Gabriel’s Memorial
CATTLEDOG
Born: March 23, 2009 to Cozette
Crossed the Rainbow Bridge: May 31, 2025
16 years, 2 months and 9 days of memories with Gabriel and the pack.
From snowy Lake Tahoe to Chico to the Guerneville River to the beaches of Carmel and San Diego....as I look at these old pictures from years past with new eyes ... I just think WOW - Vince and I had so many adventures with Gabriel.
He had an action-packed life with our trips and he loved it when we moved to the countryside in 2011. He got to grow up with his momma Cozette and his sister Mariah.
Gabriel tolerated most of the new dogs that we had rescued except he tormented Mikey and liked to chase him. We nicknamed him "Captain Fun Police" because he would interrupt the dogs from having any kind of fun. He had this odd relationship with Dodger in that he would lick Dodger's ears. But he would not allow Dodger to reciprocate.
Gabriel would excessively groom and lick Cozette's ears, too. When Cozette passed away in 2022, we rescued Rosette who looks very similar to Cozette. Funny enough, Gabriel would lick Rosette's ears the same way he licked his momma's ears. It was very sweet to see.
With people, Gabriel was not as affectionate. In fact, Gabriel had nipped a CHP officer, a deputy and a dispatcher.. all off-duty friends of ours.
It is always sad to lose a sanctuary animal, especially one of the originals. But as I review these old pictures, it reminds me that Gabriel had a great life with us. His twin sister, Mariah is the last one remaining of the original pack.
But over the Rainbow Bridge, Cozette is reunited with her son. And I'm sure he's licking her ears right now.
Gabriel’s Story
Gabriel hails from Cozette, whose story began in 2009 when we rescued her from the dire circumstances of the Merced County pound, a high-kill shelter. Cozette, in her initial state, was filthy and plagued by ticks, fleas, and worms. In a surprising turn of events, it was soon discovered that she was also carrying a precious secret - a litter of six adorable pups.
A mere two weeks later, Cozette bravely gave birth to her six pups, among them Mariah and Gabriel. We chose to provide loving homes for these two little ones, while found homes for the other puppies.