The Loss Of Another Well Known Dog Named Gibson

World's Tallest Dog Dies From Cancer

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Aug. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- K9Grass(R) spokesdog Gibson, the Guinness Book of World Records World's Tallest Dog, passed away on Fri., Aug. 7 at 10 a.m. from cancer near Sacramento, Calif. He was 7 years old.

In April 2009, Gibson was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of canine bone cancer, which led to the amputation of his front right leg. The surgery was performed to prevent the cancer from spreading, and early tests showed positive results. After the surgery, Gibson received follow up chemotherapy treatments as a precaution. Last week, Sandy Hall, Gibson's owner, learned that the cancer had spread to his lungs and spine, at which point Gibson's doctor stated that there was no other medical treatment that would save Gibson.

"Last week Gibson began having trouble using his back legs. X-rays showed that the cancer had spread to his spine and his lungs. Ms. Hall made the very difficult decision based on her concern and love for Gibson to have him humanely euthanized. Gibson died peacefully in the loving arms of Ms. Hall," said Dr. Peter Walsh, Gibson's veterinarian.

Hall will continue her work with Three Paws for the Cause, her initiative to raise awareness of canine cancer. Hall launched the initiative with Gibson during his battle with canine cancer, which kills one in four dogs. She'll have Brewster, Gibson's son, join her in the fight against canine cancer during a planned bus tour across the U.S. The tour will be sponsored in part by ForeverLawn, the makers of K9Grass, a line of artificial grass designed specifically for dogs.

Also, Brewster will take Gibson's place as the official spokesdog of K9Grass. ForeverLawn has established a donation page on its Web site, www.k9grass.com, where donations can be made to help with Gibson's medical bills and funeral expenses.

"Sponsoring Brewster is our way of keeping the spirit of Gibson alive and continuing to support Three Paws for the Cause," said Donna Kent, marketing director, ForeverLawn.

A new Web site, www.remembergibson.com, has been established to promote Three Paws for the Cause and honor Gibson's memory. The Web site features a memorial page where fans can pay tribute to him and express their condolences. The site also introduces new canine cancer awareness charms, sponsored by K9Grass, which are available for purchase.

Gibson was recently nominated for the American Kennel Club's Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE), which recognizes those dogs who have made a meaningful impact on peoples' lives. Gibson was nominated for his work as a therapy dog. Brewster, who turns 1 year old this month, is undergoing training to become a therapy dog and can complete his certification after his first birthday.

Brewster is already 38 inches tall at the shoulders, just 4.6 inches shorter than Gibson was when he earned the title of World's Tallest Dog when he was 2 years old, and is on par with Gibson's height at this age. He is 165 pounds, which is 40 pounds more than Gibson weighed on his first birthday. Hall expects Brewster to follow in his father's footsteps as the World's Tallest Dog.

About ForeverLawn

ForeverLawn provides innovative synthetic grass products to create better landscapes worldwide. In areas where real grass is difficult to grow or maintain -- due to high traffic or poor conditions -- ForeverLawn offers a natural-looking alternative that is beautiful, functional and durable. In addition to its landscape lines, ForeverLawn also offers specialty products including SplashGrass, K9Grass, SportsGrass, Playground Grass, and GolfGreens. ForeverLawn--Grass without limits. www.foreverlawn.com