Gary and Gabby: A Bond That Needs No Leash
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by Jeff Snyder
MOUNT AYR, Iowa — Gary Joynes is a 17-year resident of the Mount Ayr community. You may not know the 64-year-old Joynes, but you almost certainly will recognize his constant companion, Gabby.
Gabby is a 6-year-old Border Collie who was given to Joynes when she was just one year old. The circumstances under which Joynes obtained his faithful dog were somewhat sad, but fortunately not tragic.
Gary’s sister had Gabby until she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Unfortunately, she was unable to look after Gabby during her treatment and asked her brother if he could look after her. The rest, they say is history. Gary’s sister eventually recovered from her illness but she quickly realized that the bond these two shared was something special.
From the first day that Joynes took Gabby in, there was a magical connection that was established. Initially, Gabby was a typical Border Collie, rambunctious, high strung almost rowdy.
Joynes recalls his early days with Gabby stating “She would pull really hard on the leash when I went to walk her.” Apparently she also had a healthy desire to meet all the squirrels that lived in Mount Ayr as well.
When asked how long it took Gary to get Gabby under control his response was an unbelievable, “less than a week.”
“I think she understood every word I said,” Joynes said. “All I had to do was tell her once and she understood. I think she is actually a human trapped in a dogs body.”
It is difficult to put into words the bond that these two have. Gabby follows Joynes all over town and is never out of his sight. She will stop at each street crossing and wait until Joynes gives her a two finger hand signal that says its okay for her to proceed. She looks back at her companion every few feet just to make sure he is not lagging too far behind.
Trips to the grocery store or Dollar General, no problem. Gabby quietly lays outside the store on the sidewalk never attempting to follow her handler into forbidden areas. Even when strangers tempt her, she obeys her original command and waits patiently for Joynes to re-emerge.
Joynes is a self employed handyman and previously worked for FEMA for a time helping people recover from storm related damages. He cuts yards in the summer with his loving sidekick riding safely on his lap even while cutting is underway.
Gabby now makes her way through town with no need for a leash as her leash is the bond she has with Joynes.
It is difficult to describe with mere words this dynamic duo. You almost have to experience it first hand to understand the depth of this relationship. There is no pretense, no stipulation, just pure respect and adoration between two different species.
Anyone who says that animals don’t actually have awareness or a soul has never had the pleasure of meeting Gary and Gabby. One moment and you too will become a believer.
