Bob, Kathie and ‘Gizmo’ (above left) travelled together happily in their van (top right). Gizmo’s ashes (bottom right) are still with them
There are plenty of grey nomads who know exactly how much joy travelling with a dog can bring … and, sadly, many who also know the pain of losing a furry family member. While Bob, 66, and Kathie, 76, may have adopted their beloved ‘Gizmo’ almost by accident, the loss of the Japanese Chin Dog in June this year has left an irreparable hole in their hearts, and in their Big Lap.
Gizmo, who had been completely blind since 2015, loved travelling with the full-time nomads, first in their motorhome and then in their 2016 Millard Toura caravan. He first came into Bob and Kathy’s lives in July, 2007, when they agreed to ‘temporarily’ look after him for a friend. And the rest, as they say, is history.
“He travelled with us full time and became our best little companion, as well as affording his love to the many people he touched in his life,” said Bob. “We have friends who used to ring up and say ‘hello’, then how Gizmo was before they would even think about asking how we were!”
When the couple made the heartbreaking decision to have Gizmo euthanised for his own benefit, he was one week off being 20 years old … a possible record for the breed.
“The first few weeks I was very tender and would break down and cry a lot whenever his name was mentioned or I was telling someone what had happened,” said Bob. “Now I just accept that he had the best life that he could have had, and that he was only ever in pain for those last two days.”
The couple had always loved travelling but it wasn’t until Bob suffered a heart attack in April 2016 that they were able to retire … and hit the road full-time. They still do a bit of housesitting but it is free camping they love most.
Since taking delivery of their new Millard, the pair have tweaked things to better suit their ‘going bush’ needs. They have added two extra solar panels, an extra battery, a gas heater to keep warm in winter, and an electronic stability control to arrest unwanted swaying.
“Our rig is perfect for our travels now,” said Bob. “And we have formed so many great friendships during various Happy Hours and other escapades.”
So, will the couple ever consider getting another canine companion?
“I still look in pet shops and at other travellers’ dogs, but it would be impossible to replace Gizmo,” said Bob. “He was lucky to have adopted parents who revolved their travel plans around his needs … and we were lucky to have him in our lives.”
And wherever the couple go, Gizmo’s ashes and his photo are never far away.
“He now takes pride of place on the van dining table,” said Bob. “He is still travelling with us … just in a different form.”
A special dog made for special people.
Special yes indeed