In Memory of Ginger

For a rescuer, there are few sights sadder than a senior dog at a shelter. The gray-flecked muzzle, the cloudy eyes, the hopeful way they look at each person who passes their kennel, wondering if maybe, just maybe, the person who once loved them has returned.

Such was the case with Ginger, who came to GLBCR in October, 2003. Fortunately, Ginger made an immediate connection with a potential adopter and was quickly placed. She spent six glorious years as his constant companion and passed away in his arms in November, 2009. 

It takes a special person to adopt a senior dog. Ginger’s adopter is just such a person. In her memory, he has established a fund to support a GLBCR foster dog, so other dogs like Ginger can have that second chance at finding their true forever homes.  On behalf of those dogs, we thank him.

Read Ginger’s Story.

      When I first saw Ginger on GLBCR’s website I thought what soulful, wonderful eyes.  I seemed to connect with her the minute I saw her, so I filled out an application and about two weeks later, on 11/4/2003, I had the honor of meeting her in person.  When Michelle, her foster mom, greeted me at the door and I stepped in she called Gingers name.  She came running up the hall then up the stairs until she was at eye level with me and just gazed into my eyes.  Well that was it for me.  Our eyes met and it was love at first sight.  We then went into the living room and she wouldn’t take her eyes off of me.  Ginger jumped up on the couch next to me and rolled over, pawing at me to rub her belly.  When I first met her I wanted to cry because I believe I could sense what a great connection we had.  It was like I was meeting someone that I had known before. 

      I took Ginger home that night and I was the happiest person alive.  I worried on the way home whether she would be happy with me.  Would she like living with me, a poor graduate student, living in a small apartment.  Despite the neglect that Ginger had prior to her time with me, she was always an angel and a happy lady who just loved unconditionally.  I took her to the vet a week later, just for a general check up, and he told me that she wasn’t 7 years old and was more like 9 or 10 years old.  In that moment my heart sank because I knew that meant less time with Ginger.  From the moment I brought Ginger into my life I was amazed that someone just dropped her off, at a humane society, because she was too old.  She gave love unconditionally, had a wonderful positive energy about her, loved to take long walks, loved her belly rubs, loved to put her paws over her eyes and moan, and best of all loved to spend her time with her favorite human cuddling.  She was just a happy soul despite how her people had treated her. 

      Ginger was extremely patient with me and saw me through five years of graduate school and a lot of work writing my masters thesis and dissertation.  Walking with her daily, her ears back and her tail up, really helped me remain sane in the face of graduate school craziness.  With her at my feet as I wrote my thesis and dissertation I felt so comforted, connected, supported, and so not alone in the process of writing.  Because she was so generous with her love I was able to make it through graduate school and am now able to help people through the difficult times in their life.  I will be forever grateful for her unconditional love. 

      In December of 2007 Ginger was diagnosed with Old Dog Vestibular Syndrome and I was terrified I would lose her.  She walked in circles, her eyes darted back and forth constantly, her head was tilted, and she couldn’t stand some times.  It just came on suddenly, so I rushed her to the vet for an emergency visit.  Luckily after many tests, vet visits, and lots of love from me she recovered.  However, from that point forward Ginger’s health started a slow decline.  About a year ago I started calling her Grandma Ginger because she was deaf and going blind.  Also, she had trouble getting around like older people do.  In spite of all of this she seemed to be able to get joy out of life.  I made sure she was on medication so she would not be in pain.  

      Ginger was always by my side and had to be near her human at all times.  I think she owned me.  Thank you Ginger for choosing me and being such a dear and delightful friend.  I started noticing that Ginger would have difficulty sitting and would just stand for a long time, or lie down for a long time and not get up.  Then I noticed that she was not staying in the same room as me or following me from room to room.  I would go get her and bring her into the same room as me.  However, she would go off again to be alone.  I knew what was happening, but I didn’t want to admit it.  Suddenly Ginger was not moving much and was having difficulty breathing and I called my vet and friends to ask what do I do.  They said you know what to do.  Just be with her.  I held Ginger in my arms, kissed her, and told her how much I loved her and how much she did for me.  I also told her it was ok to go.  She didn’t have to stay and take care of me.  Ginger passed away in my arms on 11/15/2009 in her favorite room and in her bed.  Even though we only had six short years together, Ginger taught me more than anyone could ever imagine.  She taught me to love unconditionally, to have empathy, be patient and understanding, and not to take life so seriously. 

      In Ginger’s memory I am fostering and taking care of one Border Collie rescue dog at Great Lakes Border Collie Rescue League every month. 

      Ginger you are forever loved and a part of my heart.  My soul mate and guardian angel, I can’t wait until we meet again.