Retired military working dog and 2012 American Humane Association Hero Dog Award winner Gabe passed away today.
His owner, Sgt. 1st Class Charles Shuck, wrote on Gabe's Facebook page:
"Gabe took his last breath... while I held him in my arms."
Shuck wrote on Facebook that he took Gabe to an emergency animal hospital yesterday, where the former military dog was diagnosed with internal bleeding.
Gabe was a rescue dog who lived in a Texas animal shelter before being adopted and trained by the military. He retired from the U.S. Army in 2009, and was adopted by his handler, Sgt. 1st Class Shuck.
Gabe and Shuck spent their days together raising awareness about the plight of shelter dogs, and the importance of adopting these very special canines into a forever home.
The American Humane Association awarded Gabe and Shuck $10,000 for being named 2012 American Hero Dog. The duo donated their prize money to the United States War Dogs Association.
The Hallmark Channel put together a video about Gabe during the nomination process for the 2012 American Hero Dog Awards. I've posted that video up top.
