Kelley, yes, Gabby is the biggest fan of Isis. She claims Isis to be "hers" because Isis is "a girl and hence her four legged sister" (Gabby is the only child in the house). I, like you, wanted my child to grow up with the compassion and love for animals, and also understanding of what responsibilities come with owning a living creature. I never make it a job, but I try to engage and praise all of Gabby's help around dogs - be it putting down the bowls of food and collecting them, preparing leashes or the "city walk," packing snacks for the show, or helping me clean the mess dogs make - it all creates awareness of responsibility. And then Gabby gets all the cuddling time she could ever ask for (surprisingly, Dodo is the cuddliest pup who tries to always lay down next to her and keep her company). She never feels alone. And Isis is Gabby's partner in crime.
Together they go "exploring" to Gabby's room or the kitchen, they roughhouse if I am not looking, and they hide together from the boys - Gabby is truly engaged in partnership with Isis. If you remember, Isis arrived to my house when Gabby was hospitalized for couple of weeks. When she returned home, Isis was already there. Since the diagnosis was truly scary and possibly life-threatening at first, Gabby was not sure if her life would even be the same (doctors told her everything the way it was), so Isis became this icon for joy of life in Gabby, seems like. I love seeing them enjoy everyday TOGETHER.
