Tribute to Heinrich
My beloved Heinrich,
I'm looking forward to us being together and doing the things you loved so much. Your devotion and passion for your job were unsurpassed. Your intelligence - amazing!
The tears are now slowly drying out because of the smiles your memories bring to my face. Someone said, that special dogs have a beautiful death and yours truly was one. Your death was so unexpected, yet so peaceful.
I miss you oh so much...My little Henry, my teacher, my friend...I can't wait to see you on the other side and I promise I won't let Amos play with your 'Pillow' or your 'Cuzzie'.
Hugs and kisses on the faces.
Love you Benny,
Mommy
To all who knew and enjoyed Heinrich I wanted to let you know that he left this Earth on Feb 16th at 9:30 AM.
That morning he was excited to go with "mommy" to his favorite place - work. I put him in the kennel and went on with my evaluation, just to come back an hour later and find his lifeless body collapsed on the cold hard concrete floor. The vet and I tried to revive him but he was gone for far too long. The immediate autopsy revealed suspicion of Dilated Cardiomyopathy. A genetic defect responsible for killing over 50% of all Doberman population. There are no known reasons it occurs or how it can be prevented, except with very careful breeding. The first symptom is - sudden death.
Heinrich went peacefully in his nap and didn't feel a thing.
He came to me on Christmas of 1999 as a Christmas gift and I chose him from 8 litter mates when he was only 2
weeks old. His personality was exactly what I was looking for - to stand his ground, but not look for trouble, proud,
dominant, yet submissive to me, intelligent and docile. He changed hundreds of people's perception of the
Dobermann Pinscher. He was patient with all who were afraid and kind to those who were ready to accept him. He
protected me jealously and I never doubted his skills.
He left me a day after my 28th B-day, as if he didn't want to spoil the day. His job here on Earth with me was done. He
was my teacher and the best thing that ever happened to me.
Him and I have been through so much together and the lessons I've learned from him will forever be passed on to
you - my clients. Each and everyone of you will forever have a piece of Heinrich in your dog's training. And he
would've been proud of you!
Heinrich is the reason I'm here, in the US, today. He is the
reason my business is so successful. He is the reason my passion for dogs grew so big. Without him I'm broken and
only time will heal the broken heart he left behind.
Thank your for being a part of his wonderful life and enriching his experience on this Earth.
His passing comes to remind me how fragile life really is.
Love and respect each other and your dogs!
Yours,
GABY
February, 2006
Thank you to all who sent flowers, cards and e-mails and also to those who called.
Seeing how many of you have great memories of Heinrich makes me very proud.
Seeing how many friends I have in my clients is priceless.
Thank you once again. You all help me heal faster!
Love,
GABY
Oh Gaby,
I don't have the words to express to you how saddened I am
at your news! There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of
you as I enjoy and love my Scout. I truly believe the bond I
have with her is because of you and Heinrich. We know he is
at peace and waiting to see you again. You will always hold
him in a special place in your heart. Remember your heart
has a lot of room and there is another wonderful dog waiting
for a special person like you.
Please keep in touch.
Hugs,
Theo
...
Gaby,
We are so sorry to hear about Heinrich. Our hearts go out to
you. He was truly a great one. We almost lost Cinder to
bloat last year at this exact same time. I know Cinder and we
learned a great deal from the two of you. He was her first
and only boyfriend. We know this is a very hard time, and we
hope and pray that you take comfort in knowing how
profoundly he affected everyone the two of you trained. I can
assure you he will never be forgotten in our house....
Again our hearts go out and we thought about Heinrich and
you a lot today. Stay in touch and we'll give Cinder that hug.
Times like this really make you think a lot and we often take
our pets for granted.
Best of luck in your search for your new best friend.
Remember dogs don't leave us they just run ahead and wait
for us to catch up.
Larry, Dorothy and Cinder Oberacker
...
Gaby,
What a nice tribute to "Whinny Heiny". What I will miss is
seeing him running around in the field with all the dogs while
you are teaching lessons. I will miss his hunt for the geckos
before you tell him to get in the car. We'll never know where
the little green critter's are hiding now.
Woodie
Keystone Kennels
...
Dear Gaby!
I was so sorry to hear about Heinrich...it is heartbreaking when
we lose our "best friends". It is truly the downside of having our
babies.
I still miss Twillie...our little old lady Bichon...more than words
can say. She was my baby and I did everything I was not
supposed to do with a dog, but she tolerated me anyway and
was a wonderful friend. I too cannot wait to see her again on
the Rainbow bridge. I truly believe when its my time to go, my
father and Twillie will be waiting for me.
It sounds like Heinrich had a beautiful death...I think special
dogs do. We will keep you in our hearts and prayers.
Fondly,
The Darnells
...
Gaby,
I'm so sorry about Heinrich! Jesse and I are truly mourning
his death; he was a wonderful dog, and an awesome
companion to you.
Heather & Jesse
...
Dear Gaby,
I happened to be at the vet's the day you lost Heinrich. I was
talking about how wonderful you have been for Padfoot when
the girls at the front desk told me what had happened earlier
that morning.
I can't even begin to imagine your shock and sorrow. I look at
my boy and cry just thinking about what I pray is a far off day.
I have sat down to write to you several times in the last few
days only to be at a complete loss for words that might
comfort. But I guess that is really the point, there are no such
words.
We all have pets that come and go in our lives but if we are
truly blessed, one very special animal connects with us in a
deep and profound way that touches our soul and changes
our lives like no other. I know your boy is that for you and your
life is better for it.
We will all miss Heinrich's kind, gentle and patient nature.
He was a great teacher for all our dogs.
All my Love,
Tina, Padfoot and the Wise Family
...
Dear Gaby,
I just read your email telling of Heinrich. I too learned so
much from Astrid that is with me forever. The broken heart is
still there but I know she is with me all the time now and
remember how she would do and want me to do.
I can still see Heinrich at the park when we had our get
together'. What a beautiful dog!
Will be thinking of you.
Love,
Nancy
...
Gaby,
This is beautifully written and very fitting of such an
exceptional dog. Mark and I have been trying to think of an
appropriate memorial for Heinrich, but I now see that this task
was supposed to be done by you...and you did it very well.
Donna McWilliams, DVM (Heinrich's vet)
...
Gabby,
I am so sorry to hear about Heinrich. He was a true
inspiration for me and my Tippy. I know his actions
guided Tippy and will continue to guide her through her life. I
too lost a pet recently. My first horse Dallas died about a
month ago. I am still grieving. If there is anything I can do let
me know.
Lisa & Tippy
...
Hi Gaby,
We are so sorry to hear about the untimely death of your
beloved dog Henry. We're sure he's up there in Heaven and
will always be remembered for the loyal friend he was.
Please except our deepest sympathy.
Ed, Liz and Wolfie Campana
...
My dear Gaby,
Words can't express my sorrow for your incredible loss. I
know how very much Heinrich meant to you.
Again I feel so bad for you, Gaby..I miss seeing you and your
dog and can just picture him waiting for you so patiently to
finish a lesson and then jumping into the truck with no
problem. He certainly was one of a kind.
Love,
Nancy and Cinder Audino
...
I am soooooooooooooooooo sorry to hear about this. I think
I would die too to loose my Onika.
We will keep you in our prayers and know he is watching and
hinting to you everyday as you continue your work to train
other dogs.
Love,
Maggie, Trevor, Dearirra, Lilly, Jonathan and Onika!!!!
(added a couple new babies!)
...
Hi Gaby,
Your memorial to Heinrich brought tears to my eyes. It is so
hard to lose your best friend.
Joyce Moore (trainer at Petsmart - Trinity)
...
My dear friend Gabby,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Heinrich. He truly will
be missed by all, he was a special boy. I will keep you in my
prayers as you mourn the loss of this exceptional pet.
God Bless,
April
...
Gaby,
We're so very sorry for your loss. Jay and I have been
through this and know the pain you feel, but appreciate the
love and companionship you had with your beloved boy,
Henry. We extend our sincere condolences and thank you
and Henry for his training wisdom..... My heart breaks for you
and you have our sincerest sympathy.
Regards,
Jay and Carol
...
Oh Gabby,
I am sitting here crying. I am so sorry. Tanner the Ridgeback
will miss him too.
Lori
...
Dear Gaby,
I am so sorry about Heinrich, the few times I got to see him
he was like a gentle giant. I know that your heart aches for
him they are like our children. When my Sheba died this year
after having her for 14 years it was very lonely without her.
There will be a void in your life but he brought you so much
joy, you were very lucky to have him and to know he went
peacefully. We all will benefit from what Heinrich gave to you
and you know that you will see him at the Rainbow Bridge. I
am so very sorry for you.
Rocky and Taz send their sympathy too.
Love,
Karen Rocky & Taz
...
Gaby,
Rob and I are very sorry. Heinrich was a well trained and well
kept little boy. He will alway be in our hearts and prayers.
Love,
Rob,Sheena and THE GANG
...
Gaby and Josh,
I'm so sorry to hear about Heinrich. As I read your note a flood
of tears just overpowered me. Fred was already asleep and I
had to wake him because I was so upset. Heinrich was way too
young, and my heart goes out to you both. Especially you Gaby,
I know that the two of you have traveled a long way together. He
really was a good boy and even though he is gone, remember
he will live on forever in your heart and mind. There will never
be another Heinrich.
Mary
...
Dear Gaby,
Abby and I send you all our love and sympathy on the loss of
your beloved baby, Heinrich. We feel so sad. He was a great
teacher for Abby as she was afraid of everything except your
gentle giant, Heinrich. She quickly overcame her fears with him
showing her the way.
I am sorry we haven’t been able to come to any of the doggy
day camps. Our last memory of Heinrich was during Abby’s
training and of how much she liked him and she trained hard to
be like him.
Heinrich was a true blessing to you and our prayers and
thoughts are with you on this profound loss.
Love,
Beth Davies
...
DEAR GABY,
I READ YOUR NOTE AND I HAD TEARS COMING DOWN MY
FACE. IT'S SO HARD TO LOOSE A PET BUT ESPECIALLY ONE
THAT WAS THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE... I'M SURE HEINRICH
WILL ALWAYS HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN YOUR HEART. ALL
MY LOVE TO YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND.
LOVE,
CAROL
...
Dear Gaby,
You know that you have our sympathy. You are right -
Heinrich is part of every dog that you train - just as you are part of
us.
In Sympathy,
Neal, Gilbert, Kathy, and Charley
...
Dear Gaby,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know when I lost Jessie to
bone cancer last May it was like the joy had left my life forever.
Shuey has helped ease that pain and is a wonderful dog, but
you never forget (nor should you) a friend, a companion, a
coworker, a confidant like Heinrich.
You and Heinrich will be in my thoughts.
Dick Ruddell
...
Hello Gaby,
I was so saddened by your loss. I was glad to hear that
Heinrich went peacefully. I dread the day that I will have to
experience the sadness you must feel. Heinrich was a
beautiful and special dog.
I'm sorry for your loss. Hope to see you sometime soon.
Sincerely,
Lisa, Kyle, Blitz & Coal
...
Oh Gaby,
My heart is breaking for you. I just spent the last half hour
crying and hugging Fred. I know you have a giant hole in your
heart. I’m glad that he went peacefully. He definitely will be a
part of my best memories of our training, which is still the best
thing that Freddie and I ever did together.
Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Wendy
...
GABY,
I TOO AND CAROL WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS OUR
SYMPATHY ON YOUR LOSS OF HENRY "EINE GUTEN
HUNDT". HE COULD RELATE OBEDIENCE AND DISCIPLINE
TO CLARA AND AM SURE CLARA ALSO SAW THIS. A DOG
HAS UNDIVIDED LOVE AND LOYALTY TO ITS MASTER AND
HEINRICH SLOWED THIS TRULY TO YOU. REMEMBER
HEINRICH IS GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN AND I WOULD
LIKE TO THINK THAT ALL DOGS WILL MEET THEIR MASTER
IN THE FUTURE SO THIS LOVE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.
ONCE AGAIN WE EXPRESS ONLY SORROW AT YOUR LOSS.
BIBBY AND CAROL
...
I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I am in
shock as I know you must be. Emily and I will say a prayer
tonight for all of you!!
Thinking of you,
Christy and Emily
...
Szkoda nam Twojego psa ale w nowym domu napewno
znajdziesz nowego przyjaciela.
Calujemy,
Robert Marzena Julka i Milenka (Gaby's family from Poland)
...
Dear Gaby,
Bill and I were so sorry to here about your baby Heinrich. Our
thoughts are with you. We will fondly remember the time that
Heinrich and Laci played at Brooker Creek when Laci was just
a little pup.
Best regards,
Kathy Scrimgeour
...
Gabby,
I am very sorry to hear the news about Heinrich. He was a great
dog. That is a terrible thing to go through.
Anthony
...
I am so sorry to hear about Henry, my thoughts and prayers are
with you.
Take Care
Celeste
...
Gaby,
Sorry about your loss. I understand completely and am sure
that in time you will feel less pain.
Mary Ann
Sheldegren Kennels
...
Hi Gaby,
I am so sad for your loss. I lost an Irish Wolfhound with a
genetic heart problem 15 years ago and I still miss him. These
dogs of ours become so much a part of our lives and when
they go, it is so painful. All we can do is remember the love that
we shared and be thankful for the time we had together.
Linda
...
Gaby,
I saw this on your web site just yesterday. It was such a
shock. I am so sad about it. He did have a wonderful life with
you. There are no words.
Love,
Nancy and Rusty
...
Hi Gaby,
Dave and I wanted to send our condolences to you. I know your
dogs mean so much to you, and that when we won't expect it is
the worst experience. I liked what you said about him being at
the rainbow bridge. I loved that actually. I know he is there with
my old dog Vinny. They are happy and playing and waiting for
us.
There are so many dogs that crave company such as yours. I
know you will find another to love, who won't replace Heinrich
but will enrich his memory for you.
Teddy Bear and Sadhu are doing well. Very well.
Sincerely,
Rosemarie Tropf and Dave Tropf
