and will continue to jump for all of them!

What a great team of high flyers are assembling just across the rainbow bridge!!

Dave & Chloe

[RenosMom]

Dave,

Can you please provide us with information about your organization to fight canine cancer? How are you involved? Do you have a website?

Thanks,

Barbara Darrow
Einstein's, Gypsy's, and Reno's Mom

[MickeyD'sMom]

Barbara:
Here is all the information on Chase Away Cancer: http://www.jumpincentral.com/page/page/4436819.htm

[Team Chloe]

You can also find additional information at

http://www.acvimfoundation.org/AboutUs/RecentNewsActivities/ChaseAwayK9Cancer/tabid/273/Default.aspx

There is a link there where you can donate online

[RenosMom]

Thanks for the info, I was never aware this existed. I'll check it out.

Thanks again,

Barbara Darrow

[ssejrnv]

I'm in tears as I read this and I know nothing I can say will ease your pain but try to remember all the good times you had with Gabe. Remember he was lucky to have such a great owner who did so many wonderful things with him. You will be in my thoughts and prayers
JJ

[all4sadie]

My heart goes out to you and your family....I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm also in tears reading this.

Cindy & Sadie

[hershey kiss]

I'm so sorry Todd for your loss and sorry we have never meet you or Gabe I just want you to know how sorry we are for your loss Little Gunner posted some pictures of Gabe jumping and he look like he would have jump a mile but
now he well jump into our hearts and our prayers Hershey Kiss

[Jessicadraper33]

Oh my goodness, Todd I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know how many lives Gabe touched and blessed with his bright spirit. We will miss him. My heart goes out to you.
Jessica, Wyatt, & Annie

[Rick Timossi]

We are so sorry to hear about Gabe.A few years ago we brought our little dachshund Leo to an event to see if he would jump.One of the things that left a big impression with me was Gabe and how high and far he could jump.He was so intense and focused it was unreal.Whenever I try to tell people about SplashDogs and what its about I describe Gabe and how he jumped.We have four dogs and they are all part of our family.Once again please accept our condolences.Rick and Michelle Timossi

[Linda Hettich]

I can barely see the keyboard through my uncontrollable tears. Todd and Fran, I am so, so sorry for your loss. As Bart said, we were all just talking about Gabe and how great a jumper he was to watch. The way you two worked together, it was so smooth. I remember when you won Cynosports in 2005, and how proud Greg was to announce you as champions. I remember looking at all the pictures of you two at that official photographer's tent at that event. Gabe and Bolt were the first border collies I ever saw jump and I was truly amazed! I can't believe I won't ever see him jump again. This sport has lost an amazing champion.