Dear Ginger,
The day we got you was one of the happiest moments of my entire existence… see my extreme enthusiasm below.
While I didn’t smile excessively this way every time I took you for a walk in single digit weather or cleaned up your third pee of the day in the living room, I was always smiling on the inside. And while you were one of the least obedient dogs I’ve ever met, you actually taught me quite a lot. You faced adversity with flying colors.
You didn’t have the easiest life; being the runt of the litter was the first challenge you had to overcome. But guess what? We chose you. When we found out that you were allergic to just about every dog food on the shelves, we never gave up on you, and more importantly, you never gave up on us. We found food and treats that you could have and you were okay. More than okay, even. When you had to get your teeth extracted, you were so brave. We loved you even though you couldn’t keep your tongue in your mouth when you slept. (Pictured below)
Not only were you our family dog, but you were family; a second sister. I watched you grow from the size of dad’s palm to your fully grown Bichon self. No matter what age you were, you always looked and acted like a puppy. In fact, you were often times mistaken for a puppy, even at age 16. Even when you got older and your hearing and vision started to go. Even when you started to get aches and pains in your legs, and the sleeping on the couch became a more regular past time. I believe that the doggy steps that helped you get on the couch is just about one of the best inventions out there.
I’m forever grateful for the nights spent cuddled together on the couch watching food network. I’m grateful for the sleepovers where you slept curled up and cozy at the foot of my bed. I’m even grateful for the times you woke me up with your scratching at the break of dawn during all of those sleepovers. I’m thankful for all of the times you were there to lick my tear-stained cheeks when I was sad and how easily you could cheer me right up.
No one ever prepares you for what it feels like to lose something as precious as a dog. There’s no feeling quite like it in the world. I had no idea that the trip to the vet would be your last. It’s okay that it was though because the last thing any of us wanted was for you to live another moment of your life in any kind of pain.
Grief from your passing still hits me in waves. I’m sure it will continue to do so for years to come. What gets me through it is knowing that you’re in doggy heaven, allergy free, consuming all of the chicken and turkey your heart could possibly want. You’re roaming around pain-free with all of the other family pets that have passed.
Finally, I just want to say thank you for teaching me about unconditional love. Despite the ridiculous things I’ve done, the choices I’ve made, both good and bad, you loved me through it all. Whoever said diamonds were a girl's best friend clearly never had a dog.
Love your sister,
Ali
