Ginger

I've gone back and forth today, trying to decide whether or not I should post this. It seems too important to put on a blog, but also too important to not say anything. So finally I decided to write about it, because writing is how I deal with things, whether they be happy or sad, so here goes.
 
Yesterday my family lost our beloved dog, Ginger. She was a Yorkshire Terrier and she was the first pet that was truly mine, I'd had her since I was six years old. She had just turned 14 in April. She had been getting older and slower and her hearing wasn't what it used to be, so we knew this day was coming, but I tried not to think about it. I didn't want to think about what it would be like to lose her, but last night I found out.
 
I know that some people who either don't have pets, or who don't think of their pets as family may not understand this, but she was apart of our family and we will all miss her. She's been there through all of the milestones of my life. She was there after Emily was born, she helped me make the transition from elementary to middle school, and then middle school to high school. She laid by my side when I was sick and though she was small she tried to protect us as best she could from anyone or anything that came into the yard. She slept in my bed with me since she was a puppy and when she got too old to jump up and down from it we made her a bed on the floor in my room. She taught me so much about responsibility, loyalty, life, love, and friendship; all the things your first dog is supposed to teach you and so much more. She was the best dog a girl could ask for and it is because of her that my love for animals is so great.
 
She has been on countless vacations with us, sat on my lap during hundreds of car rides and boat rides, and she never strayed too far when we let her off her leash. My whole family loved her and has always doted on her when they come to our house. She is a once in a lifetime dog that I know I'll never be able to replace and I wouldn't want to. She was a special one, my sweet girl, and I know I'll never forget her. Even with how old she was she would always surprise me with these bursts of energy and playfulness. She was always there to greet us when we got home from school, or even if we had only been gone an hour she was always excited to see us. I'll miss that and so much more about her. And I know it's good that she isn't suffering anymore, but I just wish that I could have said goodbye to her and kissed her little wet nose just one more time. I would have told her that I loved her and I would have thanked her for everything. She loved each of us unconditionally and that is something that only your dog can do.

 

I know that nothing I write will ever be enough to express just how special Ginger was to me, but I'm just so grateful that we got as much time with her as we did because some people don't always get even 14 short years. She'll always be my sweet girl, no matter how many other dogs I may have in my lifetime. And she'll always have a very special place in my heart. We grew up together, that brave, spunky little dog and I, and I know I wouldn't be the same person I am today if it wasn't for her.

 

I think one of the best dog quotes I've ever heard is the one at the end of Marley and Me and I think it best explains exactly what a dog really is and how they make us feel. "A dog has no use for fancy cars, or big homes, or designer clothes; a water logged stick will do just fine. A dog doesn't care if you're rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb. Give him your heart and he'll give you his. How many people can you say that about? How many people can make you feel rare, and pure, and special? How many people can make you feel extraordinary?"

 

Ginger made me feel all of those things and more just by licking my fingers to say thank you after I would scratch her behind the ears, her favorite spot. I'll never forget her sweet brown eyes or her little yappy bark. To put it simply, I love that dog and I always will. She taught me things that no person can, things that can only be taught by four legs and a wet nose. She filled all of our lives with joy for as long as she could and she was happy to do it. She didn't care about anything other than the fact that we loved her and she loved us back without judgment or pretense. The love between a girl and her dog is a rare thing, something I will always cherish.

 

I love you, sweet girl, and I'll miss you.

 

Love & Chaos,

Sam