World's tallest dog dies

Photo:  AP

Gibson, the giant Harlequin Great Dane who the Guinness Book of World Records declared the world’s tallest dog, lost his fight with bone cancer last Friday, at his home near Sacramento, Los Angeles.

Gibson, who was 42.6 inches tall from paw to shoulder, beat out “Harvey”, who was measured at 41 inches, in 2004.

The seven year old gentle giant weighed 180 pounds and measuring 7 feet 1 inch standing on his hind legs, worked as a therapy and special needs training dog, visiting schools and care facilities throughout the California area.

He was diagnosed with bone cancer in his right front paw in April.

Despite a seven hour operation to remove the leg in an attempt to stop the cancer from spreading and a round of chemotherapy that initially provided positive results, the cancer eventually spread to Gibson's lungs and spine, leaving Gibson’s doctors with no other viable medical treatment.

According to Dr. Peter Walsh, Gibson's veterinarian, he died peacefully in the arms of his owner Sandy Hall.

Sources: World's Tallest Dog Dies, Gibson's web page