Ginger

Ginger passed away on the morning of May 10, 2013.   It was a Friday, at 9:10 AM.

She had spleen cancer and was really struggling to breathe with a softball-sized tumor in her chest.  She also had anemia and a rapid heartbeat.   The vet said the tumor could rupture at any moment, which would cause a more horrible and immediate death, so we decided to say goodbye to her and have her put to sleep.

It was heartbreaking.   One second your dog is alive and the next, she had gone to sleep and stopped breathing.   Forever.     It was the most difficult moment in my life.

Each of us had our own special piece of Ginger’s life.   A 2-year old Brittany welcomed her into our home.  I have to say that Ginger was the most tolerant puppy ever.   She loved and loved and didn’t even growl or do anything untoward when her tail was pulled or her ears were made into rabbit ears by the little girl, who would be her best mate for 11 years.    They ran through water sprinklers together and ran through the park, played with Frisbee’s and balls.

Ian met Ginger roughly 5 years ago.  She was his workmate, since he worked from home, his (and her) lunch break at the dog park every afternoon, the person Ginger could pretend she was a lap dog with and cuddle up to and learn from.    She laid so close to him during the day that he almost ran over her with his work chair countless times.   I think Ian’s favorite thing was when Ginger found someone else’s tennis ball or toy at the dog park and decided it was going to be hers now.  And the hugs, which he trained her to do.   They had a very special bond.

To me, Ginger was my faithful companion.   She protected me, always.   I was always in the right, no matter what.    She would stand and bark at Ian, if I was pretending to smack him, for example.    She followed me everywhere I went when I was home.    We went for walks when I was out of sorts, or not, and she was my comfort always.   Anytime I needed a hug or just wanted a hug, she was there, ready to give one, and some kisses.

She was a joker and the most reliable, well-mannered dog ever.   She liked to play catch with the parrot.  She hated water.   She SO LOVED to run like a mad hatter, with her “kangaroo legs”.   When Ginger sensed she was going somewhere, she wanted to get there quickly!

Ginger would often spread out in the yard, like a frog, in the sun and watch everything around her… the trees blowing in the wind, squirrels, bunny “labbits” and other dogs.     She was always so happy to see us and wagged her tail everytime she saw anyone she wanted to say hello to, and hug in her special way.

I shall miss my sweet dog.  There won’t be anyone just like her again.   She has a bit of my heart with her at the Rainbow Bridge.