Sarah Izabel "Izzy" Ford was born on New Year's Eve 1999 (12/31/1999) in Sanford, NC. Her parents were Bruce and Faye, two Black & Tan Coonhounds. She was the runt in a litter of 5; her siblings are Ben, Dan, Alice and Grace. The puppies in the litter were identified by colored collars, before she was named Izzy she was known as "the pink girl" and later as "Itty Bitty" because of her size. The litter was cared for by Chris & Terry Hooker, a Bassett hound named Festus and many others. When she arrived in Gabrielle "Gabe" Ford's life, her adoption mom, she was given the name Sarah Izabel "Izzy" Ford. Her new litter mates were Rick, Rhonda, Caitlin and Madeline.
Before Gabe received her dog, she was told by her mom Rhonda, she would have to be responsible for her in every way, since it was Gabe's dog. When Izzy was about 5 months old she was diagnosed with portal systemic shunt, a life threatening liver disease. Since Gabe was responsible for her care, she had to go to the vet's office and talk with them. This forced Gabe out of her house. After years of being bullied and abused in high school, Gabe resorted to hiding in her house and refrained from going in public. Izzy's illness slowly drew Gabe out of her home. After generous donations from local and distant patrons and veterinarians, Izzy got the help she needed. The vets helping Izzy didn't expect her to live past 1 year. Since she has surpassed that life expectancy, they called her "a miracle."
An article that was written about Izzy and Gabe's fight to help save her caught the attention of Animal Planet, the national television channel. Their story 'Izzy & Gabe' aired on the segment A Pet Story. It was aired over 68 times within 4 years and became the viewers favorite 'A Pet Story.' A comment made in that show helped launch Gabe into speaking out about bullying all around the nation in school, etc. 3 years after 'A Pet Story' Izzy was diagnosed with a rare form of muscular dystrophy. This diagnosis was very similar to Gabe's childhood diagnoses of Friedreich's ataxia, a rare form of neuromuscular disease. The new diagnosis brought Gabe out into the public once again.
Since then Gabe & Izzy's story has been chronicled in Jerry Lewis's MDA Quest magazine, which the duo is featured on the front cover. They've also been in the AKC's Family Dog and Gazette, the world wide magazines Cosmopolitan and Guidepost, several newspaper articles, television and radio interviews, the Today show which aired in March '08 and is currently viewable at www.gabeandizzy.com. Gabe & Izzy's life story and journey together will be released as a memoir called 'Still Dancing' due out in June.
Izzy was 9½years old and her muscular dystrophy had progressed beyond manageable help. She was put to rest on Monday May 18th, 2009.
Izzy has touched hundreds of thousands of lives around the world wither her story and long velvety ears. I want to thank the myriad students for their thoughts and prayers.
Over the years Gabe and her family acquired 3 more canine family members. Dominic, LindseyBelle and recently Jack Sparrow. The two feline members are Bob and Sweetie. They all have been part of her lively hood.
Izzy's legendary life and her 'No School Bullying/Anti Violence" message will continue to live on and help others.
