Gabriel, the St. Bernard belonging to Stan and Judy Stearns, died
Thursday from complications following surgery to remove part of a lung
which had become diseased from the spread of bone cancer.
If off-leash parks in Kitsap County were to name a mascot, it would
have to be Gabe. It was by Gabe's inspiration (and at his insistence!)
that Stan and Judy first approached Kitsap County officials about the
possibility of a dog park. Out of those discussions came the idea of
incorporating a group of volunteers (Kitsap Dog Parks) to partner with
the county, and out of that idea came Bandix and Howe Farm.
I don't mean to ignore the contributions from many people, but I think
all of you who were around at the beginning will agree that if it
hadn't been for the Stearnses' energy, vision, leadership, and
financial support, we might still be in the planning stages.
Stan and Judy, all of us know what it means to lose a special friend,
and we join you in your grief.
Please check out http://www.gabrielinstitute.org .