a true friend

So sorry for your loss. We love them and care for them but their love is so big and unquestioning that when they're gone are hearts ache. I have no doubt about your love for him and I'm sure neither did he. May he rest in peace in "doggie heaven."

Take care.

--by Alice on 7/21/09   Lives: Michigan  

Sorry to hear it Russ :(

--by Avery on 7/21/09   Lives: USA  

I am soo sorry for your loss!! Who could ask for a more loyal companion?

--by Animal lover on 7/21/09   Lives: Dearborn  

Blackout will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge. He's a handsome boy and he lived a good long life. But their lives are never long enough for the grieving owners they leave behind. My heart goes out to you, Russ. I know the pain you are feeling.

--by Susan on 7/21/09   Lives: Dearborn  

Russ,
Sorry to hear of Blackout's passing.
I remember him, ever vigilant whenever you answered the door. He could knock you over with just a nudge yet with only amorous intent!
What a beautiful and loyal being he was.

Leo

--by Leo on 7/22/09   Lives: Dearborn  

I well remember Blackout from my son Michael's days in your classes at DHS. He was a great dog to everyone who met him. I feel your loss - it's always difficult to lose such a faithful, loving companion. I'm looking forward to being reunited with my special guys in the life that comes after this one. Remember - all dogs go to heaven.

--by Jackie Tinney on 7/22/09   Lives: Dearborn  

They say that the way to tell who realy loves you the most is to lock your wife and your dog in the trunk of your car for 2 hours. Then let them out and see which one is genuinely glad to see you!!!

Anyway I am truly sorry to hear of Blackout's passing. There's no doubt in my mind that he was the one who loved you most!!!

--by Roger Goodtime on 7/22/09   Lives: USA  

Sorry to hear about "Monster Dog's" passing Russ. He was a big strong Lab. I remember meeting him for the first time and he had a large sofa cushion in his mouth like a toy. He was an amazing dog. He dutifully performed his true task of recording your whereabouts and transmitting them to the space men via his tail! A legendary Blackout!

--by Anthony Matt on 7/23/09   Lives: USA  

Sorry for you loss Mr. Gibb.

--by Superchick on 7/23/09   Lives: Dearborn  

You have our sincere sympathies, Russ. I still miss my own Macbeth and have yet to find a truer friend than man's best. Living with a dog teaches us compassion, and perhaps most strangely, humanity.

Mark Twain said, "If you take in a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. That is the principal difference between a dog and a man."

--by Dave Atkins on 7/23/09   Lives: Detroit area  

Russ,
Great talking with you today. I am glad to see that you are working hard to get "back on track" and that although you may have lost some mobility and personal freedom this past year, you have not lost one ounce of passion.

I am so sorry about Blackout. When I told Kathleen that I would drop off the pictures, I had no idea of what they were. When I looked at the framed pictures, I thought "oh shoot--not good!". You, your dogs, and your dog walkers are pretty much legendary in the neighborhood. I hope that you and Alberta have a great time together on Sunday. You do know that tears are inevitable when you present her with Blackout's picture, just the same as they were today when I watched you open it. Please try, as much as possible, through the tears, to focus not on the sadness and void that you both feel daily, but rather on the joys that the three of you were able to share.

Today you asked me whether I had ever been to your home before. The first time I was at your home, I cajoled you into signing and donating a copy of the "40th Anniversary Poster of the Grande Ballroom" to the tin can raffle of the DHS class of 2006 (not too hard a task!!!). I must tell you that the framed poster is now hanging in my den--I fought hard to win it!!!

Anyhow, both times when I left your house, I have to tell you that my head was spinning. So much information, so much to think about. National Politics, City Life, Health, Family, School District, Technology. BOOM, BOOM, BOOM--SAME OLD RUSS!!

I do have a pretty personal question to ask you. This question has nagged me since my first "in-home session with Russ". Why have you not written an auto-biography, or had someone else write a biography of your life? Why, with all the film students you have collided with and mentored during your life, is there not a major motion picture, or at least a documentary, telling your life story? You have to admit it is a pretty inspiring, unique, totally "I did it my way" kind of story.

Anyhow, if you need a dog to pet, or maybe just a "stinky dog kiss", let me know, and I will bring Charlie by to see you.

Luv, Mary

--by Mary Ray on 7/23/09   Lives: Dearborn  

Sorry to have to say this everyone, and Russ, but there is no "Doggie Heaven" or "Rainbow Bridge". I understand that you loved the animal, (although I do not understand why you love animals as much as humans,) but seriously, when you use terms like "Doggie Heaven" and "Rainbow Bridge", aren't you being just a little bit childish?

--by finger on 7/25/09   Lives: Dearborn  

Finger, you don't understand the bond, how unconditional the love and the true friendship that developes. If you have any knowledge of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, you would understand why we believe in a place in heaven for our loved four legged friends.

--by alice on 7/25/09   Lives: Detroit area  

Russ,
I am sorry to hear of Blackout's passing. I have found that animals are better and unconditional friends than some humans in the roughest of times. I have not forgotten my pets and I am sure you won't either. In time, you may find a new friend in Blackout #5 and he or she will have you with a smile on your face.

--by Bill on 7/27/09   Lives: Dearborn  

Sorry for your loss. Blackout was a delight and I'm sure was very happy to have been your friend. I'll never forget that tail wagging at me with the speed and velocity of a swinging bat!

Love,
Elaine

--by Elaine on 7/27/09   Lives: USA  

Aw, Russ, he knew you loved him. We all knew that. He was pretty full of love himself. And that guy knew how much you loved all of us, as he galumped all over countless students/friends who sat in your living room having so many important talks with you, him stepping on feet and licking hands, always coming to say hi and goodbye. I still remember that wonderful dog Blackout, and I'm sure we all will.

--by Brandon Will on 7/27/09   Lives: USA  

SO sorry for your loss Russ,

I remember being knocked over many a time by Blackout. He was so full of love and joy. He wanted to be et and loved so much that he forgot how huge he was. He was a wonderful friend.

My deepest sympathies,
Jason

--by Jason Enright on 7/27/09   Lives: USA  

Blackout was a charming big lovable lug. Kind of scary and intimidating at first, but pretty quickly, you realized he was a big old softy with a heart of gold.

Sounds like someone else I know. Sorry for the loss. We all love you.

--by Former Student on 7/27/09   Lives: USA  

Ol' Rusty,

As long as you keep Blackout in your heart, he'll never leave you.

love, Jon

--by Jon Davidson on 7/27/09   Lives: Dearborn  

Former student of yours and forever dog lover. God bless Blackout. He will be with Samatha and Reggie in The Doggie Heavens. Finger to Finger!
FHS Grad.'78

--by Daniel Potrzeba on 8/1/09   Lives: USA  

Sir, I remember meeting Blackout when he was a pup. He was a great dog. I am sorry for your loss.

--by Grumblebee on 8/3/09   Lives: Dearborn  

Russ

Having lost a best friend of over 19 years in a K9, I know how you feel. Not too many people understand the bond between a dog owner and his companion. It’s like none other. Not like kids, or wife, or friend, but something unlike any other. Not better or stronger, just different and special.

When my dog passed, it took me months to overcome the grief I felt. Years later, I still miss him dreadfully, but feel lucky to have had his company for the best 19 years thus far. He was there for many of the milestones, and we experienced so much together.

Anyway, I am rambling, but know that those of us who had that special friend in an unassuming K9 companion know the pain of loss and the joy of having had so many wonderful years together all rolled into an amalgamation of joy and grief you likely feel from his passing. Regardless of disagreements we may have and different opinions, rest assured that whatever comes next for Blackout, he made your world a much better place while he was here. Bask in that and the rest will resolve itself with time, just like everything else Russ.

--by Your biggest critic on 8/9/09   Lives: Dearborn  

6:54AM on 8/10/09

By The Way Mr. Gibb you looked really good at our reunion Saturday night (30th DHS). I have had this site bookmarked for sometime so I'll try you here. Are you there? Hello!
P.S. Sorry to read about the passing of your dog. I have a Choco. lab and a Hungarian Vizsla (I'm part Hungarian you know-Sziraki) I do not know what I would do without them.

--by Michelle on 8/10/09   Lives: Michigan  

Message from william douglas,

Hey Russ, I haven't run into you for some time now. I suppose that might have a little to do with me not being around much these days. I'm currently living in Shanghai. I was reading an article about Detroit schools when your name came to mind and thought I'd see if this blog was still running. Sure enough, it still is. And while I'm not really one for the politics of... anything, I did see your post about Blackout and I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am to hear that. What you wrote was exactly how I felt with Bomber (my first dog). Brought back many memories and a tear to me eye. Hope everything else is going well. William Douglas

--by W. Douglas on 8/13/09   Lives: Another country  

Hi Russ, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Blackout. I always saw him going for walks around the neighborhood. Seeing him always reminded me of you and all of the fun we had at Dearborn High. My years in your class were the highlight of my time at DHS! I hope you are doing well..my thoughts and prayers are with you.

--by Maureen Whittaker on 8/14/09   Lives: Dearborn  

....Grieve not,
Nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk of me
As if I were beside you...
I loved you so-
'Twas heaven here with you.

- Isla Paschal Richardson

--by Jim Mense on 1/17/10   Lives: USA