In a heartbreaking Tuesday storyline, former Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel had to put down his six-month-old puppy due to a stomach issue.
Gabriel spoke to members of the Oregon media about the situation and provided a heartfelt answer on how it shaped his perspective on life.
“You just go through life and learn a lot,” Gabriel said. It’s just perspective. You have to gain it and trust God’s plan. I think I’ve always tried to live a life on course or at least close to it. If that’s something that we have to go through, then so be it, but I think when you have friends in your life, even if it’s a furry friend, they make you smile a bunch. In a hectic world, it slows it down for you.”
Gabriel shared some profound thoughts on the situation, detailing his changed perspective on life, friends, and impacting others at every opportunity available.
“I got him a week before spring ball, which is crazy because a week before fall camp, he passed,” Gabriel continued. “I think it can shed light on being vulnerable and show that we all go through things. It’s changed my perspective on things, too, people who go through loss and grief; sometimes they can be shy and scared to love. It makes me more on edge to spread my arms and try to bring people in and love them up as much as you can because, as I said, in life, you want to love hard and enjoy every second.”
The Hawaii native made the change and entered the transfer portal after spending the past two seasons with the Oklahoma Sooners. Previously, Gabriel spent three years with the UCF Knights.
“That’s why there’s emotion and passion, not only in life but football; I still choose to lead with my heart. He’s taught me that in a bunch of ways. It’s been a wild 48 hours, to say the least, but you come back, and you keep swinging. The sport we play can be a lonely world at times, and you have to navigate a lot with all we go through. Having someone who understands it and you is powerful.”
While the process was definitely a heartbreaking situation for Oregon’s new signal caller, Gabriel finished his thoughts by mentioning his appreciation for having time with his pet, saying, “I recommend it for everyone because if you don’t love with your full heart, then you’re not living.”
