California dog dubbed tallest in world has died

[August 13, 2009]  GRASS VALLEY, Calif. (AP) -- Gibson, the California dog dubbed the tallest in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records, has died after a battle with bone cancer.

The 7-year-old harlequin Great Dane from Grass Valley measured 7 feet, 1 inch when standing on its hinds legs.

He was diagnosed with the disease in April and had his front right leg amputated to prevent its spread. He also underwent chemotherapy as a precaution.

Gibson's owner, Sandy Hall, learned last week the cancer had spread to his lungs and spine and that no treatment that could save him. Hall decided to euthanize Gibson on Friday.

Gibson appeared on "The Tonight Show," "The Oprah Show" and "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," and on Japanese television in 2006 after being named the world's tallest dog.

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On the Net: http://gibsondog.com/

[Associated Press]

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