Gabber. (spoken like "Gah-burr")

Max, Gabber, Maxy, Gab, Maximillion, Mahee, Habbikuk. These are some of the names I called him.
For 14 years, Gabber was in my life. Gabber's been in my life longer than he hasn't. More than HALF of my life I've had him.

I remember when I was 7 years old....The Blue's gave me a ride home from school because Sari was "home sick" with my mom. And apparently, they decided to get a puppy.
I remember following Sari's laugh into the backyard, my tummy filled from a Happy Meal. As I shoveled the last bit of fries down I spotted a small, black & white fluff-ball rolling around on the grass.
Tiny little thing. His nose smashed in like a baby ewok. His tongue was too long so it stuck out a little. Awe, Love at first sight! Baby Max.
He was born December 20th and every year I always remembered to celebrate. I'd buy him wet dog food because he never got to eat it. Wet food, with a candle on his birthday- that was his favorite.

Gabber never bit anyone, and he only licked every once and awhile. He never humped anything, and he never pooped in the house. He was a good boy. He was a loving boy.
Through High School my nickname was Gabber, and I'm pretty sure everyone knew who Max was. We both were Gabbers.

These past years he grew old and tired- a senile codger. But, Gabber was still sweet and minded his own business.
Gabber moved in with my roommates and I this past summer. He had a wonderful time going to the beach, meeting college kids, joining our parties, and meeting friendly dogs around the great neighborhood of Madison Park.

Gabber was a fine dog. He slept around 21 hours a day, and the time he was most awake was when I was getting my final hours of rest. Quite annoying, but I know I'll miss it. His clicking claws on the hardwood. His random sneezes. And just laughing at him with friends because he was so cute.

Gabber died today, November 3, 2010, and a part of me died too.
I will always remember him. He was part of my family. When he left, I felt my childhood leave a little bit too.
Max had a grand life. And my family and I were blessed to have him.
We had the best times together. I love you & will always have you in my heart.

R.I.P. Max (Gabber)